Transmissible venereal tumor in the palpebral conjunctiva of a dog: Case report

Abstract

The transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a contagious neoplasm that occurs in sexually mature dogs, usually transmitted by coitus. This tumor normally affects the genital mucosa and is rarely found in any other part of the body. A case of transmissible venereal tumor in the palpebral conjunctiva of a 3-year old, crossbreed, male dog with a history of an abnormal mass in the right eye was presented. Ophthalmic examination revealed a mass originated from the lower eyelid conjunctiva of the right eye. No other ocular abnormalities were detected. Cytological examination was carried out and the diagnosis was TVT. The dog was treated with lyophilized vincristine sulphate intravenously, once a week, for four weeks. Despite the atypical clinical presentation, the response to chemotherapy with vincristine was excellent leading to complete regression of the neoplasm and no relapse after a year.