Malignant pilomatricoma in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary oncology
• Comparative pathology

Background:

• Pilomatricomas are typically benign skin tumors derived from hair matrix cells.
• Malignant pilomatricomas are exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases in veterinary literature.

Observation:

• A primary malignant pilomatricoma was identified in a dog's metatarsal region, presenting as multiple intradermal nodules.
• Tumor cells exhibited lymphatic invasion, a key indicator of metastatic potential.

Findings:

• Metastasis was confirmed in the mammary glands, lymph nodes, and lungs of the affected dog.
• The canine malignant pilomatricoma demonstrated aggressive behavior with widespread dissemination.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for pilomatricomas to undergo malignant transformation and metastasize in canines.
• Further research is warranted to understand the oncogenesis and behavior of malignant pilomatricomas in animals compared to humans.