Assessment of tumor-induced pain and C-reactive protein levels in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of tumor volume on generalized behavior, pain perception, and serumC-reactive protein (CRP) in dogs with canine transmissible venereal tumors (CTVTs). Pain scoring was performed using theGlasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale Short-Form. Cytomorphology of the tumors was studied through fine-needle aspiration andhistopathology. Molecular identification of CTVTs was carried out using PCR assays based on LINE-1/c-myc. Hematological profilesincluding complete blood count and CRP were analyzed using an automatic hematology analyzer and immunoturbidimetric assays,respectively. Chi-square and regression analysis statistics were used for data analysis. Results of the study revealed a statisticallysignificant (R2 = 0.798) impact of tumor volume on pain scores in corresponding individuals. Hematological parameters and serumCRP values were observed in normal ranges and did not reveal any significant association with tumor volume. All of the samples werefound positive for LINE-1/c-myc molecular rearrangement, revealing a 552-bp PCR product. On the basis of cytology tumors weredifferentiated into plasmacytoid, lymphocytoid, and mixed types. No significant association could be observed among cytological typesand sex of the individuals. It may be concluded that increasing tumor size may result in localized pain and mild behavioral alterations inaffected dogs. However, hematology profiles and serum CRP levels are independent of the localized tumor proliferation.