Mastocythemia in a dog

Abstract

Mature mast cells are found in vascularized tissues, mainly sites in contact with external antigens such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Mast cells in peripheral blood are considered abnormal, indicating mastocythemia. The cause should be investigated for diagnosis of inflammatory disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, or neoplasms, especially mastocytoma. In the present study, we analyzed the results of the clinical and complementary examination of a mixed breed dog, adult, male, 9 years old, 11 kg, not neutered, which on physical examination presented pain on abdominal palpation and suppurative lesion in the scrotal region. Blood samples were collected in a tube containing an anticoagulant to test the blood count and in tubes without an anticoagulant for biochemical tests for albumin, alanine aminotransferase (AAT), alkaline phosphate (AP), creatinine, glucose, and urea. Ultrasonography (US) was also performed for better evaluation. The results indicate a regenerative anemia and an accelerated erythropoiesis. Lymphopenia, monocytosis, and a significant increase in mast cells and Döhle bodies were also observed. There was also thrombocytopenia with the presence of macro platelets, therefore accelerated thrombopoiesis. Hypoalbuminemia and increased AP enzyme were verified in the biochemical tests. The visualization of these mast cells is only possible by the analysis of blood extensions performed by a veterinary pathologist, otherwise, they would not be found, making difficult the therapeutic conduct with the patient. Thus, this report aims to describe a case of mastocythemia in an adult dog of no defined breed and discuss the clinical laboratory findings.