Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour: Clinical Observations in Selected Urban Areas of Tanzania

Abstract

This study had an objective of describing the clinical forms of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) in Tanzania. Clinical examination of 470 dogs brought to three veterinary clinics in selected areas was performed. Dogs found with CTVT were further subjected to cytological testing in order to confirm the diagnosis. The three forms namely, genital, extragenital and generalized CTVT were observed. The genital form in males affected the prepuce, caudal part of the penis as well as the shaft of the penis. Affliction of the penile shaft was considered to be unusual. In females, this form commonly affected the vestibulo-vaginal junction. The other parts of  the  external  genitalia  from  the  vulva  to  the  vagina  were also found  to  be affected. The extragenital form of CTVT affected the conjuctivae, integument and occasionally the anal and perianal mucosae in both sexes. Male dogs were additionally affected by nasal form of extragenital CTVT. Generalized involvement of the integument was also observed and more so in weak and debilitated animals. Dog type was round to have a significant influence on the occurrence of CTVT (p<0.05). This appears to be due to differences in management patterns.  None described dogs were therefore at higher risk due to suboptimal management. Intercurrent diseases were also found to predispose dogs to CTVT (p<0.05). It was concluded that CTVT could affect any part of the body especially in immunocompromised dogs and that the level  of management  accorded  to  dogs was  an  important factor  in  the  causation  of CTVT.