Cytological diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma stage IVb characterized by a uniform population of lymphoblasts

A 10-year-old female Doberman weighing 31.5 kg was presented to the Prof. Soeparwi Veterinary Teaching Hospital with complaints of ocular discharge and lethargy. Clinical examination revealed signs of dehydration, including a capillary refill time exceeding 2 seconds and pale mucous membranes. Hematological analysis indicated persistent non-regenerative anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of SGOT, amylase, and creatine kinase. Subsequent examination revealed abdominal distension and peripheral lymphadenopathy. Abdominal ultrasonography and radiography confirmed splenomegaly and multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Based on these findings, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed on the axillary, popliteal, and abdominal lymph nodes, followed by cytological evaluation using Diff-Quick staining. Cytological examination revealed a monomorphic population of lymphoblasts with a diffuse chromatin pattern, which suggest a diagnosis of lymphoma. Considering the clinical presentation and diagnostic laboratory findings, the case was diagnosed as multicentric lymphoma, stage IVb. The prognosis was considered infaust. Palliative treatment with prednisone (2 mg/kg BW) was initiated; however, the patient's condition progressively deteriorated, and euthanasia was decided on day 14 post-diagnosis. This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, precise staging, and comprehensive client communication in the effective management of canine lymphoma. Chemotherapeutic intervention remains the most efficacious therapeutic strategy and should be strongly considered as the primary treatment modality for lymphoma.