Tumors of the reproductive system of bitches - based on the description of selected own clinical cases and literature data

Abstract

Tumors of the reproductive system in bitches can affect any of its anatomical structures. The predominant lesions are those appearing in the vagina and vulva, accounting for about 2.4-3% of all tumors in bitches, followed by ovarian tumors – 0.5-1.2%, while uterine tumors are rare and it is difficult to even estimate their incidence. The most common type of ovarian tumor is granulosa cell tumor (GCT), which originates from the granulosa cells of the Graff follicle. In the uterus, vagina and vulva, the most common is smooth-cell myoma (leiomyoma), along with its malignant types (leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma), derived from mesenchymal tissue. Diagnosis of these lesions is mainly based on a detailed clinical examination, vaginoscopy, imaging tests (ultrasound, X-ray, CT) and evaluation of sex hormone levels. However, accurate differentiation of tumors is possible only by histopathological examination. The most effective method of treatment is the surgical removal of diagnosed tumors. The paper presents our own clinical cases of tumors of different parts of the reproductive system in bitches: ovarian tumors (GCT); uterine tumors (leyomyoma); and tumors of the vagina and vulva (fibromyoma, leyomyoma). Moreover, the numerous illustrations included in the paper, documenting the mentioned cases, are a valuable addition to the publication.