J Vet Sci.  2018 Nov;19(6):725-734. 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.6.725.

Histological classification of canine ovarian cyst types with reference to medical history

• Knauf Y
• Köhler K
• Knauf S
• Wehrend A

• KMID: 2427020
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2018.19.6.725

Abstract

Ovaries of 21 bitches presented with gynecopathies were surgically removed and histologically examined. Standard histological, as well as immunohistochemical, classification of 193 cystic structures resulted in the classification of 72 cysts of subsurface epithelial structures (SES), 61 follicular cysts (FCs), 38 cystic rete ovarii (CRO), 13 lutein cysts (LCs), and 9 non-classifiable cysts (NCCs). In addition to the histological classification, results were interpreted according to subject medical history, clinical examination outcome, and macroscopic observations during ovariohysterectomy. Dogs with ovarian cysts (OCs) and associated reproductive perturbations were mostly nulliparous, of large breed, and had an average of 9.5 ± 3 years. Prolonged or shortened inter-estrus intervals of past heats, however, seemed to be relatively low-risk factors for the development of OCs in dogs. Furthermore, we provide histological observations of a rarely seen canine LC including a degenerated oocyte in the central cavity.

Keyword

dogs; histology; immunohistochemistry; medical history taking; ovarian cysts

MeSH Terms

Animals
Classification*
Dogs
Female
Follicular Cyst
Hot Temperature
Immunohistochemistry
Lutein
Medical History Taking
Oocytes
Ovarian Cysts*
Ovary
Lutein

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Histological classification of canine ovarian cysts. (A) Cysts of subsurface epithelial structure (SES): Oval structures located in the ovarian cortex surrounded by smooth muscle. (B) Cyst of SES: Lined by low epithelium without a basement membrane. (C) Follicular cyst (FC): Lined by granulosa cells with a “picket fence” appearance and persistence of recognizable theca interna with blood vessels. (D) FC: Lined by granulosa cells with a “picket fence” appearance and variably sized plaques of luteinized tissue as cystic content. (E) Cystic rete ovarii (CRO): Lined by a single cuboidal epithelium. (F) CRO: Lined by a single cuboidal ciliated epithelium. (G) Lutein cyst (LC): Lined by several layers of granulosa-lutein cells and a thin layer of fibrin on the luminal surface. Capsule of compressed ovarian stroma and vascular connective tissue. Central cavity contains residues of an oocyte (*). H&E stain (A–G). Scale bars = 100 µm (A, C, and E), 50 µm (B, D, and F), 300 µm (G).

• 

  Fig. 2 Histological and immunohistochemical classifications of canine ovarian cysts. (A) Cysts of subsurface epithelial structure (SES): smooth muscle cells surrounding the low epithelium cells that line the cyst (*). (B) Cyst of SES: Low epithelium cells show a strong positive reaction to cytokeratin. (C) Follicular cyst (FC): cavity of the cyst (†). Elastic fibers surrounding the granulosa cells with a picket-fence appearance that lines the cyst. (D) FC: Lined by granulosa cells, which show no reaction to cytokeratin compared to cysts of SES and cystic rete ovarii (CRO). (E) CRO: Lined by cuboidal epithelium cells and surrounded by elastic fibers. (F) CRO: Lining epithelium cells show a weak positive reaction to cytokeratin. (G) Non-classifiable cyst (NCC): Smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers surround the low epithelium cells that line the cyst. (H) NCC: Lining epithelium cells show a positive reaction to cytokeratin. Elastica van Gieson stain (A, C, E, and G). Mouse anti-cytokeratin antibody stain (B, D, F, and H). Scale bars = 100 µm (A–H).

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