Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Multiple skin histiocytomas treated with lomustine in a dog
By Maina, Elisa et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2014·Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, Italy·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Multiple cutaneous histiocytomas treated with lomustine in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old miniature Pinscher was brought in with multiple hairless lumps on its skin, which were diagnosed as benign tumors called histiocytomas. Although these tumors often go away on their own, the dog's lumps were growing and causing discomfort, so treatment was started with a medication called lomustine. Initially, the treatment worked well, but the dog later experienced side effects, including increased liver enzymes and a decline in overall health. Unfortunately, the dog's condition worsened, leading the owner to make the difficult decision to euthanize.
People also search for: dog skin lumps treatment · miniature Pinscher histiocytoma · lomustine side effects in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Histiocytoma is a common benign neoplasm of young dogs. Multiple histiocytomas are rare. Surgical or medical treatment of solitary tumours is not required in the majority of cases because the tumour usually undergoes spontaneous regression. Therapy is required when lesions are persistent, recurrent, ulcerated or in uncomfortable locations. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe a case of canine multiple cutaneous histiocytomas treated with lomustine. ANIMAL: A 5-year-old miniature Pinscher dog was presented with multiple, disseminated, alopecic cutaneous nodules, with no associated systemic signs on initial presentation. METHODS: Histopathological examination of skin biopsies and immunocytochemistry of biopsy imprints were performed. Inguinal lymph node, liver, spleen and bone marrow cytological examination and abdominal ultrasound examination were also performed. RESULTS: The clinical, histopathological and immunocytochemical findings supported a diagnosis of canine multiple cutaneous histiocytomas. Owing to the increasing number and size of the nodules, medical treatment was initiated. Prednisone and ciclosporin resulted in worsening of lesions. Lomustine orally once monthly led to complete resolution followed by relapse. Metabolic disorders such as increased serum alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities were recorded, and therapy was stopped. Increase in size of the tumours, severe dullness and anorexia led the owner to elect euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of canine multiple cutaneous histiocytomas treated with lomustine. Lomustine is effective in histiocytic diseases, but adverse effects must be considered because they can be severe and life threatening.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24963782/