Cytopathology of Extragenital Transmissible Venereal Tumour in a Dog in Lusaka, Zambia

Girja Shanker Pandey; Careen Hankanga; Farai Phiri; Mercy Mfula Chipolo; Racheal Mwenda; Noanga Mebelo

doi:10.53974/unza.jabs.7.1.1093

Girja Shanker Pandey Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
Careen Hankanga Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
Farai Phiri Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
Mercy Mfula Chipolo Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
Racheal Mwenda Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia
Noanga Mebelo Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53974/unza.jabs.7.1.1093

Keywords: Extragenital TVT, Dog, Haemato-Biochemistry, Cytopathology, Diagnosis, Zambia

Abstract

Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT), a round cell tumour probably originating from genetic alteration of canine histiocytes, is a horizontally and sexually transmitted disease that affects dogs and other canids. There is no published report on extragenital TVT among dogs in Zambia. The present case reports the cytopathology and haemato-biochemistry of an extragenital TVT, without primary genital involvement in a 4-year-old male dog in Lusaka, Zambia. There were a total of 18 cutaneous immobile nodules ranging in size from 25 to 57 mm on the dorsal and ventral aspects of the body, and no ulceration or bleeding was observed. Haemato-biochemistry revealed anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, hyperproteinaemia, increased blood creatinine and urea nitrogen. Based on cytology, TVT of the lymphoid subtype was diagnosed, ruling out suspicion of cutaneous lymphoma or histiocytoma. Definitive diagnosis was easily based on physical examination and cytological findings of typical TVT cells in exfoliated cells through FNAC, which is a rapid, reliable, efficient, cost-favourable and more conclusive hastening intervention than waiting for histopathology. Our findings emphasise the need to consider TVT on the differential diagnosis list for masses in extragenital sites in dogs from geographic regions where TVT is prevalent.

Author Biographies

Girja Shanker Pandey, Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Professor, Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Careen Hankanga, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Farai Phiri, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Clinic Manager, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Mercy Mfula Chipolo, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

House Surgeon, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of zambia

Racheal Mwenda, Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Lecturer, Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

Noanga Mebelo, Department of Para-clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

House Surgeon. Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia

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