An epidemiological study and Cytomorphological characterization of canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT)

Abstract

The contagious venereal tumour also known as canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is most often found in dogs that live in close proximity to one another or in stray and wild canines who engage in unrestricted sexual behavior. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological aspects of CTVT and its characterisation based on the cytomorphology. A total of 118 tumorous samples from dogs were collected at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), DUVASU, Mathura, and studied in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, DUVASU, and Mathura. The distribution of CTVT in terms of age, sex, and breed was evaluated. CTVT accounted for 38.13% of all tumours in dogs, with predominant occurrences in females (68.9%), non-descript breeds (44.45%), and dogs aged between 2-8 years (73.34%). Genital presentations comprised 77.77% of cases, with extragenital regions also affected. Cytological examination revealed various forms of CTVT, including lymphocytoid, plasmacytoid, and mixed forms, with lymphocytoid forms primarily localized in genital locations. Plasmacytoid forms were prevalent in extragenital sites, particularly in dogs over 7 years of age. Histopathological examination exhibited sheets of round to ovoid tumorous cells, mitotic figures, and hyperchromatic nuclei with sparse fibrous stroma. This study underscores the significance of epidemiology and cytology in understanding the diagnosis of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor (CTVT).