Primary Extra Genital Transmissible Venereal Tumour (TVT) in a German Shepherd Male Police Dog and Its Successful Management Using Vincristine Sulphate- A Case Report

Extra genital transmissible venereal tumour in a one-year-old German Shepherd male police dog belonging to KERALA STATE K9 Squad was clinically investigated along with cytological and histopathological evaluation and successfully treated with chemotherapeutic agent vincristine sulphate. The dog was presented to Veterinary Clinics at Kerala Police Academy (KEPA), Thrissur District-while undergoing 9-month training at State Dog Training School (SDTS-KEPA), with the complaint of a protruding mass from the tip of tongue. On physical examination a firm nodular mass of approximately 1-2 cm in diameter was seen raised from the tip of tongue on right side. The mass had a tendency to bleed profusely when irritated. Impression smear was prepared from the tumour mass, staining with Giemsa stain and examination under oil immersion revealed presence of neoplastic round to ovoid cell population along with inflammatory cells predominantly neutrophils. Diagnosis of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) was made. Treatment was initiated with IV administration of vincristine sulphate at dose rate of 0.025 mg/kg body weight at weekly intervals initially (Six doses) and remaining (Six doses) at once in two week intervals. Complete regression occurred only after 12 doses. Animal was given supportive medicines throughout therapy to minimize discomfort due to cytotoxic effect of drug as and when indicated by haematological abnormalities and gastrointestinal disturbances.