Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using 10% fluorescein sodium to find lymph nodes during dog cancer
By Perez-Rodriguez, Veronica et al.Ā·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical AssociationĀ·2026Ā·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Expanding access to cancer care: 10% fluorescein sodium is a practical, low-cost method for intraoperative sentinel lymph node mapping in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with skin tumors underwent a new procedure using a special dye called fluorescein sodium to help identify cancerous lymph nodes during surgery. In this small study, the dye successfully highlighted lymphatic pathways in five out of six dogs, allowing veterinarians to locate sentinel lymph nodes (the first nodes that cancer might spread to). The procedure was safe, with no adverse effects reported, and it helped identify metastatic mast cell disease in four of the lymph nodes examined. This method could make it easier for more veterinary practices to offer effective cancer care for dogs.
People also search for: dog skin tumor treatment Ā· fluorescein sodium for dogs Ā· lymph node cancer in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of 10% fluorescein sodium for intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs with cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors. METHODS: 6 client-owned dogs received ID peritumoral injections of 10% fluorescein sodium diluted 1:120 with sterile saline. Lymphatic pathways and SLNs were visualized by means of blue (450- to 495-nm) and black (345- to 400-nm) light sources. Time to fluorescence, qualitative uptake, and adverse events were recorded. Excised SLNs underwent histopathologic evaluation. RESULTS: Lymphatic tracts were visualized in 5 of 6 dogs (83%; 95% CI, 36% to 100%), and SLNs were identified in all dogs (100%; 95% CI, 54% to 100%). Fluorescent uptake was complete in 4 SLNs (67%; 95% CI, 22% to 96%) and partial in 2 (33%; 95% CI, 4% to 78%). Mean time to lymphatic tract fluorescence was 6.7 ± 6.7 minutes, and mean time to SLN fluorescence was 8.0 ± 6.0 minutes. No adverse events occurred. Histopathology identified metastatic mast cell disease in 4 SLNs (67%; 95% CI, 22% to 96%), classified as HN2 in 2 (33%; 95% CI, 4% to 78%) and HN3 in 2 (33%; 95% CI, 4% to 78%), while reactive changes were observed in 2 SLNs (33%; 95% CI, 4% to 78%). Of 2 second-tier nodes, 1 showed HN2 metastasis and 1 reactive changes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this preliminary study, 10% fluorescein sodium is a safe, feasible, and accessible method for intraoperative SLN mapping in dogs, providing real-time visualization of lymphatic pathways and lymph nodes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This low-cost, accessible technique may facilitate adoption of SLN mapping in general veterinary practice. Further studies are warranted.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41880750/