Corneal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog: a case report

Abstract

The observed loss of the various cytokeratins, the strong p53 expression, and low numbers of caspase 3 positive cells were suggestive that a p53 mutation may have caused this primary corneal SCC. Over-expression of the tumor-suppressor gene p53 is likely to be a consequence of ultraviolet radiation exposure. Two factors, however, may have played a role in the formation of this primary corneal SCC: chronic irritation of the corneal surface (microtrauma) and exposure to UV radiation.

Primary Corneal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog: Clinical and Histopathological Evaluation

“…Out of 36 dogs presenting a primary corneal SCC described in veterinary literature [5][6][7][8][9][10][11], 13 were pugs, as is the dog of the present case report. Pugs exhibit a certain degree of exophthalmos, macroblepharon, and lagophthalmos, and this combination of anatomic features causes inadequate blinking and leads to exposure keratopathy syndrome.…”

“…Nevertheless, in the last two years, some case reports (n = 6) [7][8][9][10] and a case series (n = 26) [11] of canine primary corneal SCC have been published, and occurrence of this type of tumor seems to be increasing [11]. Most of the dogs presenting with corneal SCC had had a history of chronic keratitis [11], such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca [6], pigmentary keratitis [6,9] or keratitis secondary to eyelid abnormalities [7], or trauma [5]. Only a few dogs did not show any concurrent ocular surface disease at the time of the diagnosis [8,11].…”

“…A number of cases of canine primary SCC of the cornea have been described especially in recent years [5][6][7][8][9][10], and some authors report an increased occurrence of the tumor in this period [11]. Only three canine SCCs have been characterized by the use of immunohistochemistry, and p53 protein was generally investigated with varying results [7,9]. Cyclooxygenase (COX) overexpression has been identified in various neoplastic tissues in humans [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] and domestic animals [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

“…Corneal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is considered rare in the dog and often represents a secondary extension of a primary limbal or conjunctival neoplasia [1,3,4]. A number of cases of canine primary SCC of the cornea have been described especially in recent years [5][6][7][8][9][10], and some authors report an increased occurrence of the tumor in this period [11]. Only three canine SCCs have been characterized by the use of immunohistochemistry, and p53 protein was generally investigated with varying results [7,9].…”

Considerations about ocular neoplasia of dogs and cats

“…Evaluation of fine-needle aspirated material may address both diagnose and prognosis. Surgical resection is warranted when abundant vascularization or superficial irritation are seen (WILLIS & WILKIE, 2001 (MILLER & DUBIELZIG, 2005;MONTIANI-FERREIRA et al, 2008). The condition has a low metastatic potential (MILLER & DUBIELZIG, 2005).…”