%0 Journal Article
%T Epidemiology and Origin of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumours Diagnosed in the UK: Evidence of Rising Import-Associated Cases
%A Matej Horvat
%A Petra Zoric
%J International Journal of Veterinary Research and Allied Sciences
%@ 3062-357X
%D 2024
%V 4
%N 2
%R 10.51847/39ibnE1pOo
%P 183-192
%X Canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a neoplasm that spreads between dogs through direct physical contact, most often involving the reproductive tract. Lesions usually develop on genital surfaces. TVT is not regarded as endemic in the United Kingdom (UK), and cases are typically linked to imported animals. This study aimed to characterise affected patients, describe temporal and geographic patterns, and document countries of origin for dogs identified with TVT in the UK. Electronic pathology records (EPRs) from four UK veterinary diagnostic services spanning 2010–2019 were queried using the keywords “venereal” or “TVT.” Each positive record was reviewed for confirmation of TVT, and descriptive summaries were produced. Results: Of 182 EPRs containing the selected search terms, 71 were confirmed as TVT. Country of origin was recorded in 36 dogs (50.7%), with Romania representing the most frequent source (n = 29). Cases were noted in all constituent UK nations, with England accounting for most reports (64, 90.1%). The rate of diagnosed TVT increased over the study period (z = 2.78, p = 0.005). The number of TVT diagnoses within the UK is rising, with most known cases involving imported dogs. Because of the study design, local transmission cannot be fully ruled out. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to examine the genital area of dogs entering the UK from regions where TVT is endemic.
%U https://esvpub.com/article/epidemiology-and-origin-of-canine-transmissible-venereal-tumours-diagnosed-in-the-uk-evidence-of-ri-gjm2hycskowjc2w