Cytopathology of Extra-genital Transmissible Venereal Tumour in a dog in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT) a round cell tumours probably originating from genetic alteration of canine histiocytes is horizontally and sexually transmitted that affects dogs and other canids. There is no published report on extra-genital TVT among dogs in Zambia. The present case reports the cytopathology and haemato-biochemistry of an extra-genital 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 aspect of the body and no ulceration or bleeding was observed. Haemato-biochemstry revealed anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, hyperproteinaemia, increased blood creatinine and urea nitrogen. Based on cytology, TVT of lymphoid sub type was diagnosed ruling out suspicion of cutaneous lymphoma or histiocytoma. Definitive diagnosis was easily based on physical examination and cytological findings of typical of TVT cells in exfoliated cells through FNAC which is rapid, reliable, efficient, cost favourable and more conclusive hastening intervention than waiting for histopathology. Our findings emphasize the need to consider TVT on the list of differential diagnosis for masses in extragenital sites in dogs from geographic regions where TVT is prevalent.