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Malignant glomus tumour in a German shepherd dog
Chun-Ho Park1, Daisuke Kozima, Naoto Tsuzuki
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 23-35-1 Higashi, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan. baku@vmas.kitasato-u.ac.jp
Veterinary Dermatology
|February 18, 2009
Summary
A malignant glomus tumor was diagnosed in an 8-year-old German Shepherd dog. This rare canine neoplasm presented as a subcutaneous mass near the ischial tuberosity, requiring surgical excision and detailed pathological analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Oncology
Background:
- Glomus tumors are rare neoplasms typically affecting humans, originating from glomus body cells.
- Malignant glomus tumors are exceptionally uncommon in veterinary medicine, with limited documented cases in dogs.
Observation:
- A solitary, non-encapsulated subcutaneous mass (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm) was identified adjacent to the ischial tuberosity in an 8-year-old male German Shepherd.
- The mass exhibited a solid, grey-white cut surface with areas of hemorrhage.
- Microscopic examination revealed a neoplasm composed of epithelioid and spindle-shaped tumor cells, interspersed with venous vessels and a mucinous stroma.
Findings:
- Tumor cells displayed nuclear anisokaryosis and frequent mitotic figures.
- Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for alpha smooth-muscle actin and vimentin, and negativity for cytokeratin, desmin, S-100, and factor VIII-related antigen.
- Ultrastructural analysis confirmed features consistent with neoplastic cells, including myofilaments and basal lamina.
Implications:
- This case contributes to the understanding of malignant glomus tumors in canines, highlighting their distinct pathological features.
- Accurate diagnosis through comprehensive histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation is crucial for appropriate management of such rare canine neoplasms.
- Further research into the etiology and behavior of canine glomus tumors may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
