Cytochemical detection of calcium in a case of calcinosis circumscripta in a dog

Vet Clin Pathol. 2006 Jun;35(2):239-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2006.tb00122.x.

Abstract

A 9-month-old intact female Serra-da-Estrela dog (giant Portuguese breed) was presented with a 2-month history of lingual lesions. Two hard, nodular, nonpainful lesions were observed on the lateral border of the tongue. Fine-needle aspiration yielded a chalky white material. Hemacolor-stained smears showed an amorphous granular basophilic background with crystal-like structures and granulomatous inflammation consisting of foamy macrophages and giant cells. Cytochemical staining with von Kossa and Alizarin red S confirmed the calcareous nature of the material. The cytologic diagnosis was lingual calcinosis circumscripta; this was later confirmed by histopathologic examination. To our knowledge, this case is the first to document the use of von Kossa and Alizarin red S on cytologic smears to obtain a definitive diagnosis of lingual calcinosis circumscripta.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Calcinosis / veterinary*
  • Calcium / analysis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Histocytochemistry / veterinary
  • Tongue Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tongue Diseases / pathology
  • Tongue Diseases / veterinary*

Substances

  • Calcium