Nodular Dermatofibrosis in a Dog without a Renal Tumour or a Mutation in the Folliculin Gene

Canine nodular dermatofibrosis is a rare skin disease associated with renal cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma and uncommonly with uterine leiomyoma. It is generally seen in German shepherd dogs, but has been also reported in other breeds, and a relationship has been suggested with mutation of the gene encoding folliculin (FLCN), which is located on chromosome 5. A 10-year-old female golden retriever was presented because of numerous firm cutaneous nodules up to 4 cm in diameter over the entire body surface. Cytological and histopathological examinations confirmed generalized cutaneous nodular dermatofibrosis, but ultrasonography of both kidneys ruled out renal neoplasia. Ovariohysterectomy was performed because of prolonged oestrus periods. Microscopical examination of the excised tissues confirmed the absence of uterine neoplasia, but identified rete adenoma of the right ovary. Abdominal ultrasound performed repeatedly over a 5-year follow-up period did not identify any alteration in the renal parenchyma. Molecular studies excluded the presence of any mutation in the FLCN gene. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.