GRANULOSA CELL TUMOR OF THE OVARY IN DOGS: CASE REPORT

Germ cell tumors make up 6 to 12%, while Granulosa cell tumors account for 50% of all canine ovarian neoplasms. Depending on their origin, ovarian tumors are assigned into 3 groups: germ cell tumors, sex-cord stromal tumors and epithelial cell tumours (1). One of the most common neoplasms in canine ovaries is granulosa cell tumors (GCT) that originate from sex cord stromal cells. This tumor has been observed in female canines. Many ovarian tumors produce estrogen or androgen and cause various disorders of the estrus cycle, such as prolonged period of estrus in bitches that may develop pyometra, vulvar swelling with discharge, alopecia (2). An 8 year old Bulldog intact bitch was presented to the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Section of Obstetric, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”. She showed several symptoms: hyperthermia, reluctance to move, hypertrophic vulva with purulent discharge and widespread small areas of dermatitis. The owner claimed nymphomaniac behavior and anorexia. On physical examination a nipple-like neoformation was positioned on the lateral part of the thorax. Blood analysis showed an increase of the white line cells. At ultrasonography the right ovary was increased in volume with a cysts. The uterus was hypertrophic and hypoechoic. An ovariohysterectomy was performed. The appearance of the excised ovary was cystic and its surface was smooth while the consistency was firm and lobulated. Histologically the architecture of the ovarian parenchyma appeared totally subverted. Cystic multifocal areas were detected. It was diagnosed as a malignant granulosa cells tumor (4.80 x 3.60 cm) moderately differentiated. The subject presented a fast recovery at the post-surgery, appetite returned to regular and so the temperature. The symptoms presented at clinical examination disappeared. The vulva returned to normal. The nipple-like neormation has started to regress from the second week, as well as the widespread skin anomalies present on the entire surface of the body. Dogs with non-functional GCT usually have no clinical signs related to the reproductive tract instead of functional GCT can be associated with vaginal discharge, alopecia, enlarged vulva, pyometra, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, and irregular prolonged or persistent estrus (3) as in our case. At 6 months post surgery the bitch is still in a good health.