A Clinico‐pathological Study on the Effect of Vincristine on Transmissible Venereal Tumour in Dogs

Abstract

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a coitally transmitted neoplasm of dogs and is common among sexually active dogs, where sexual behaviour is not under control. Several treatment options are available for the treatment of the tumour, with chemotherapy being the most commonly employed. In this study, we investigated the clinical and cytological changes after weekly vincristine sulphate administration in 38 cases of naturally occurring TVT. Tumours totally regressed in 31 dogs after two to seven doses (mean 3.54 +/- 1.01) of vincristine. One dog died after the fifth dose of vincristine, and in six dogs, an additional treatment with doxorubicin was needed. Masses were still present in four dogs and the histopathological examination revealed small nodules of granulation tissue in two dogs, while viable tumour cells were identified in the remaining two cases. No recurrences were observed in a follow-up period of 7-49 months (mean 13.64 +/- 9.66); in one dog, granulation tissue was detected in the surgery site after 2 months. Treatment success could easily be followed by the cytological changes. In conclusion, vincristine was found to be effective chemotherapeutic agent.

Clinical utility of a life quality score in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumor treated by vincristine chemotherapy

“…The gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, weight loss, and anemia, which were observed in the present study during chemotherapy, are well known complications of this therapy (Nak et al, 2005). Cough and dyspnea may also be caused by therapy, since acute and chronic pulmonary dysfunction has also been reported (Hahn et al, 1994).…”

“…it will detect more easily even small differences as significant. This Death has been reported during vincristine therapy of CTVT ( Nak et al, 2005). Therefore, one aim of this study was to find out whether the CKS could predict animals with a higher risk for death during chemotherapy.…”

“…If necessary, parenteral fluid therapy or nutrition was applied. After therapy of accompanying diseases, the animals were treated with vincristine sulphate (0.025mg/kg) (Das and Das, 2000;Nak et al, 2005) administered in the cephalic vein at weekly intervals until the tumor had macroscopically disappeared, which was defined as complete remission.…”

“…Even death has been reported (Nak et al, 2005). Regarding the high number of CTVTs to be treated and the household budget restrictions in governmental institutions, it is necessary to look for simple and cheap diagnostic procedures which would enable us to accompany treatment or even predict treatment outcome of CTVT.…”

“…Tumor-bearing dogs are often brought by the local inhabitants to the Centers of Zoonosis Control. Although there are several types of treatment, such as surgical excision, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, monochemotherapy with vincristine is considered to be very effective and less toxic than other therapeutic interventions (Nak et al, 2005).…”