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Description
Uterine tumors consist of 0.3 to 0.4 % of all canine tumors. Leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas are most common accounting for approximately 90% and 10% respectively. There have also been reports of adenomas, adenocarcinoma, fibromas, fibrosarcomas and lipomas. Leiomyomas are generally benign tumors. They mostly affect middle aged to older animals. However, in an incidental finding a pup as young as 10 months was found to be affected with uterine carcinoma. No breed predilection has been reported so far.
Symptoms
Canine leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas hardly present any clinical signs. They are mostly detected during necropsy (autopsy) or ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus). Sometimes these tumors grow very large so as to compress the adjoining viscera (internal organs of the abdomen like the intestine, liver and pancreas). In case of both benign and malignant tumors, vaginal discharge and pyometra (caused due to hormonal and structural changes in the uterus lining) are inevitable.
Other reported clinical signs may include abdominal distension, anorexia (lack of appetite), constipation, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, polydipsia (frequent thirst) and polyuria (urge to urinate frequently).
Diagnostic techniques
The efficacy of abdominal radiograph has been established in the diagnosis of uterine or abdominal mass. However, for a more definitive diagnosis, the surgically excised specimens are sent for histological examination. Other diagnostic work-ups may include complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, urine analysis, chest radiographs (x-rays), abdominal radiographs, ultrasonography and biopsy.
Treatment
Complete ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice for uterine tumors. The scope of chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not been properly investigated in veterinary literature.
Prognosis
The outcome for benign tumors like leiomyomas, adenomas, lipomas and fibromas is excellent. In the absence of metastasis the prognosis for malignant tumors is also good. But usually by the time they are diagnosed the disease is found to have metastasized to other organs of the body. However, the prognosis for metastatic, inoperable tumors is usually guarded.
Reference
Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology – Stephen J. Withrow, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), Director, Animal Cancer Center Stuart Chair In Oncology, University Distinguished Professor, Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado; David M. Vail, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), Professor of Oncology, Director of Clinical Research, School of Veterinary Medicine University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin
