Tumor venéreo transmissível extragenital metastático em cadela: relato de caso

Abstract

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a common round cell neoplasm in dogs that is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, affecting animals of both sexes, with a higher prevalence in young adults. Although it is commonly located in the external genital mucosa, it can spread to other organs, such as the eyeball, skin, and intracavitary organs. The diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and confirmed with histopathological examinations by incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration cytology, or the imprint technique. The prognosis is generally favorable in most cases, especially when diagnosis and treatment are performed quickly and appropriately. This study aimed to report and discuss the clinical case of an eight year-old Poodle dog with plasmacytoid TVT involving vulva, ovaries, skin, and ocular mucosa, diagnosed at the Veterinary University Hospital of UFPB. The diagnosis was obtained through cytopathological examination of the tumors, in association with anamnesis, physical examination, and complementary tests. The patient had been initially treated with antibiotics under the suspicion of cutaneous abscess, without success. Treatment with vincristine sulfate at a dose of 0.6 mg/m² was instituted, resulting in significant regression of the lesions after six sessions. The masses became non-palpable, but new cytological exams will be performed to confirm complete tumor regression. Close follow-up during chemotherapy treatment is essential to monitor the clinical response and prevent metastases, as well as side effects, especially in immunosuppressed dogs. This study highlights the variability of clinical manifestations of TVT and the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach that takes into account different clinical presentations of the disease.