Changes in Hematological Parameters Associated with Vaginal Hyperplasia and Vaginal Tumors in Bitches

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in clinical, hematological and histopathological parameters of the bitches with vaginal hyperplasia (VH), vaginal tumors (VT) and healthy reproductive tract (H), respectively. The study groups formed as; group VH (n=9), group VT (n=10) and group H (n=13). All bitches were examined clinically (vaginal cytology, vaginoscopy), hematologically and histopatologically. The bitches in group H were in anestrus and the bitches in group VH and group VT were in oestrus. Reduced levels of RBC, HGB, HCT and increase in WBC were detected in group VT. The averages of HGB level in group VH was tended to be lower than group H (P=0.05) while the averages of HCT level in group VH was significantly lower than to group H. The averages of RBC, HGB, HCT and WBC were not significantly associated with the degree of vaginal fold prolapse (VFP) (P>0.05) while the averages of PLT and PCT in bitches with type 2 VH were tended to be higher than type 3 VH (P=0.07). The histopathological examination of the vaginal masses in group VH revealed thickening of squamous epithelium and significantly loose and edematous connective tissue in the lamina propria. Histological diagnosis of the tumors in group VT were fibroma (n=4), leiomyoma (n=3), peripheral nerve sheath tumor (n=1), transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) (n=1) and leiomyosarcoma (n=1). In conclusion, hematological changes in bitches with vaginal mass were evaluated and mild anemia and leukocytosis were determined in bitches with VH and VT. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the detection of mild anemia in bitches with VH and the differences in PLT and PCT related to the degree of VFP.