Transmissible venereal tumours (TVT) in bitches: A haematological, biochemical and histopathological study

Abstract

The dogs affected with transmissible venereal tumours were investigated for haematolgical, biochemical, cytological and histopathological study. The prevalence of canine venereal tumour was found to be 25.46 per cent with respect to all reproductive diseases and 34.15 per cent of all types of tumours in dogs in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incidence was more in young female dogs of age group 2 to 11 years (46.34%) with a mean age of 5.17 years. Non-descript/ indigenous breeds (73.17%) were more affected as compared to pure breeds of dogs. Haematological examination of suspected cases revealed normocytic –hypochromic anaemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis with thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia. Serum biochemical examination of affected cases revealed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglobulinemia, hypoglycemia, decreased triglyceride and higher levels of LDH, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Gross examination revealed presence of tumour masses around the genital organs with pinkish or hyperemic cauliflower like appearance with ulcerations and bleeding. Cytological and histopathological examinations of suspected cases revealed typical pleomorphic neoplastic round cells with marked anisocytosis, anisokaryosis, vacuolated cytoplasm, large central to eccentric nuclei, increased mitoses, hyperchromsia which are suggestive of Transmissible venereal tumours. Cytological, histopathological along with haematological and biochemical studies can be profitably utilized for early diagnosis and prognosis of canine transmissible venereal tumours.