LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN A

GOLDEN RETRIEVER DOG A CASE

REPORT

Sudha Rani Chowdary. CH*, K. Rajesh, M. Raghunath

and K. Sai Krishna

Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex,

NTR college of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram,
Andhra Pradesh.
Introduction
Leukemia is the presence of malignant cells of
hemolymphatic origin in the blood and bone
marrow.

In general, leukemia in animals is clinically recognized

in later stages, once there is extensive marrow
involvement by tumor cells, when the consequences
of cytopenias require veterinary assistance.
(Jacobs et al., 2002 )
 Anamnesis:

Species: Dog

Age: 7 years

Breed: Golden retriever

Sex: Male
 History / Clinical signs
Fever since 10 days
Anorexia
Exercise intolerance
Edema of hind limbs
Edema of scrotum
Tachycardia
Pale mucus membranes
Recumbent since previous day
 Diagnostic Imaging
Radiography and ultrasonography of the
thorax and abdomen revealed mild

Cardiomegaly
Spleenomegaly
Hepatomegaly
 Hematology
S.No. Parameter Result Normal value Remarks

1 Hb (g%) 2 12-18

2 PCV (%) 6 37-55 Severe anaemia

3 TEC (x 106/cmm) 0.8 5.5-9.5

4 TLC (x 103/cmm) 192 6-17 Severe

leukocytosis
5 DLC (%)

Neutrophils,Eosinophils, 0 N: 60-77
Monocytes, Basophils E: 2-10
M: 3-10 Severe
B: Rare lymphocytosis,
Lymphocytes 100 L: 12-30 neutropenia,
eosinopenia
 Serum Biochemistry
S.No. Parameter Result Normal Remarks
value
1 BUN (mg/dl) 81.25 8-28 Elevated

2 Creatinine (mg/dl) 1.7 0.5-1.7 Within normal range

3 SGPT (U/l) 32 10-109 Within normal range

4 SGOT (U/l) 13.08 13-15 Within normal range

5 Total protein (g/dl) 3.6 5.4-7.5 Hypoproteinemia

6 Albumin (g/dl) 1.2 2.3-3.1 Hypoalbuminemia

7 Alkaline Phosphatase (U/l) 325.24 1-114 Elevated

8 Calcium (mg/dl) 11 9.1-11.7 Within normal range

 No evidence of blood parasites.

All the peripheral lymphnodes were normal in

size.

Aspirate of popliteal LN revealed large number

of lymphocytes, few lymphoblasts and plasma
cells. There was no evidence of abnormal
nuclear changes.
 Cytology Blood Smear
Photomicrograph: Blood smear showing large number of
lymphocytes with moderate degree of pleiomorphism, irregular
shaped nuclei with densely clumped chromatin and prominent
nucleoli (Prolymphocytes). There is almost complete absence of RBCs,
platelets and other leukocytes.
Leishmans stain, 1000X
 Cytology Buffy coat
Photomicrograph: Smear of buffy coat showing large number of
lymphocytes with prominent nucleoli (arrow). There is complete
absence of other leukocytes.
Wrights stain, 1000X
 Diagnosis
Based on the history, clinical, hematological and
cytological findings, the case is diagnosed as
lymphocytic leukemia.

Further, it is classified under acute lymphocytic

leukemia (ALL) which is attributed by the acute clinical
signs since 10 days, presence of pleiomorphic
lymphocytes with heterogenous chromatin pattern
and prominent nucleoli (prolymphocytes/
lymphoblasts).
Differential Diagnosis

Lymphoma:
characterized by severe lymphadenopathy and It is associated
with hypercalcemia.

A pronounced lymphocytosis on the complete blood count is

most consistent with CLL or ALL. This degree of lymphocytosis is
occasionally seen in dogs with stage V lymphoma with circulating
neoplastic cells.

Lymphocytic leukemia patients usually have mild or no

lymphnode enlargement .
 Ehrlichiosis:

Persistent mature lymphocytosis with less than

30,000 cells/L. is common.