Cytological and Pathological Characterization of Canine Neoplasm in and Around Bishoftu, Ethiopia

Neoplastic diseases are among the most important conditions of morbidity and mortality in companion dogs worldwide. The research was conducted from October 2017 to May 2018 to determine the type and incidence of neoplasms in canines.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using targeted sampling of dogs presenting with swelling or masses to assess neoplastic masses by gross examination, cytopathology and histopathology.

60 swellings in total, based on cell origin, the overall incidence of tumours was 10% epithelial, 1.7% mesenchymal and 3.3% round cell tumours. Gross lesions observed are masses of varying consistency that have ulcerated, inflamed and haemorrhagic surfaces with necrotic areas and irregular borders. Cytologically, most of the epithelial cell tumours had clusters of cells with varying arrangements, deep nuclear chromatin, anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. On the other hand, the mesenchymal origin tumours were all pleomorphic spindle cells. Mast cell tumours were recognized by cytoplasmic granules and transmissible venereal tumours (TVTs) by typical punctate intracytoplasmic vacuoles, cell shape and prominent nucleoli. Mammary tumours were histopathologically characterized by extreme cellular and nuclear pleomorphism and invasiveness. Sertoli cell tumour, fibrothecoma, cutaneous mast cell tumour and TVT were respectively marked by sheets of Sertoli cells, spindle cells with plump thecoma cells, granulated mast cells and round cells with vesicular nuclei, which were pleomorphic.

The study revealed that dogs were suffering from a wide range of canine neoplasms. Therefore, research has to be done on large sample populations and with a wider range of diagnostic facilities.