Multiple myeloma in a dog with biclonal gammopathy

Abstract

Multiple myeloma is an uncommon malignant neoplastic disease in humans and domestic animals associated with the excessive production of immunoglobulins by proliferated plasma cells. In this article, the findings associated with this disease in an eleven-year-old castrated beagle are described. Clinically, the dog had a reduced appetite, periodic vomiting, apathy and muscular tremors. Laboratory examinations revealed biclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, hypercalcemia, leucopenia, anemia, increased kidney and liver parameters and hyperproteinemia. Multiple myeloma was diagnosed by cytology from a fine-needle-bone-marrow aspirate. Treatment was initially successful, but relapse occurred. The dog was euthanized about ten weeks after diagnosis.