Multifocal metastatic cutaneous and mucosal transmissible venereal tumour in a female puppy

An eight-month old female entire mixed breed dog in Arizona was presented for a 15-day history of multifocal cutaneous nodules and plaques, with progressive stertor, anorexia, haemorrhagic gingival masses, peripheral lymphadenopathy and mild haemorrhagic vaginal discharge without obvious genital masses. Fine needle aspirate cytology was consistent with multifocal cutaneous and mucosal canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) with peripheral lymph node metastases. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis. Eight weekly treatments with 0.5 mg/m2 intravenous vincristine resulted in complete clinical resolution, without relapse five months after treatment. The classic presentation of TVT is of adult dogs with genital tumours and low metastatic rate. This report describes an unusual presentation in a puppy with multifocal, extragenital, metastatic, cutaneous and mucosal TVT. In doing so, it underscores the importance of recognising less common presentations of TVT, as well as diagnostic cytological and histopathological findings, as prognosis for cure is excellent with treatment.