(14) Mast cell disease has been documented in numerous small domestic mammals and occasional reptilian species, including dogs, (15-20) cats, (15,16,21,22) ferrets, (23-26) hedgehogs, (27) a snake, (28) and a chelonian.
(19,20,39) In addition to grading, staging of mast cell disease is important to determine the extent of the neoplasia.
Although the behavior of mast cell disease and mastocytosis in avian species is poorly described, the lovebird in this case report was staged by extrapolating most of the recommendations used in dogs.
Complications of mast cell disease in domestic animals include gastroduodenal ulceration secondary to histamine release and subsequent stimulation of gastric H2 receptors, excessive acid secretion, and hypermotility.
Treatment for mast cell disease in small animals involves surgical removal of the tumor and/or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.