Diagnostic significance of hematological parameters in benign and malignant lesions in dogs affected with mammary tumour

Abstract

Canine mammary tumours are one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in female dogs. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, tumours still result in significant morbidity and mortality. Distinguishing between benign and malignant mammary tumours in dogs is clinically challenging at early stages. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) analysis is typically performed as part of the preoperative work-up for mammary tumours. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of CBC parameters in diagnosing malignant canine mammary tumours from benign and analyse the diagnostic role of haematological parameters within benign and malignant mammary tumours. The period of study was from January 2024 to October 2024, a total of Forty-three cases suspected of canine mammary tumours were presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, DUVASU, Mathura, out of which Thirty-Six dogs had neoplastic growth, while seven had inflammatory growth based on cytological examination. A total of Ninety-Seven cases of various dog cancers were documented throughout this time, indicating a 37.12% incidence of mammary tumours. Also, twenty-four samples were taken from the healthy dogs with the consent of the owner Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of these tumours. CBC parameters, including haemoglobin, Total White Blood Cell (TWBC) count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, RBC, Eosinophil, monocyte and platelet count, were collected from a total of 60 cases were calculated from the obtained CBC parameters for all cases. Malignant canine mammary tumours showed a significant increase in neutrophils (81.32 ±1.53%) and a significant decrease in lymphocytes (15.07±1.28%) compared to benign mammary cases. Among the CBC parameters evaluated, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, RBC, WBC, Platelets, and Eosinophils were significantly altered in canine mammary malignancy compared to benign mammary masses. Measuring CBC parameters can be a fast, simple, inexpensive, and readily available method.