Cytopathological and histopathological diagnosis of canine splenic disorders

• Published in: Australian veterinary journal Vol. 87; no. 5; pp. 175 - 181
• Main Authors: Christensen, N.I, Canfield, P.J, Martin, P.A, Krockenberger, M.B, Spielman, D.S, Bosward, K.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01-05-2009
• Subjects: accuracy; Animals; Biopsy, Fine-Needle - veterinary; blood vessels; breed differences; cell growth; cytopathogenicity; cytopathology; diagnostic techniques; disease diagnosis; dog breeds; dog diseases; Dog Diseases - classification; Dog Diseases - epidemiology; Dog Diseases - pathology; Dogs; Female; histopathology; Hyperplasia - veterinary; inflammation; Male; Necrosis - veterinary; neoplasms; New South Wales - epidemiology; Prevalence; Registries; Schools, Veterinary; spleen; Spleen - pathology; splenic diseases; Splenic Diseases - classification; Splenic Diseases - epidemiology; Splenic Diseases - pathology; Splenic Diseases - veterinary; vascular diseases; New South Wales
• ISSN: 0005-0423; 1751-0813
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2009.00421.x

Objectives  To determine (1) the common types of canine splenic disorders, and the breeds affected, that are diagnosed by cytopathological and histopathological examination in Sydney, Australia and (2) the accuracy of cytopathological examination compared with histopathological examination for the diagnosis of canine splenic disorders.
Design  69 cytopathological and 51 histopathological diagnoses of canine splenic disorders presented to the Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, The University of Sydney during 2006 and 2007 were tabulated and analysed; 17 cases examined both cytopathologically and histopathologically during 2001–07 were also analysed.
Results  The most common cytopathological diagnoses were benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis (29%), followed by no abnormalities detectable (28%), malignant neoplasms (20%), equivocal diagnoses (20%) and inflammatory disorders (3%). The most common breeds were Kelpie crosses and mixed breeds. The most common histopathological diagnoses were benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis (49%), followed by malignant neoplasms (43%) and inflammatory disorders (8%). The most common breeds were German Shepherd Dogs, Boxers and Maltese Terriers. Cytopathological and histopathological diagnoses were in complete agreement in 59% of cases, partial agreement in 29% and disagreement in 12%.
Conclusion  Benign disorders of growth, vascular disturbances and necrosis were the most commonly diagnosed canine splenic disorders, both cytopathologically and histopathologically. Kelpie crosses presented most frequently for cytopathological examination. German Shepherd Dogs were the most common breed diagnosed histopathologically with haemangiosarcoma. Although cytopathological and histopathological splenic examinations are complementary for diagnosis, this study has shown a high correlation for complete and partial agreement between the two.