Tsaknaki A.A. DVM, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Kouklaki E. DVM, MSc Student, Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Ginoudis A. DVM, PhD Student, Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Patsikas M. DVM, PhD, Professor, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Mylonakis M. DVM, PhD, Professor, Clinic of Companion Animal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Mast cell tumor (MCT) is the most common cutaneous neoplasm of the dog. It is most frequently located in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It can rarely occur in nasal cavity accounting for 1% of primary nasal neoplasms. In this report, a canine primary MCT of the nasal cavity, with severe regional metastatic lymphadenopathy is described.
Clinical case
A twelve-year-old dog was presented with a history of right submandibular lymph node enlargement and bloody nasal discharge. Historically, left submandibular lymph node histopathology examination had shown metastatic lymphadenopathy from MCT. Clinical examination revealed retropharyngeal and right submandibular lymph nodes enlargement, bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, noisy and stertorous breathing, and a large, bulging lesion protruding from the hard-soft palate border. CT scan of nasopharynx showed infiltration of the nasal and ethmoidal cavities and swelling and necrosis of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes. At the same time, fine needle aspiration samples were taken from the bulging lesion and MCT was confirmed.
Results
Clinical staging showed no dissemination of the neoplasia beyond the nasopharyngeal region and regional lymph nodes. The animal experienced progressively worsening respiratory distress and paraneoplastic cachexia. Current medication includes the administration of prednisolone and toceranib phosphate.
Conclusions
Intranasal MCT should be included in the differential diagnosis of primary nasal neoplasms in dogs.
