Chemodectoma in dogs: a case report

Abstract

Chemodectoma is a neoplasm arising from the carotid and aortic bodies, having neuroectodermic origin. It has been related mainly in human beings and dogs. Among the later, the brachiocephalics are the most susceptible, mainly the ones older than six. This case reports a seven year old, male Boxer dog, presenting convulsion and dry cough. The animal died and it was sent to the Pathological Anatomy Section of the Department of Pathology at FMVZ-USP. The post-mort examination revealed the presence of hemopericardium, pulmonar oedema, hepatic and renal congestion and gall bladder oedema, but the most important feature found was the presence of 4 oviform tumoral masses, within the toracic cavity. The histopathology revealed a solid tissue, essentially cellular, with lobules delimitated by delicate septa arising from bands of thick connective tissue. The neoplastic cells presented an homogeneous aspect characterized by a round or polyhedral shape with an excentric and evident nucleoli. There were few mitosis, without atypical signes. The micro and macroscopics aspects are compatible with a chemodectoma diagnosis.