Malignant perineal tumors in dogs: the contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning

Abstract

The contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning of malignant perineal tumors in dogs is discussed. Five dogs diagnosed with malignant perineal neoplasms underwent to computed tomography (CT) examination. The CT image enabled investigation of cleavage planes between neoplastic lesions and adjacent structures such as the rectum, anus, vagina, urethra and perineal muscles. Accurate assessment regional lymph nodes and adjacent bone structures was also possible. All tumors evaluated in this region presented heterogeneous appearance in pre and postcontrast CT images, but only the anal sac adenocarcinomas presented lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable tool for tumor staging and determination of lesion extension and invasion of adjacent tissues, providing significant contributions to clinical and surgical therapeutic planning.