Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Probable paraneoplastic leukocytosis in a dog with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor.
- Journal:
- Veterinary clinical pathology
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Gidcumb, Emily M et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old female spayed Boston Terrier was brought in because she was very tired, eating less than usual, and losing weight. During the exam, the vet found significant muscle loss and a noticeable mass in her abdomen. Imaging showed that the mass was in her small intestine, so the vet performed surgery to remove it, which went smoothly. The mass was identified as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and after the surgery, her high white blood cell count returned to normal within two weeks. This case suggests that the high white blood cell count was likely related to the tumor, and it’s the first time this has been reported in a dog with this type of tumor.
Abstract
A 9-year-old female spayed Boston Terrier presented for diagnostic investigation of lethargy, poor appetite, weight loss, and a marked leukocytosis. Significant muscle wasting and a palpable abdominal mass were present on physical examination. Abdominal imaging revealed the mass to be of small intestinal origin; consequently, an intestinal resection and anastomosis were performed without complication. The histopathologic diagnosis was a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, verified by immunohistochemical positivity to CD117 (KIT). Two weeks after discharge, the leukocytosis had resolved. Though the exact molecular mediator of the severe leukocytosis was undetermined, resolution following tumor removal suggests a paraneoplastic cause. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of probable paraneoplastic leukocytosis secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the dog. Gastrointestinal tract imaging should be performed when this uncommon hematologic abnormality is present.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35534919/