Cytoreduction with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in canine mastocytoma: report of two cases

Abstract

The objective of this work is related to the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for preoperative mastocytoma cytoreduction in two dogs. Mastocytoma is one of the most common skin tumors in small animal clinics. It is characterized by being a malignant neoplasm originating from mast cells. It often accompanies as perineal, genital and inguinal regions, and can also reach trunk, limbs, head and neck. Older middle-aged dogs and brachycephalic breeds seem to be the most predisposed. This neoplasia has a varied behavior, may present as circumscribed, allopathic, erythematous and swollen formations, with or without soft conscience, ulcerated or not, manifesting from a single nodule to multiples nodules. The diagnosis is based on the findings of aspiration cytology, however histopathological examination can detect the degree of malignancy in grade I, II or II or in high and low grade. The indicated treatment is a surgical approach, whether or not accompanied by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The use of chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant method in surgery has the effect of reducing the tumor and increasing the surgical safety margin.