A Puppy Case of Reticulum Cell Sarcoma with Heavy Ascites

Abstract

A male mongrel puppy 11 weeks old had heavy ascites. The liver and right kidney were enlarged and palpable. Death occurred about 4 months of age. Necropsy was carried out within 48 hours after death.
Gross findings were blood-stained acites, hydrothorax, a large tumor about 15 cm in diameter and reddish-white in color located at the site of the right kidney, and numerous reddish-white nodules varying in size in many organs. The pancreas, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, diaphragm, lung, bronchial lymph nodes, mediastinum, and pleura were also involved.
Microscopically, the large tumor mass and metastatic nodules showed the same structure, that was composed of polyhedral-cells with a round nucleus and fairly basophilic cytoplasm with reticular fibrous fringe. This tumor was regarded as reticulum cell saroma with widespread metastasis.