Expanding access to cancer care: 10% fluorescein sodium is a practical, low-cost method for intraoperative sentinel lymph node mapping in dogs.

Fluorescein sodium is a safe, low-cost alternative for intraoperative SLN mapping in dogs.

This preliminary study evaluated the feasibility and safety of 10% fluorescein sodium as an intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping agent in six client-owned dogs with cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors. Dogs received peritumoral injections of fluorescein sodium diluted 1:120 with sterile saline, with visualization achieved using blue and black light sources. Lymphatic tracts were successfully visualized in 83% of cases, while SLNs were identified in all dogs (100%). Fluorescent uptake was complete in 67% of SLNs and partial in 33%. Mean time to visualization was 6.7 minutes for lymphatic tracts and 8.0 minutes for SLNs. No adverse events were reported. Histopathology revealed metastatic mast cell disease in 67% of SLNs and reactive changes in 33%. The authors conclude that fluorescein sodium represents a safe, cost-effective, and accessible alternative to conventional SLN mapping agents, with potential to facilitate broader adoption of this staging technique in general veterinary oncology practice.

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