Mast cell tumor in the nasal cavity of a dog

An 11-year-old male Shetland sheepdog displayed epistaxis and nasal discharge from the left nasal foramen. Cytological examination of a smear sample obtained by rhinotomy revealed neoplastic mast cells in the nasal cavity, a definitive diagnostic sign of mast cell tumor. The case was treated by surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Eighteen days after the last treatment, marked enlargement of the mandibular lymph nodes and facial edema developed, and the dog was euthanized at the owner's request. At necropsy, metastatic proliferation of mast cells was confirmed in the lymph nodes and liver, but no neoplastic mast cells were observed in the nasal cavity.