Extragenital presentation of canine transmissible venereal tumour in a dog in Sri Lanka: An unusual case

Abstract

Abstract Canine transmissible venereal tumours and other contagious diseases in stray dogs, including parvovirus infection, canine distemper infection and human rabies, are prevalent in tropical and sub‐tropical countries like Sri Lanka. Canine transmissible venereal tumours are an ancient tumour type in dogs that is transmitted through sexual contact, particularly through physical interaction, including copulation and sniffing, which facilitates the transfer of tumour cells. Canine transmissible venereal tumours are characterised by a round cell tumour appearance resembling cauliflower, which can be observed in the genital regions of mature male and female dogs without any age or breed preferences. Although extragenital presentation of canine transmissible venereal tumours is not common, it has been reported worldwide. Diagnosis can be made through cytological evaluation, and can be successfully treated with the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine. In this case, a stray dog was successfully diagnosed and treated for extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumours. This case highlights the importance of considering extragenital canine transmissible venereal tumours as a differential for skin tumours.