Indirect lymphography for sentinel lymph node detection in dogs with mast cell tumors

The objective of this report is to describe the technique and diagnostic utility of indirect lymphography (IL) using water-soluble contrast for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs with mast cell tumors.

Fifty-three dogs with 59 mast cell tumors were included.

Medical records were retrieved for dogs with a cytological diagnosis of mast cell tumor which also had IL performed for lymph node mapping. Dogs were excluded when surgery had been performed before presentation. Images were reviewed by a Board-certified radiologist for uptake of contrast within the sentinel lymph node.

Lymphography studies from 34 tumors (57.6%) were diagnostic (clearly identifiable lymphatics and sentinel lymph node). Lymphography studies from 12 tumors (20.3%) were partially diagnostic (identifiable lymphatics, but sentinel lymph node not highlighted). Lymphography studies from 13 tumors (22%) were non-diagnostic. Indirect lymphography studies were interpreted as either diagnostic or partially diagnostic in 77.9% of tumors.

The results indicate that IL is a simple, available technique to allow for identification of a sentinel lymph node in dogs with mast cell tumors.

Indirect lymphography is a simple and widely accessible technique for SLN mapping in dogs with mast cell tumors, particularly for the general practice environment.