Simultaneous Bilateral Mastectomy in the Dog

Current reports advise against attempting simultaneous bilateral mastectomy in the dog. However, total mastectomy may be the most logical treatment for all dogs with mammary tumors in view of newer evidence suggesting a multicentric origin for this disease. A surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral mastectomy was evaluated in 22 dogs with mammary tumors. The procedure was successfully performed in selected patients and healing occurred without serious complications. The technique, rationale, and recommendations for use of this procedure are presented.     

Bilateral Pinnal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog with Chronic Otitis Externa

Abstract— An aged dog with a chronic, bilateral, bacterial otitis externa developed bilateral squamous cell carcinomas of the pinna. The tumours were located where the pinna would cover the external auditory meatus and probably were induced by the chronic infection.
Résumé— Un chien agé souftrant d'otite externe bactérienne chronique bilatérale présenta un épithelioma spinocellulaire bilatéral des pavilions auriculaires. Les tumeurs étaient situées là où les pavilions auraient recourvert le méat auriculaire et furent sans doute provoqués par l'infection chronique.
Zusammenfassung— Ein alter Hund mit einer chronischen, bilateralen, bakteriell bedingten Otitis externa entwickelte Plattenepithelkarzinome en beiden Ohrmuscheln. Diese Tumore traten an der Pinna exakt an der Mündung des äußeren Gehörgangs auf, und sind möglicherweise durch die chronische Infektion induziert worden.
Resumen  Un perro de edad avanzada que presentaba una otitis externa bilateral bacteriana crónica desarrolló unos carcinomas de células escamosas bilaterales del pabellón auditivo. Los tumores estaban localizados en la entrada del meato auditivo y probablemente fueron inducidos por la infección crónica.     

Bilateral Iliopsoas Muscle Contracture and Spinous Process Impingement in a German Shepherd Dog

Objective— To report diagnosis and treatment of bilateral iliopsoas muscle contracture in a dog with spinous process impingement. Study design— Case report. Animals— German Shepherd dog. Methods— A dog with chronic progressive lameness, flexion contracture of the coxofemoral joints, severe pain, and decreased femoral reflexes had severe spondylosis bridging the vertebral bodies from L1 to L4 and enlarged dorsal spinous processes from T8 to L6 with impingement and bony proliferation. Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with fibrosis, mineralization, and atrophy of the iliopsoas muscles bilaterally which was treated by staged tenectomy of the insertions of the iliopsoas muscles. Results— Because of severe perivascular fibrosis, the femoral vessels required ligation. Bilateral iliopsoas muscle tenectomy improved gait and provided pain relief. Histologic findings were consistent with fibrotic myopathy. Conclusions— Slow progression of severe clinical signs observed bilaterally in this dog differs from previous reports of iliopsoas myopathy. Findings were similar to the fibrotic myopathy of the gracilis or semitendinosus muscles described in dogs. Clinical Relevance— Iliopsoas muscle abnormalities should be considered in dogs with limited hip extension and pain. MRI is useful for diagnosing muscle fibrosis. Iliopsoas tenectomy may improve clinical function in dogs with fibrotic myopathy.     

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in a Dog with Acute Bilateral Blindness and Primary Systemic Hypertension

A 6‐year‐old neutered female Jack Russell terrier was investigated for sudden onset prechiasmatic bilateral blindness, left circling, reduced proprioception in the right pelvic limb and right facial allodynia. Electroretinography was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed that the right optic nerve and the optic chiasm were hyperintense on diffusion weighted imaging and hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient map consistent with ischemic optic neuropathy. A concurrent lacunar infarct was detected in the left rostral colliculus. Primary systemic hypertension was diagnosed based on blood pressure measurement and no detectable abnormalities on hematology, comprehensive serum biochemistry, urinalysis including protein/creatinine and cortisol/creatinine ratios and thoracic/abdominal imaging. Prednisolone for 10 days and amlodipine long‐term were administered. Vision was not recovered after 7 months. Repeat MRI supported the diagnosis of ischemic lesions and revealed a recent striatocapsular infarct. Ischemic optic neuropathy is a well‐recognized cause of blindness in humans and should be included as a differential diagnosis for acute prechiasmatic blindness in dogs.     

Macroglobulinemia in a Dog

This report describes a case of macroglobulinemia in a six year old castrate male Collie cross dog with clinical signs of epistaxis, anemia, retinopathy and high serum viscosity. The highest total serum protein was 12 g/dl with approximately 60% monoclonal beta globulin. Proteinuria, Bence Jones protein and osteolytic lesions were not detected.Chemotherapy and partial removal of the plasma protein by withdrawal of whole blood and transfusion with packed red cells from a DEA negative donor resulted in transient clinical remission.     

Protein-Losing Enteropathy in a Dog

Abstract— —A protein-losing enteropathy in a dog is described. There was a history of chronic gastrointestinal upset and examination revealed hypoproteinaemic oedema and ascites. Antemortem laboratory findings indicated a protein-losing enteropathy and these, together with the results of clinical and necropsy examination, are described.     

Cutaneous Hemangiosarcoma in a Dog

A male golden retriever of unknown age presented with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous masses from the left elbow to the digits. Histopathologically, multiple tumor foci had formed from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissue. Tumor foci consisted of a vascular structure, alveolar structure and solid proliferative area. The borders among these areas were not clear. Some neoplastic cells resembled a mature endothelium, while others were large pleomorphic cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were usually strongly positive for CD31 and often positive for PROX-1, the lymphatic endothelial cell marker. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a hemangiosarcoma with lymphatic differentiation.     

Mushroom Poisoning in a Dog

The false morel (Gyromitra esculenta), a mushroom responsible for occasional fatalities in man, caused a fatal hemolytic episode in a ten week old dog. The clinical symptoms observed and the gross and histopathological findings, are discussed.     

Multiple Myeloma in a Dog

Abstract— Multiple myeloma, a rare tumour of the hemopoietic system, is reported in a 10-yr-old female Poodle. Clinical signs included anemia, weakness, cachexia and pain when the dog was forced to move. Radiographs revealed demineralization of the skeleton; circular radiolucent foci were evident, especially in the long bones, and the sixth thoracic vertebra was compressed. Numerous cells of the plasma cell type were evident in bone marrow smears. Blood electrophoresis revealed hypergammaglobulinemia. Bence-Jones proteinuria was not detected. The animal was destroyed and the clinical diagnosis confirmed at necropsy. Plasma cells were found in the bone marrow, liver, spleen and kidney. The bones were porous and numerous old fractures of the ribs and vertebrae were found. Résumé— Un mytlome multiple, rare tumeur du systtme hématopoiésique est observée chez une caniche femelle de 10 am. Les signes cliniques incluent l'anémie, la faiblesse, la cachexie et des douleurs lorsque la chienne était obligée de faire des mouvements. Des radiographies ont révélé la déminéralisation du squelette; des foyers circulaires translucides aux Rayons X sont évidents, spécialement dans les os longs, et la sixième vertèbre toraxique est compressée. De nombreuses cellules du type des cellules à plasma étaient évidentes dans les macules de moelle. L'électrophorèse du sang a révélé de I'hypergammaglobulinémie. La présence Bence-Jones de protéine dans l'urine n'a pas été détectée. L'animal a été détruit et le diagnostic clinique confirméà la nécropsie. Dies cellules de plasma ont été trouvées dans la moelle, le foie, la rate et les reins. Les os étaient poreux et de nombreuses vieilles fractures des cbtes et des vertèbres ont été trouvtes. Zusammenfassuug—Berichterstattung über das Auftreten von multiplex Myelom, ein seltener Tumor im hämopoietischen System einer zehnjährigen Pundelhündin. Klinische Anzeichen umfassen Anämie, Schwäche, Kachexie und Schmerzen, wenn der Hund zur Bewegung gezwungen wurde. Radiogramme zeigten Demineralisierung des Skelettes; kreisförmige radiotransparente Herde traten besonders in den langen Knochen klar hervor und der sechste Brustwirbel war kompressed. Zahl-reiche Zellen der Plasmakategorie wurden in Knochenmarkabstrichen augenscheinlich. Blut-Elektrophoresis brachte Hyper-Gammaglobulinamie zum Vorschein. Bence-Jones Albuminurie wurde nicht gefunden. Das Tier wurde vernichtet und die klinische Diagnose bei der Obduktion bestätigt. Im Knochenmark, der Leber, der Milz und in den Nieren wurden Plasmazellen festgestellt. Die Knochen waren porös und zahlreiche alte Rippen-und Rückenwirbelbrüche zeigten sich.     

Synovial Hemangioma in a Dog

Objective— To report arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment of synovial hemangioma in a dog.
Study Design— Case report.
Animal— Standard Poodle (8-year-old neutered male).
Methods— A soft tissue density mass observed radiographically in the left stifle joint of a dog with a 2-month history of recurrent lameness, hemarthrosis, and a slight cranial drawer sign, was located by diagnostic arthroscopy and surgically excised via arthrotomy.
Results— Histologic evaluation revealed tissue composed of variably sized cavernous vascular spaces filled with erythrocytes that were considered compatible with synovial hemangioma.
Conclusions— In this dog, synovial hemangioma evident as a soft tissue mass on radiographs was associated with chronic lameness and hemarthrosis, and resolved with surgical excision.
Clinical Relevance— Synovial hemangioma, although seemingly rare in dogs, should be considered in the differential diagnosis for nontraumatic, recurrent lameness, and unresponsive to anti-inflammatory therapy when there is a circumscribed intracapsular soft tissue mass evident radiographically together with hemarthrosis.