ORAL MELANOMA IN A DOG - CASE REPORT (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity in dogs, it has a poor prognosis because the appearance of metastasis and/or recurrence is common, and also because it is most often diagnosed late. Survival of affected animals varies according to the treatment used, the condition of the tumor and the animal, but it does not usually exceed one year. A dog, SRD, 11 years old, not castrated, who had a nodule in the oral region, was treated. Clinical examinations, chest X-ray, blood count, biochemical tests to assess ALT and creatinine levels, and cytological examination by biopsy of the mass were performed. The exams indicated oral melanoma, with enlargement of the right mandibular lymph node and elevation in the ALT level. In a subsequent ultrasound, a hypoechoic and homogeneous liver was detected. The treatment proceeded with surgical excision of the nodule, and its referral for histological evaluation. As pre-anesthetic mediation, tiletain with zolazepam and methadone hydrochloride were used, followed by induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane. After surgery and anesthetic recovery, the patient was discharged with prescribed drug treatment and did not return to the hospital. The result of the histological examination showed malignant oral melanoma. The objective of this work is to compare the case report in question with a review of the literature on oral melanomas in dogs.