Multicentric lymphoma in a 12 year old mixed breed dog

Abstract

Bosworth, a 12 year old male castrated Labrador retriever-Bassett Hound mix, presented to the Triage Service of Cornell University's Hospital for Animals in June 2008 for evaluation of a ten day history of gastrointestinal upset. Abnormalities found on initial physical exam included generalized lymphadenomegaly, cardiac arrhythmia, and continued vomiting and poor appetite as described in the dog's history. A peripheral blood smear revealed lymphocytosis characterized by intermediately sized lymphoblasts with an abnormal morphology. Fine need aspirate of an enlarge lymph node displayed a monomorphic population of intermediately sized lymphocytes, with an abnormal morphology similar to that seen in the blood smear. Due to the likelihood of a lymphoid neoplastic process, Bosworth was transferred to the care of the Oncology Service, where a myriad of diagnostics were required to definitively diagnose, fully stage and characterize his lymphoma. Due to the advanced nature of his disease, it was difficult to differentiate acute lymphoid leukemia from lymphoma. Flow cytometry and lymph node immunohistochemistry were key diagnostics in fully elucidating Bosworth's disease.