The transmissible venereal tumor in dogs can affect both males and females, although a higher incidence is observed among those individuals who present sexual activityTherefore, before explaining the symptoms of this disease and its treatment, we must take into account the importance of sterilization or castration to avoid many of the infections and regular veterinary check-ups in order to detect any tumor early.
Next, in this article on our site we will talk about the transmissible venereal tumor in dogs (TVT), itssymptoms and treatment . Remember that veterinary attention in this pathology is essential.
What is TVT in dogs?
TVT stands for transmissible venereal tumor in dogs. It is a cancer in dogs that appears in the genital apparatus of both the male and the female, although it is also possible to find it in other parts of the body such as the perineum, face, mouth, tongue, eyes, nose or the legs. It is a neoplasia, fortunately, not very frequent. It will be the veterinary professional who establishes the appropriate differential diagnosis.
The most common form of contagion is the sexual route, which is why it is more common for this tumor to occur in whole animals than that are allowed to roam without control, so that couplings can occur, or in those that are abandoned.
The small lesions that occur in the mucosa of the penis and vagina during intercourse serve as an entry route for the tumor cells The transmission can also occur through licking, scratching or biting It is considered a low-level cancer, although in some cases it can occurmetastasis
These tumors can remain for up to several months in the incubation period after infection before being observed as growing masses, which may spread to the scrotum, anus or even organs such as the liver or spleen. Cases have been found throughout the world, being more present in warm or temperate climates.
Symptoms of Transmissible Venereal Tumor in Dogs (TVT)
We can suspect the presence of a transmissible tumor in dogs if we find inflammations or lesions on the penis, vagina or vulva These can be seen as lumps on cauliflower-like or nodule-like with a stem. These can ulcerate and present as solitary or multiple tumors.
There are also symptoms such as bleeding not associated with urination, although the caregiver may confuse it with hematuria, that is, the appearance of blood in the urine. Of course, if the TVT obstructs the urethra, it would cause difficulties in urinating. In the female, bleeding could be confused with the heat period, therefore, if we see that this period is prolonged, we recommend that we contact our veterinarian.
Diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumor in dogs (TVT)
Again, it will be this professional who reaches the diagnosis, since this clinical picture will have to be differentiated from, for example, a possible urine infection or prostate growth, in the case of males. TVT in dogs is diagnosed by cytology, for which a sample must be taken.
Treatment of transmissible venereal tumor in dogs (TVT)
The transmissible venereal tumor in dogs, as we have said, is considered a low intensity cancer and, thanks to this, it responds well to treatment, which usually consists of chemotherapy or sometimes radiotherapy These treatments usually last between 3 and 6 weeks. In the case of radiotherapy, only one session may be necessary. Cure is achieved in almost all cases.
You should know that there are some side effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting or bone marrow depression, so it is important to perform control tests Surgery in these cases is less recommended because it is associated with recurrence phenomena.
Dog sterilization, on the other hand, is considered in prevention practices because, as we have seen, whole animals that roam at will are the risk group, as they present more opportunities for contagion. Those dogs that live in shelters, shelters, protectors, kennels or kennels are also more exposed, since in these places a large number of dogs gather, with which the chances of contact increase, with the added risk that they are not sterilized.
