Karagkouni M. DVM, Msc Student, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Psaralexi E. DVM, MSc, Private Practitioner, Veterinary Center of Thessaloniki, Pulaia
Mylonakis E. M. DVM, Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
T-zone lymphoma (TZL) is a relatively common canine lymphoma variant, characterized by an indolent clinical course. Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation, compatible cytologic features and histopathology or immunophenotyping of the affected lymph nodes. This case highlights the clinical features, the diagnostic approach and the long-term monitoring of a dog with TZL.
Clinical case
A female, mixed breed dog was presented for the investigation of large, painless submandibular masses. Physical examination revealed remarkable bilateral enlargement of submandibular and mild unilateral enlargement of left popliteal and right prescapular lymph nodes. Cytology was compatible with the diagnosis of TZL or or T-zone hyperplasia. Subsequently, flow cytometry was performed in EDTA-treated blood and lymph node fine needle aspirates suspended in a liquid cell culture medium (RPMI 1640). Diagnosis of TZL was established based on the documentation of a large percentage of CD45-negative lymphocytes. Due to the absence of appreciable clinical manifestations, long term monitoring of the patient was suggested. Five years post-admission, the disease has not progressed, and the dog still enjoys an excellent quality of life.
Conclusion
TZL is the most common canine indolent lymphoma in the clinical setting. It is a T-cell immunophenotype lymphoma and implementation of flow cytometry is a reliable and cost-effective diagnostic modality. Survival times are usually long, with or without the administration of chemotherapy.
References
- Flood-Knapik KE, Durham AC, Gregor TP et al. (2013) Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of canine indolent lymphoma. Vet Comp Oncol 11, 272–286.
