Ovarian dysgerminoma causing multifocal metastases in young bitch

Abstract

The ovarian neoplasias are unusual in canine species, mainly originated from germinative cells. Among these, dysgerminoma is a rare neoplasm in bitches, predominantly affecting senile and small and medium breeds. They are large, rounded, smooth surface, painless and firm in consistency. The clinical signs commonly demonstrated by patients with this neoplasia are abdominal distension and secondary signs of hyperestrogenism. The diagnosis should be based on the association of history, clinical signs, radiographic, ultrasonographic, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The treatment is the surgical castration and metastases are uncommon. Due to the rarity in bitches, specifically the young animals, this study aimed to describe a case of left ovarian dysgerminoma, of considerable size and adherence in adjacent organs, in a Brazilian Fila, whose showed considerable increase in abdominal volume and progressive weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of complementary x-ray, ultrasound, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Even with the recommended surgical treatment (castration), the patient demonstrated severe respiratory symptoms and increased abdominal volume after two months, and the complementary exams suggested pulmonary and multifocal metastases and the tutor chose euthanasia. As presented by the results, although rare in bitches, dysgerminoma should be included in the differential of ovarian neoplasias, including the young ones.