SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF SPINDLE CELL TUMOUR IN THE CAVITA ORIS OF A DOG – A CASE REPORT

Spindle cell neoplasms are characterized by the presence of spindle-shaped cells in histopathology sections. A two years old male German shepherd dog was presented with the history of epistaxis, firm and smooth exophytic mass on the palate, and dysphagia. Physical examination of the mass revealed that, it was pedunculated, diffused throughout palate and root of the growth was located between the hard and soft palate. Blood sample was collected for the analysis of haemato-biochemical parameters. Surgical correction was performed under general anaesthesia using xylazine hydrochloride and glycopyrrolate as pre-anaesthetic and propofol as the induction agent. Tumour mass was removed by marginal excision and bleeding was arrested with electrocautery. Postoperatively the animal was treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Excised tissue sample was processed and subjected to standard histopathological examination. Histopathology revealed multiple clumps of neoplastic cells in deep mucosa. The cells were predominantly of spindle shaped with vesicular to hyperchromatic, fusiform nuclei with the presence of mitotic figures. Areas of necrosis in mucosa were also evident. The findings were suggestive of canine spindle cell tumour. No recurrence was reported within 5 months of surveillance period after surgery.