Prognostic value of argyrophilic nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORs) in canine malignant mammary gland tumours

Canine malignant mammary gland tumours from 71 dogs were used to determine the prognostic value of argyrophilic nucleolar organiser regions (AgNORs) count. Staging of malignant tumours was done based on histologic invasiveness. AgNOR counts of malignant mammary gland tumours ranged from 2.53 - 5.9. During post surgical follow up for one year, 41 dogs were still alive, while 21 dogs had died as a consequence of malignancy, while remaining nine dogs showed recurrence of tumour. A statistically significant difference in the AgNOR counts was found between alive and dead dogs. The present study indicated that the AgNOR count has prognostic value in canine mammary gland tumours.