Prognosis following surgical excision of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors with histopathologically tumor-free versus nontumor-free margins: a retrospective study of 31 cases

The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence of histopathologically tumor-free versus nontumor-free margins was prognostic for relapse or tumor-related death in dogs following surgical excision of single or multiple cutaneous mast cell tumors confined to the skin without evidence of metastasis to lymph nodes or other noncutaneous sites. Differences in tumor-related death or frequency of relapse between the two groups were not significant. Failure to achieve histopathological tumor-free margins frequently did not lead to local relapse. All tumor-related deaths occurred following local relapse. The lack of statistical support for an association between prognosis and histopathological tumor-free versus nontumor-free margins may be a result of small sample size.

Prognostic factors for mortality and thromboembolism in canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: a retrospective study of 72 dogs

Medical records of 72 dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) were reviewed to find risk factors for the disease, for mortality, and for thromboembolism. Coagulation data of 32 patients were evaluated for mortality or thromboembolism risk factors. Cocker Spaniels were at increased risk for IMHA (P = .012). Timing of vaccination was not associated with development of IMHA. PCV ranged from 5 to 33%, with a mean of 16 +/- 5%. Autoagglutination was present in 42% of the dogs. Platelet counts (n = 60) varied from 3,000 to 793,000/microL (mean, 160,117 +/- 133,571; median, 144,000). Thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <200,000/microL) was present in 70% of the dogs, with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count, <50,000/microL) being present in 22%. One-step prothrombin time (OSPT) was prolonged in 28% of the dogs tested, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was prolonged in 47% of the dogs tested. Fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs) were detected in 16 of 28 dogs tested (57%). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was diagnosed in 10 of 31 (32%) dogs and was suspected in 8 dogs. Thromboemboli were found in 20 of 25 dogs given postmortem examinations. Mortality rate was 58%. Thrombocytopenia (P = .008) and serum bilirubin concentration of >5 mg/dL (P = .015) were risk factors for mortality, and hypoalbuminemia approached significance (P = .053). Severe thrombocytopenia (P = .046), serum bilirubin concentration of >5 mg/dL (P = .038), and hypoalbuminemia (P = .016) were risk factors for thromboembolism. On evaluation of continuous data, decreased platelet count (P = .057), increased bilirubin (P = .062), and decreased albumin (P = .054) approached significance for decreased survival. A higher risk for thrombosis was found with increased alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) (P = .042), increased bilirubin (P = .047), and decreased albumin (P = .012).

Four fraction palliative radiotherapy for osteosarcoma in 24 dogs

Twenty-four dogs underwent palliative radiotherapy consisting of four 8 gray (Gy) fractions of 60Co radiation on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 at 26 sites for axial (n=11) or appendicular (n=15) osteosarcoma. Response was noted in 92% of sites treated. Seventeen dogs were euthanized due to local or metastatic disease, one dog died of metastatic disease, five dogs died of unrelated causes, and one dog is alive. The four fraction protocol is effective for palliation of clinical signs associated with axial or appendicular osteosarcoma and may result in a higher response rate and longer survival time than three fraction palliative protocols.

Dorsal laminectomy for caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy: postoperative recovery and long-term follow-up in 20 dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the postoperative morbidity and long-term outcome of dogs after dorsal laminectomy for caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Twenty dogs with CCSM.

METHODS

Medical records of dogs treated by dorsal laminectomy for CCSM at North Carolina State University and Colorado State University between 1989 and 1999 were reviewed. Information on signalment, onset, progression and duration of clinical signs, diagnostic testing, sites of dorsal laminectomy, postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, and the ambulatory status on discharge was recorded. A minimum follow-up of 7 months was required for inclusion in the study. Neurologic status was graded (0 to 5) preoperatively, 2 days after surgery, and at the time of the study (final score). Improvement or worsening of the neurologic status was assessed by comparison of different scores for each dog. Additional follow-up information was obtained by means of a detailed telephone questionnaire directed at both the owner and referring veterinarian.

RESULTS

Mean duration of clinical signs before surgery was 4.9 months. At admission, 15 dogs were ambulatory and 5 were nonambulatory. Neurologic status worsened in 70% of dogs 2 days after surgery but improved in all but 1 dog over the long term. Mean time to optimal recovery was 3.6 months. Long-term follow-up ranged from 7 months to 9 years (mean +/- SD, 3.2 +/- 2.4 years). Four dogs had confirmed recurrence; 2 other dogs may have had recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Dorsal cervical laminectomy is an effective treatment for CCSM in those dogs with dorsal compression or multiple sites of involvement.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although most dogs' neurologic status transiently worsened after surgery, long-term outcome and recurrence rates were comparable to those seen with other surgical techniques for CCSM.

A retrospective study on adverse reactions to canine vaccines in Japan

Adverse reactions to vaccines were examined in 311 canine cases reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Japan during the period of 6 years from April of 1994 to March of 2000, and classified according to their clinical symptoms. There were 27 cases of adverse reactions to rabies virus vaccines. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most frequently observed (26%), followed by respiratory and/or cardiovascular symptoms (22%) and dermatologic symptoms (11%). There were 284 cases of adverse reactions to non-rabies monovalent vaccines and mixed vaccines. Dermatologic symptoms were the most frequently observed (53%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (16%) and respiratory and/or cardiovascular symptoms (14%). Of the total 311 cases, 11 (3.5%) died of adverse reactions to vaccines.

Long-term outcome of 56 dogs with nasal tumours treated with four doses of radiation at intervals of seven days

A retrospective study was undertaken on 56 dogs treated for nasal tumours by megavoltage radiotherapy with a hypofractionated schedule consisting of four doses of 9 Gy given at intervals of seven days. The dogs were followed until they died or were euthanased. The clinical signs had improved in 53 of the 56 dogs by the end of the treatment schedule. Mild acute radiation side effects were observed in the majority of the dogs but late radiation side effects were rare. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a median survival time after the final dose of radiation of 212 days. The one- and two-year survival rates were 45 per cent and 15 per cent. Fifty of the dogs were euthanased because the initial clinical signs recurred.

Proliferation activity in oral and cutaneous canine melanocytic tumours: correlation with histological parameters, location, and clinical behaviour

A total of 62 canine melanocytic tumours (10 melanocytomas and 52 primary malignant melanomas) were investigated to compare the accuracy of prognosis provided by MIB-1 proliferation index (MIB-1-PI) with classical histological criteria and location. MIB-1-PI was assessed by means of quantitative image analysis of sections immunostained with MIB-1 monoclonal antibody. Tumour location, histological cell type, stromal or lymphatic vessel invasion, maximum tumour thickness, and presence of inflammation or necrosis were recorded for each case. Thirty-eight dogs were submitted to a 1-year follow-up and the clinical outcome of the disease determined. MIB-1-PI in melanocytomas differed significantly from that detected in primary malignant melanomas (P=0.0001). A significant difference in MIB-1-PI was revealed between oral and cutaneous malignant melanomas (P=0.015), and between presence and absence of lymphatic vessel invasion (P=0.05). MIB-1-PI was not correlated with the other parameters. In univariate analysis, only tumour location (oral vs cutaneous), presence of lymphatic vessel invasion, and MIB-1-PI were associated with decreased overall survival (P=0.0001,P=0.0144, and P=0.0489, respectively). In conclusion, the results of our study confirm that the assessment of the MIB-1-PI may be of additional prognostic value for dogs with primary malignant melanomas.

STEALTH liposome-encapsulated cisplatin (SPI-77) versus carboplatin as adjuvant therapy for spontaneously arising osteosarcoma (OSA) in the dog: a randomized multicenter clinical trial

PURPOSE

This trial was designed to compare the efficacy of adjuvant STEALH liposome-encapsulated cisplatin (SPI-77) to "standard-of-care" carboplatin therapy in dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) in the context of a randomized study design.

METHODS

The study included 40 pet dogs with spontaneously arising OSA which were randomized to receive SPI-77 (350 mg/m(2) i.v. every 3 weeks for four treatments) or carboplatin (300 mg/m(2) i.v. every 3 weeks for four treatments) along with amputation of the affected limb. Median disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared using standard life-table analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 693 days (range 321-730 days). Of 38 dogs eligible for follow-up, 25 were dead of their disease, 9 were alive and disease-free (8 receiving SPI-77, 1 receiving carboplatin; P=0.02), 2 were free of disease when they were lost to follow-up at 321 and 395 days, and 2 had died of an unrelated disease. The median DFS times for dogs treated with SPI-77 and carboplatin were 156 and 123 days, respectively ( P=0.19). The median OS times for dogs treated with SPI-77 and carboplatin were 333 and 207 days, respectively ( P=0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

While STEALTH liposome encapsulation of cisplatin allowed the safe administration of five times the maximally tolerated dose of free cisplatin to dogs without concurrent hydration protocols, this did not translate into significantly prolonged DFS or OS. However, a larger proportion of dogs receiving SPI-77 enjoyed long-term DFS when compared with dogs receiving carboplatin.

Plasma amino acid concentrations in 36 dogs with histologically confirmed superficial necrolytic dermatitis

Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured in 36 dogs diagnosed with superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) via skin biopsy. The median age of the dogs was 10 years, and 27 out of 36 (75%) were male. Twenty-two out of 36 (61%) of the dogs were accounted for by six breeds; West Highland white terriers (six), Shetland sheepdogs (five), cocker spaniels (four), Scottish terriers (three), Lhasa apsos (two) and Border collies (two). The mean concentration (+/- standard deviation) was calculated for each measured plasma amino acid and compared to previously documented concentrations of plasma amino acids measured in dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. The ratio of branched chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids in the dogs with SND was 2.6, slightly lower than that in normal dogs. The mean plasma amino acid concentrations for dogs with SND were significantly lower than for dogs with acute and chronic hepatitis. A metabolic hepatopathy in which there is increased hepatic catabolism of amino acids is hypothesized to explain the hypoaminoacidaemia seen in SND.

Results of radiation therapy in 19 dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumor and regional lymph node metastasis

The records of 19 dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumor and regional lymph node metastasis (WHO Stage 2) were reviewed to determine the efficacy of radiation therapy in this population. Dogs with grade I (n = 1), grade II (n = 16), and grade III (n = 2) cutaneous mast cell tumor were included in this study. All dogs were treated with a combination of pre-irradiation surgical cytoreduction of the primary tumor, irradiation of the primary tumor and regional lymph node, and oral prednisone. Total radiation dose to the primary tumor and regional lymph node ranged from 48 to 57 Gray (Gy). The medial iliac and hypogastric lymph nodes were irradiated prophylactically in 11 dogs with primary tumor of the pelvic limb and positive ipsilateral popliteal lymph node. Total radiation dose to these lymph nodes ranged from 48 to 57 Gy. For all radiation fields, dose per fraction was 3 Gy, and therapy was administered on a Monday through Friday schedule. Acute and late radiation side effects observed in this study were considered acceptable. The median disease-free survival was 1,240 days (95% confidence interval 256 to 2,391 days). The disease-free survival in dogs with stage 2 mast cell tumor suggests that the combination of surgery, irradiation, and prednisone for the primary tumor along with irradiation of the positive lymph node is effective.

Canine synovial sarcoma: a retrospective assessment of described prognostic criteria in 16 cases (1994-1999)

Pertinent patient data and biopsied tissue from 16 cases of canine synovial sarcoma (SS) were reviewed. Histopathological grade, clinical stage, and tissue immunoreactivity to cytokeratin (broad stain, AE1/AE3 and cytokeratin 7) and vimentin were determined and correlated with survival. Effect of treatment on survival was similarly evaluated. Neither clinical stage nor histopathological grade significantly affected survival patterns. Tissues from all cases stained >30% positively with vimentin, whereas no tissue from any case exhibited cytokeratin immunoreactivity. Dogs receiving surgical tumor excision or amputation had a significantly higher survivability than those receiving no treatment (P<0.02). Treatment aggressiveness may be more appropriate than clinical staging or tumor grading in predicting survival. Reliability of diagnosing and prognosticating canine SS with current immunohistochemistry protocols should be questioned.

Retrospective evaluation of partial parenteral nutrition in dogs and cats

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in dogs and cats. The medical records of all dogs and cats receiving PPN between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed to determine signalment, reasons for use of PPN, duration of PPN administration, duration of hospitalization, complications, and mortality. Complications were classified as metabolic, mechanical, or septic. One hundred twenty-seven animals (80 dogs and 47 cats) were included in the study, accounting for 443 patient days of PPN. The most common underlying diseases were pancreatitis (n = 41), gastrointestinal disease (n = 33), and hepatic disease (n = 23). Median time of hospitalization before initiation of PPN was 2.8 days (range, 0.2-10.7 days). Median duration of PPN administration was 3.0 days (range, 0.3-8.8 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (range, 2-20 days). In the 127 animals receiving PPN, 72 complications occurred. These included metabolic (n = 43), mechanical (n = 25), and septic (n = 4) complications. The most common metabolic complication was hyperglycemia (n = 19), followed by lipemia (n = 17) and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 6). Most complications were mild and did not require discontinuation of PPN. Ninety-three (73.2%) of the 127 patients were discharged. All 4 animals with septic complications were discharged from the hospital. The presence, type, and number of complications did not impact the duration of hospitalization or outcome. However, animals that received supplemental enteral nutrition survived more often than those receiving PPN exclusively. Although PPN seems to be a relatively safe method of providing nutritional support, future studies are warranted to determine its efficacy.

[Use of human intravenous immunoglobulin in dogs with primary immune mediated hemolytic anemia]

Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs is a severe disease with a high mortality rate. As human immunoglobulin (HIG) was reported to be beneficial for the treatment of IMHA in dogs we examined the influence of HIG on the course of the disease in our dogs with IMHA. Of 22 dogs with primary IMHA 9 dogs received in addition to routine immunosuppressive therapy HIG at a dose of 0.19 to 0.68 g/kg (median 0.35 g/kg), 13 dogs did not receive HIG (-HIG group). Both groups were similar in terms of age, weight, the presence of autoagglutination, spherocytosis, positive Coombs' test, icterus and pigmenturia. The lowest hematocrit measured during the disease was significantly lower in the +HIG group compared to the -HIG group and dogs in the +HIG group received significantly more transfusions than those of the -HIG group. This is an indication for more severe disease signs of the +HIG group dogs. Although mortality during hospitalization and the time from hospital admission to release or death was not significantly different between the two groups, we interpret this similar course of the IMHA despite more severe signs of the +HIG group dogs as a potential positive effect of the HIG therapy.

Primary thoracic wall tumours of mesenchymal origin in dogs: a retrospective study of 46 cases

Forty-three of the chest wall tumours in 46 dogs were malignant; five had metastases apparent at the time of presentation, five more had metastases discovered intraoperatively. Surgical resection of the tumours was associated with a significantly better outcome than conservative management. The median survival times after surgery for dogs with osteosarcoma was 17 weeks, for dogs with fibrosarcoma it was 26 weeks and for dogs with chondrosarcoma it was 250 weeks. En bloc excision of primary tumours affecting the chest wall was associated with minimal morbidity, but long-term survival was limited by distant metastases, primarily to the lungs. The tumours recurred in only three dogs. Early, radical surgical excision is recommended in the management of tumours of the chest wall. The prognosis depends on the histologic type of tumour and a histological diagnosis is mandatory before excision.

Prognostic significance of a new histologic grading system for canine osteosarcoma

Histologic grade is an important determinant in clinical outcome of human osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, the histologic characteristics of primary and metastatic canine OS were evaluated using a new classification system. Histologic characteristics were classified in 166 primary and 34 metastatic canine OS. Prognostic variables for clinical outcome were determined using multivariate analysis. Most OS were histologically characterized by severe to extreme cellular pleomorphism, a variable number of mitoses, small to moderate amounts of matrix, a high percentage of tumor cells, and minimal to moderate amounts of necrosis. Tumor invasion into vessels was present in 117/152 (71%) tumors, and 12/50 (24%) of the regional lymph nodes had evidence of metastasis. Classification of the 166 tumors resulted in seven (4%) grade 1, 34 (21%) grade II, and 125 (75%) grade III OS. In the multivariate analysis, histologic grade III OS and elevated pretreatment plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels were independent predictors of clinical outcome. Dogs with high-grade tumors and elevated AP should be carefully evaluated for the presence of metastatic disease before starting adjunctive therapy protocols.

Pituitary ACTH and adrenocortical secretion in critically ill dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pituitary-adrenal function in a population of critically ill dogs by measuring serial plasma concentrations of basal cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

ANIMALS

20 critically ill dogs admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).

PROCEDURE

Basal plasma cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH concentrations were measured for each dog within 24 hours of admission and daily until death, euthanasia, or discharge from the ICU. Established reference ranges for healthy dogs were used for comparison. Survival prediction index (SPI) scores were calculated for each dog within 24 hours of admission.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between initial concentrations of basal cortisol, ACTH-stimulated cortisol, and endogenous ACTH in 13 dogs that survived and those in 7 dogs that died. High initial basal endogenous ACTH concentrations were correlated with subsequent high values. Low basal ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations were predictive of higher subsequent values. All basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations were within or above the reference range in the 52 plasma samples collected from the 20 dogs during hospitalization. The SPI scores correlated with outcome (ie, alive or dead), but none of the plasma hormone concentrations correlated with SPI score or outcome.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicate that none of the critically ill dogs in our study population developed adrenal insufficiency during hospitalization in the ICU.

Open peritoneal drainage versus primary closure for the treatment of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 42 cases (1993-1999)

OBJECTIVE

To determine survival rates in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated with open peritoneal drainage (OPD) versus primary closure (PC) after laparotomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of medical records from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 1999.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Thirty-six dogs and 6 cats with septic peritonitis documented by cytological examination or microbiological culture of abdominal fluid.

METHODS

Medical records of dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated by OPD or PC were reviewed. Age, weight, species, white blood cell (WBC) count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose concentration, heart rate, body temperature, duration of hospitalization, and clinical outcome were recorded for each animal. Differences in treatments administered between the OPD and PC groups as well as the underlying cause of septic peritonitis were determined.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in survival between animals in the OPD versus PC groups (P =.26) with an overall survival rate of 71%. White blood cell count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose and total bilirubin concentrations, heart rate, age, and weight were not significantly different between groups (P >.05). A significantly greater number of animals in the OPD group received plasma (P =.009), blood (P =.037), and a jejunostomy tube (P =.02) than animals in the PC group. There was a significant difference in the number of days spent in critical care unit with a mean of 6.0 +/- 4.1 days for the OPD group and 3.5 +/- 2.3 days for the PC group (P =.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Open peritoneal drainage for the management of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats is an acceptable alternative to PC.

Spontaneous gastroduodenal perforation in 16 dogs and seven cats (1982-1999)

The records of 23 dogs and cats diagnosed with spontaneous gastroduodenal perforation (GDP) were retrospectively reviewed. Survival was 63% in dogs and 14% in cats. Rottweilers <5 years of age were overrepresented. Clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was common in dogs but not in cats. Shock was an uncommon presenting condition in dogs and was not closely linked to outcome. In fact, progression of an ulcerating lesion to GDP was not associated with marked changes in symptoms exhibited by many patients in this study. Most GDPs were associated with histopathological evidence of subacute or chronic peritoneal reaction at the time of diagnosis. This suggests that diagnostic methods employed lacked sensitivity in identifying early perforating lesions, and that dramatic signs of acute abdomen following gastroduodenal perforation may not be as common as was previously thought.

Prognostic value of histologic stage and proliferative activity in canine malignant mammary tumors

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the histologic invasiveness (histologic stage) and various cell proliferation activity assays (quantity of argyrophil proteins associated with nucleolar organizer regions [AgNORs], mitotic activity, MIB1 [Ki67] immunohistochemical detection) for predicting the biologic behavior of malignant canine mammary tumors. Sixty specimens from malignant canine mammary tumors with no distant metastases (M0) at surgery were selected, and follow-up data were collected over a 2-year period. The histologic invasiveness was graded by histologic stage (stage 0 = tumors without stromal invasion; stage I = tumors with stromal invasion; stage II = tumors with neoplastic emboli in vessels), and the proliferative indices were expressed as MIB1 index (the percentage of nuclear area immunohistochemically stained by MIB1 antibody), mitotic index (the number of mitoses per 1,000 neoplastic cells), and AgNOR index (the ratio between mean AgNOR area of tumor cells and the mean AgNOR area of fibroblasts/lymphocytes). The measures of proliferative activity were compared among groups with different histologic stages, and the influence of different prognostic variables (histologic stage, AgNOR index, mitotic index, MIB1 index) on survival time was evaluated. A significant difference in the proliferation patterns was recorded between the different histologic stages for the mitotic index (P = 0.0006) and MIB1 index (0.0013). Among the different parameters considered, histologic stage (P < 0.05), AgNOR index (P = 0.0291), and MIB1 index (P = 0.014) revealed a significant association with prognosis in univariate analysis. AgNOR index for 1-year survival and histologic stage for 2-year survival were the most significant parameters influencing survival, as determined by multiple nonlinear logistic regression.

Cardiac troponins in canine babesiosis

This study compared the sensitivity of ECG and cardiac troponins to predict cardiac histopathological changes, clinical severity, and survival in canine babesiosis. One control group (n = 9) and 4 groups of dogs with mild uncomplicated babesiosis (n = 8), severe uncomplicated babesiosis (n = 9), complicated babesiosis (n = 8), and babesiosis and concurrent immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) (n = 9) were studied. A 1-minute lead II ECG was recorded, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) concentrations in plasma were measured. cTnI concentrations were significantly higher in the complicated (mean, 9.9; SE, +/-5.76) and concurrent IMHA (mean, 6.53; SE, +/-4.32) groups and in the 3 dogs that died of the disease (mean, 22.17; SE, +/-12.85) than in the control dogs (concentration below detection limit of test, -0.3 ng/mL). The 3 nonsurvivors had the most severe cardiac histopathological changes, but no arrhythmia and minimal other ECG changes. Dogs with babesiosis developed a variety of ECG abnormalities, but the abnormalities were not associated with disease severity, outcome, or plasma cardiac troponin concentrations. The exception was the presence of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), which were associated with high cardiac troponin concentrations. This study showed an association between cTnI concentration and histological changes, clinical severity, and survival and no correlation between ECG abnormalities and histological changes or biochemical evidence of myocardial damage as reflected by cTnI concentrations. From this study, it was concluded that the analysis of plasma cTnI is a feasible and sensitive test and is superior to cTnT in diagnosing cardiac involvement in dogs with babesiosis.

Analysis of factors affecting survival in dogs with aortic body tumors

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of perioperative and operative variables on survival time in dogs with aortic body tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Twenty-four client-owned dogs with histologically confirmed aortic body tumor.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patient records of dogs seen at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 1989 and 1999 with a diagnosis of a heart-base mass were reviewed. Dogs without histologic conformation of an aortic body tumor were excluded. Age; sex; breed; the presence of pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or abdominal effusion; evidence of cardiac arrhythmias; evidence of distant metastasis; treatment with pericardectomy; treatment with chemotherapy; and time from diagnosis until euthanasia or death were recorded on a spreadsheet. Cox proportional-hazard ratios were used to calculate the relationship of risk variables to survival time. Median survival time was determined using life-table analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four dogs met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The median age of dogs with aortic body tumors was 9 years. All dogs had a surgical biopsy performed. Fourteen dogs had a pericardectomy at the time of the biopsy procedure. Of all factors analyzed, only treatment with pericardectomy had a significant influence on survival (P =.0029). Dogs that had pericardectomy survived longer (median survival, 730 days; range, 1-1,621 days) compared with dogs that did not have pericardectomy (median survival, 42 days; range, 1-180 days). This finding was independent of the presence or absence of pericardial effusion at the time of surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dogs that are diagnosed with aortic body tumors may benefit from a pericardectomy at the time of surgical biopsy.

Recurrence rates and sites for grade II canine cutaneous mast cell tumors following complete surgical excision

A retrospective study was performed on 31 dogs with completely excised, grade II, cutaneous mast cell tumors in order to determine recurrence rates and sites. Distant tumor recurrence developed in 22% of dogs, and local tumor recurrence developed in 11% of dogs; however, the vast majority of these animals were incompletely staged initially. Complete surgical excision of grade II mast cell tumors was associated with effective local control in 89% of these dogs. Therefore, adjuvant radiation therapy might not be indicated in the majority of dogs with complete surgical excision.

Canine anal sac adenocarcinomas: clinical presentation and response to therapy

A retrospective study of 43 dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC) was performed to characterize the clinical presentation and response to treatment. Clinical signs at presentation varied considerably, with signs related either to sublumbar nodal metastasis (tenesmus or constipation) or hypercalcemia (polyuria-polydipsia and anorexia) being the most frequent findings. At the time of presentation, 23 (53%) dogs had hypercalcemia and 34 (79%) had metastases, with the regional lymph nodes (31 dogs, 72%) being the most common site of metastasis. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents were administered, with partial remission (PR) recorded in 4 of 13 (31%) dogs treated with cisplatin and in 1 of 3 (33%) dogs treated with carboplatin. The median survival for all dogs was 6 months (range, 2 days-41 months). There was no statistical association between the presence of hypercalcemia and survival, although the power of the study to detect an increase in survival of 3 months was low (.33). We conclude that platinum chemotherapy has antitumor activity in canine apocrine gland carcinoma and that further study of these agents is warranted.