Definition:
Canine transmissible venereal tumor, simply called CTVT and TVT (for transmissible venereal tumor), is a tumor of dogs, affecting the external genitalia. Also known as infectious sarcoma and “sticker tumor”, this disease is transmitted from one animal to the next during copulation.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made by biopsy.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy and surgery is used in treating CTVT. However, surgery could lead to recurrence and is not recommended due to the tumor location. If chemotherapy and surgery did not work, radiation therapy may be necessary.
Symptoms and Signs:
The tumor affects the penis of male dogs and the vagina on females. Some dogs suffer from tumors on the mouth or nose. Signs of genital CTVT include a discharge, urethra blockage and urinary retention. Symptoms of nasal CTVT include nosebleeds, facing swelling, oronasal fistulae, nasal discharge and enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes.
Causes:
CTVT is transmitted through sexual contacts, but could possibly be passed on as licks, sniffs and bites on the tumor-affected areas. It is common in sexually active dogs in tropical and subtropical climates.
