Assessment of tumor-induced pain and C-reactive protein levels in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of tumor volume on generalized behavior, pain perception, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumors (CTVTs). Pain scoring was performed using the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale Short-Form. Cytomorphology of the tumors was studied through fine-needle aspiration and histopathology. Molecular identification of CTVTs was carried out using PCR assays based on LINE-1/c-myc. Hematological profiles including complete blood count and CRP were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer and immunoturbidimetric assays, respectively. Chi-square and regression analysis statistics were used for data analysis. Results of the study revealed a statistically significant (R2 = 0.798) impact of tumor volume on pain scores in corresponding individuals. Hematological parameters and serum CRP values were observed in normal ranges and did not reveal any significant association with tumor volume. All of the samples were found positive for LINE-1/c-myc molecular rearrangement, revealing a 552-bp PCR product. On the basis of cytology tumors were differentiated into plasmacytoid, lymphocytoid, and mixed types. No significant association could be observed among cytological types and sex of the individuals. It may be concluded that increasing tumor size may result in localized pain and mild behavioral alterations in affected dogs. However, hematology profiles and serum CRP levels are independent of the localized tumor proliferation.