Peripheral neuroblastoma in a young Beagle dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Oncology
• Comparative Oncology

Background:

• Peripheral neuroblastomas are rare in domestic animals.
• Neoplasms in the abdominal cavity can impact vital organs like the kidney and adrenal glands.
• Beagle dogs can be susceptible to various neoplasms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document a case of peripheral neuroblastoma in a young male beagle.
• To describe the histological and ultrastructural features of the canine neuroblastoma.
• To report the metastatic patterns of the tumor in this canine patient.

Main Methods:

• Gross examination of the abdominal tumor mass.
• Histopathological analysis of neoplastic tissue.
• Immunohistochemical staining for specific neuroendocrine markers.
• Ultrastructural examination using electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• A large peripheral neuroblastoma was identified in the abdominal cavity, affecting the left kidney and adrenal glands.
• Histology revealed sheets of small round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, alongside polygonal cells and neuropil.
• Immunohistochemistry confirmed positivity for neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin, and neurofilament protein.
• Electron microscopy showed intracytoplasmic dense core granules, microtubules, intermediate filaments, and desmosomes.
• Metastasis to lumbar lymph nodes and adrenal glands was observed.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights a peripheral neuroblastoma in a young beagle, presenting with significant organ involvement.
• The histological and immunohistochemical findings are consistent with a diagnosis of neuroblastoma.
• The ultrastructural features further support the neuroblastic origin of the tumor cells.
• This report contributes to the understanding of rare canine neoplasms and their metastatic potential.