Connective Tissue-Type Mast Cell Leukemia in a Dog

Abstract

An unusual case diagnosed as connective tissue-type mast cell leukemia with marked mastocyte infiltration into visceral organs in a seven-year-old female Curly-Coated retriever is presented. Acute circulatory collapse, emesis, diarrhea, abdominal enlargement, icterus, cyanosis, dyspnea, pulmonary edema, hepatomegary, ascites, and right ventricular enlargement were observed. Hematologic and biochemical examinations revealed mast cell leukemia, mature neutrophilia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia, hyperhistaminemia, renal and hepatic injuries. Mast cells were distributed systemically, but predominantly in the diaphragm and liver with a large mass among the serosa of ileum, cecum and colon. Mast cells were stained intensely by both safranin and berberine sulfate.