Introduction

ORAL Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) affects primarily external genitalia of dogs, but also can be transplanted to skin, subcutis, liver, spleen, nasal cavity and other tissues. It is the only naturally contagious tumour that can be transmitted to skin or mucosal areas during coitus, licking, sniffing, scratching, and biting. Its metastatic potential is low (less than 5%). CTVT first arose from somatic cells of an individual wolf or a dog that lived in east Asia more than 10,000 years ago and perpetuates as a parasitic allograft in the host.

Aim of Study

The aim of this study was to determine epidemiological characteristics of CTVT in Mexico.

Methods

This is a retrospective study consisting in 576 patients diagnosed with tumours at the oncology area of the Small Animal Hospital of the National University of Mexico and Hospital de Urgencias Veterinarias Borges during the period of 2016–2019.

Results

From the total count of 576 patients, 50 of them presented CTVT. This number accounts for 8.6% of the oncology patients. The highest incidence was seen in these breeds: mixed breed 46% (23), Pitbull 20% (10) and Boxer 14% (7). The most frequent age where the tumor appeared was 3 and 4 years of age. Male dogs were found to be more affected than females, where 44% (22) were intact males, 18% (9) neutered males, 28% (14) intact females and 10% (5) spayed females. The majority presented genital CTVT, but was also diagnosed on the skin, nasal and oral cavity Only one patient was diagnosed with metastasis to a lymph node similar to what has been reported in other studies.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance

CTVT showed a high incidence in adult and intact dogs in a reproductive stage. CTVT is frequently diagnosed in Mexico. This information will help create alternatives for the control and reduction of the CTVT prevalence.