Processing and characterization of canine mixed mammary tumor using transmission electron microscopy

Canine mammary gland tumors represent the second most frequent type of neoplasm in dogs, being an important problem within veterinary medical field. Canine mixed mammary tumors are the most common; the use of a transmission electron microscope (TEM) can contribute as a tool in its diagnosis by determining the characteristics of cellular components from numerous neoplasms. The aim of this study was to characterize cytologically canine mammary mixed tumor by the use of the TEM. A biopsy collected from an 11 years old bitch Shih-Tzu and analyzed by histopathology was used for ultrastructural analysis. Specimens obtained were double stained using uranyl acetate and lead citrate prior to observation in the TEM. The protocol established to transmission electron microscopy observation allowed the identification of main cellular characteristics of canine mixed mammary tumors; however, it was not possible a detailed visualization of the organelles due to the preservation of the biopsy in formaldehyde.