Warburg Effect and Tumour-Associated Hyperlactatemia in a Non-Descript Dog

Abstract

An eight-year-old male non-descriptive dog was presented to Madras Veterinary College Hospital, Chennai, with a history of severe respiratory distress and open-mouth breathing. Clinical examination revealed hyperthermia, SpO₂ 98%, tachypnea, and small multiple skin masses, and a large ulcerated mass on the left medial thigh region. Haematological evaluation showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia, while biochemical parameters were within reference limits. Radiography revealed normal lung parenchyma with no effusions. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed a normal pH with reduced bicarbonate concentration, decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and markedly elevated lactate levels, indicating metabolic acidosis with a compensatory respiratory component.. Fine needle aspiration cytology was collected from the small skin masses and from the left thigh mass which revealed a mast cell tumour and fibrosarcoma, respectively. The dog was stabilized with fluid therapy, antipyretics, antibiotics and supportive medications.