TRICHOEPITHELIOMA IN A DOG: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Trichoepithelioma is a cutaneous neoplasm of the hair follicle with a low incidence in routine veterinary practice, mainly affecting dogs over the age of five. The factors associated with its development remain unknown. In the majority of cases, the trunk and limb regions of dogs are the most affected by the neoformation, but it can also affect other regions. The diagnosis is established through  the  conjunction  of the patient's history, physical examination findings and the results of the histopathological examination. Complete surgical excision of the neoplasm with wide safety margins is considered the treatment of choice. This report aims to describe a case of benign trichoepithelioma in a 8-year-old Golden Retriever dog, seen at the Veterinary Clinic University (CLIVET) of PUCPR, Toledo Campus, with a history of a mass in the dorsolumbar region. The clinical assessment revealed the presence of a neoformation adhered to the subcutaneous tissue in the dorsal region close to the lumbar region, with a soft, pedunculated consistency, measuring 4 x 5 x 4.5 cm and partially ulcerated on the surface. The patient underwent complementary blood tests, serum biochemistry and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), the results of which were inconclusive. He was then referred for surgery to perform a nodulectomy. Fragments of the neoformation were submitted to histopathological analysis, revealing a diagnosis of benign trichoepithelioma. After recovery from anaesthesia and stability of the surgical condition, the patient was discharged. The choice of surgical technique used in this case, called nodulectomy, has so far proved to be effective, minimising the risks of complications arising from the neoplasm.