Clinicopathological features of peripheral odontogenic fibromas in dogs and risk factors for their laboratory diagnosis

Abstract

Objectives: To explore clinicopathological features of peripheral odontogenic fibromas in dogs and risk factors for their diagnosis.

Materials and methods: Data of cases with a histopathological diagnosis of peripheral odontogenic fibromas were obtained from a UK-based diagnostic laboratory and retrospectively reviewed. Prevalence amongst all biopsy submissions was assessed using binomial tests and Clopper-Pearson intervals. Age at diagnosis was assessed using t-test for independent samples. Lesion location, sex, and neuter status were assessed using χ² and post hoc binomial tests. Breed odds ratios were calculated using univariable logistic regression modelling.

Results: The prevalence of peripheral odontogenic fibromas amongst all biopsy submissions was 2.8% (1001 of 35,328, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7 to 3.0). The mean (sd) age was 8.1 (±2.7) years. The most affected quadrant was the rostral maxilla (40.1%). The ratio of maxillary to mandibular lesions was 1.3:1 (95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5), and for cases of multiple peripheral odontogenic fibromas the ratio of maxillary to mandibular lesions was 2.4:1 (95% CI: 1.1 to 5.6). Males had 1.2 times the odds of suffering of peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to females (odds ratio [OR]: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.4). Neutering was associated with an increased risk of diagnosis (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3 to 1.9). Breeds with increased odds of peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to crossbreed dogs included boxers (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.80 to 5.09), border terriers (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.10 to 4.91) and Basset Hounds (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.58 to 6.44). Breeds with increased odds of multiple simultaneous peripheral odontogenic fibromas compared to crossbreed dogs included: Boxers (OR: 12.02, 95% CI: 7.13 to 20.24), border terriers (OR: 5.05, 95% CI: 2.32 to 11.43) and Staffordshire Bull terriers (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.33 to 4.41).

Clinical significance: Knowledge of clinicopathological features and at-risk breeds for peripheral odontogenic fibroma development can assist clinicians with making a diagnosis. The identification of risk factors provides targets for future research investigating peripheral odontogenic fibroma pathogenesis.