Related Experiment Videos
Pleural fluid from a dog with marked eosinophilia
Elizabeth Cowgill1, Jennifer Neel
1Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh 27606, USA. escowgil@unity.ncsu.edu
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|September 11, 2003
Summary
A rare canine cancer, systemic mastocytosis, caused a mediastinal mass and pleural effusion in a Shar-Pei. This aggressive neoplasia has a poor prognosis, with uncertain origins.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mast cell neoplasia is a common skin tumor in dogs, but systemic forms are rare.
- Systemic mastocytosis involves mast cell proliferation in internal organs, often presenting with vague clinical signs.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old Shar-Pei presented with coughing, lethargy, and anorexia.
- Thoracic radiographs revealed pleural effusion and a mediastinal mass.
- Cytologic analysis of pleural fluid and tissue aspirates showed marked eosinophilic inflammation and atypical mast cells.
Findings:
- The dog was diagnosed with systemic (visceral) mastocytosis, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
- The mediastinal mass and effusion were consistent with widespread mast cell infiltration.
- Bone marrow and lymph node aspirates confirmed disseminated mast cell neoplasia.
Implications:
- Systemic mastocytosis in dogs carries a grave prognosis.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for potential therapeutic interventions, though options are limited.
- Further research into the etiology of canine visceral mastocytosis is warranted.