Ultrastructural characteristics of cytoplasmic structures may have aided in differentiation of leukemias of monocytic, myelocytic, or myelomonocytic origin. In domestic animals, monocytic leukemia is extremely rare. This myeloproliferative disorder tends to invade the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes and sometimes liver with rare metastasis to kidneys, heart and lungs. 22 Affected individuals usually have a non-regenerative anemia and fever due to a marked leukocytosis. Death is usually due to secondary infection or hemorrhage.
Most cases have a poor prognosis with a quick entry into a terminal blast crisis.
11,15 Surgical excision of cutaneous masses and supportive care appear to be the most common treatment modality discussed in the literature. Some treatment modalities routinely used in human and domestic animals were discussed in the literature for use in reptiles. These treatment options included radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. With evidence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, supportive care was elected. Alleman, A.R., Jacobson, E.R., and Raskin, R.E. 1992.