Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) in dogs and cats
Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are systemic alterations with clinical signs at a distant site from the primary neoplasm or metastatic sites. PNS are commonly recognized in veterinary cancer patients, and symptoms related to PNS are often the first sign of neoplasia. Importantly, PNS may cause significant impact on our patients with increased morbidity and mortality. The causes of PNS are variable; they include tumor-produced small molecules (such as hormones, cytokines, peptides) that are released in circulation and alter signaling activity, host immune responses to tumor-related antigens, and tumor-related depletion of normal substances in the body. Some PNS have no known etiology. The development and cessation of PNS may correlate with the development and cessation of the primary neoplasm. It is critical to understand the importance of PNS when diagnosing, treating and monitoring dogs and cats with cancer.
In this presentation, we will discuss the most common and significant PNS noted in dogs and cats. We will review relevant symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, differentials and treatment. Any clinician evaluating dogs and cats with known or suspected cancer will benefit from this comprehensive discussion.
This session originally was presented at AVMA Convention 2024.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize PNS and commonly associated tumors.
- Describe treatment principles for common PNS.
Katie Curran is a Pacific Northwest Native. She was born and raised in beautiful Seattle, Washington. Her education includes a BS in biology from Yale University, DVM from Washington State University (Go COUGS!), and MS from Colorado State University (CSU). Dr. Curran completed her medical oncology residency at CSU with the Flint Animal Cancer Center. She has been a faculty member at Oregon State University since 2015.
Dr. Curran appreciates providing clients with a comprehensive approach to diagnostic and therapeutic options. There are many recent advances in veterinary cancer care, and more are occurring all the time. She enjoys working with clients to create an ideal plan that works best for them and their pets. Dr. Curran shares her home with her husband, a rambunctious Labrador and a very distinguished tabby cat.