Micropapillary Carcinoma in a dog: Case report

Abstract

Mammary neoplasms in female dogs present a high incidence. Several histological types are observed, among them, micropapillary carcinoma is considered one of the most aggressive because it is related to vascular invasion, metastases and low survival time. Aimed to describe a case of micropapillary breast carcinoma, with cutaneous metastasis, in a dog. A canine, female, 14 years old, 8kg, not defined breed, uncastrated, nulliparous, with pseudocyesis and no contraceptives administration history was attended at the Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics Service from "Governador Laudo Natel” Hospital, FCAV, UNESP, Jaboticabal, presenting a breast ulcerated nodule, with one month estimated evolution. After stabilization and preoperative exams, radical unilateral mastectomy and ipsilateral axillary and inguinal lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathologic diagnosis revealed micropapillary carcinoma and free surgical margins from neoplasm, however, there were metastasis in both lymph nodes. The tutors did not adhere to antineoplastic chemotherapy. In 60th post-surgical day, there was inflammatory reaction in the surgical scar region, with small cutaneous ulceration, where the elastogram  revealed  rigidity and shear velocity of 7.84m/s. Skin biopsy revealed metastasis of micropapillary breast carcinoma. There was progression of ulcerations, compromising animal’s welfare and its physiological activities, when on the 110th post-surgical day, it was decided to euthanize the patient.  The correct diagnosis and knowledge of tumor biological behavior are importants points to choose the correct treatment. The adjuvant chemotherapy treatment can impact on average survival time and ARFI elastography is an accurate predictor of rapid and non-invasive diagnosis of micropapillary carcinoma recurrence.