Unilateral Renal Capsule Hemangiosarcoma in an American Pit Bull Terrier Bitch

Background: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an endothelial vessel tumor with high malignant potential. While the etiology is unclear, it is known that older animals are most commonly affected, and it is commoner in dogs than in other domestic species. Clinical signs are nonspecifi c and vary according to the location of the tumor. The prognosis ranges from guarded to poor, owing to the high rate of metastasis, tissue invasion, and biochemical changes during the clinical course. Herein, we describe a case of unilateral renal capsule HSA in a 6-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier bitch. Case: A 6-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier bitch came to veterinary care with a history of recent abdominal distention and progressive weight loss. On physical examination the animal was apathetic with abdominal distention, pale mucous membranes, and a body temperature of 37.5°C. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed fl uid collection in the peritoneal cavity. The origin of the fl uid could not be determined because of the extent of the fluid collection, which occupied the abdominal cavity throughout its length. In preoperative hematologic tests, anemia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, and hyperproteinemia were observed. At exploratory laparotomy, a large mass was found in the abdominal cavity, attached to the left renal parenchyma and containing bloody fluid. Owing to its poor state of health, the patient died at the end of the procedure; the owners did not authorize a necropsy. Macroscopically, the affected kidney had altered parenchyma suggestive of hydronephrosis, and the mass inside the capsule was 5 × 4 cm and contained areas of necrosis and a clot. Microscopically, the lesion was diagnosed as renal capsule HSA. Discussion: Hemangiosarcoma has been reported in a number of breeds such as German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Pointer, Greyhound, Basset Hound, and Beagle. However, there have been no previous reports of the disease in American Pit Bull Terriers. The age of the patient in this case report does not corroborate the literature, which generally shows that older animals are affected. The dog´s clinical signs were anorexia, lethargy, progressive weight loss, increased abdominal size, pale mucous membranes and abdominal distention, which have been reported by previous studies, and some of which can be a result of tumor rupture. Hematology findings of this case (such as anemia) were accounted for by the large amount of bloody fluid from the tumor. Ultrasonography was not conclusive because it was diffi cult to visualize all the abdominal structures and localize the tumor, since the entire length of the abdominal cavity revealed fluid retention. Thus, exploratory laparotomy was needed to elucidate the diagnosis. During the surgical procedure, besides the left kidney, no adhesions or involvement of other organs were observed. The whole mass in the abdominal cavity was removed after emptying of the bloody fl uid, but the poor health of the animal led to fatal cardio-respiratory arrest. Because the owner did not authorize a necropsy, the only histopathological examination performed was that of the material collected during the nephrectomy. The affected kidney had an altered parenchyma suggestive of hydronephrosis, and the mass inside the capsule was 5 × 4 cm and contained areas of necrosis and a blood clot. Microscopic examination revealed renal capsule HSA.

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