Clinical and therapeutic aspects of dogs with transmissible venereal tumor in nasal cavity: report of two cases

Résumé

Canine transmissible venereal tumor is a contagious neoplasm typically found on the external genital mucosa of dogs of both sexes; however, it can also occur in extragenital areas, such as the nasal cavity.  It spreads through contact with damaged tissues or mucous membranes containing viable neoplastic cells, or through the hemolymphatic system. This study aimed to report two cases of canine transmissible venereal tumor in the nasal cavity of two intact male mixed-breed dogs.  Both animals exhibited neoplasm in the nasal septum with oral involvement. Diagnosis in both cases was made through clinical and radiological assessments; the neoplasia was confirmed through cytological analysis. Radiological assessment showed retraction of the alveolar bone adjacent to the right premolars in the animal in Case 1, whereas in the animal in Case 2, it revealed an increase in volume in the dorsal portion of the skull, with radiopacity, extending to the frontal, incisive, and nasal bones, confirming lysis in these bones. Animal in Case 1 was subjected to chemotherapy with doxorubicin, however, it experienced recurrence in the oronasal region after some time of tumor remission, requiring treatment with vincristine and subsequent surgical resection. Considering Case 2, the animal responded well to treatment with vincristine sulfate. The animal in Case 1 was discharged 6 months post-procedure, whereas the animal in Case 2 had a good response to the treatment of choice. Clinical information on cases of canine transmissible venereal tumors in the nasal region is essential, mainly regarding therapeutic success, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment duration.