Feline paediatric oncology: retrospective assessment of 233 tumours from cats up to one year (1993 to 2008)

Objectives : To determine which types of tumour occur in cats up to the age of 12 months based on biopsies submitted to Idexx Laboratories, Wetherby, UK. Methods : Retrospective review of histopathological diagnoses of tumours in cats up to the age of 12 months from biopsies received between September 1993 and March 2008. Results : A total of 4196 submissions from cats 12 months old or younger were identified; 233 biopsies (6%) were neoplastic and fulfilled the search criteria. Tumours were categorised as haematopoietic (n=73, 31%), malignant epithelial (n=44; 19%), malignant mesenchymal (n=38; 16%), benign epithelial (n=37; 16%), benign mesenchymal (n=30, 13%) and miscellaneous (n=11; 5%). The most frequent tumours were lymphoma (n=51; 22%), soft-tissue sarcoma (n=34; 15%), mast cell tumour (n=22; 9%) and squamous cell carcinoma (n=16; 7%). The most common tumour site was the skin and soft tissues (41% of tumours). In all, 164 neoplasms (70%) were malignant or had malignant potential. Clinical Significance : These data provide unique epidemiological information on a poorly characterised subgroup of feline cancer patients in the UK.     

Canine gallbladder infarction: 12 cases (1993-2003)

A cohort of 12 dogs with severe transmural gallbladder necrosis is described. All dogs had cholecystectomies performed. In six dogs, perforation of the gallbladder was noted at surgery. Eight dogs survived the immediate postoperative period, and four dogs died. Histologically, inflammation was absent or minimal in all cases, suggesting that cholecystitis was not the cause of necrosis. Thrombi (n = 2) and atheromatous vascular changes (n = 1) represent possible vascular causes of this condition. The findings of coagulative necrosis in these 12 dogs are compatible with "gallbladder infarction," and the authors propose this term to describe the histopathologic appearance of the gallbladder.     

Canine conjunctival hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma: a retrospective evaluation of 108 cases (1989-2004)

Canine conjunctival tumors of vascular endothelial origin are common, although under-reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of and potential risk factors for these tumors. This study evaluated 108 cases (70 hemangiomas, 38 hemangiosarcomas) from 8300 canine submissions between 1989 and 2004. Signalment, location, pigmentation, size, duration, diagnosis, margins, ancillary therapy, and geographic location were recorded. Follow-up information was available for 49 cases. Each case was matched with two unaffected controls and compared using logistic regression analysis. Average age upon presentation was 8.6 years; there was no sex predilection. Risk of conjunctival tumors was statistically different among breed groups (P = 0.0010), demonstrating a propensity to occur in groups likely to have increased outdoor activity. Primary involvement occurred within nonpigmented epithelium along the leading edge of the nictitating membrane (41/108) and temporal bulbar conjunctiva (33/108). The etiology remains unknown; however, the strong site predilection, involvement of nonpigmented epithelium, and development within specific breed classes strongly suggest ultraviolet (UV) light as a significant risk factor. In a full-logistic model including breed, gender, age, and UV exposure, UV was not a statistically significant variable (P = 0.1215). In a reduced-model including UV only, significance was approached (P = 0.0696) and posthoc contrast demonstrated a significant linear trend with increasing UV exposure (P = 0.0147). In separate analysis of risks associated with hemangiosarcoma, compared with hemangioma, breed was not significant while increasing UV exposure was significant (P = 0.0381). Early surgical therapy is recommended and may be curative; however, recurrence is possible and more likely with hemangiosarcomas (11/20).     

Canine intranasal tumours treated with alternating carboplatin and doxorubin in conjunction with oral piroxicam: 29 cases

Few veterinary studies have evaluated the response to chemotherapy treatment of canine intranasal tumours, while many have focused on the efficacy of radiation therapy. Given the higher costs and limited access to radiation therapy, alternative treatment options are needed. The study describes a cohort of dogs with histologically confirmed intranasal tumours treated with chemotherapy as a sole therapy. This retrospective study was conducted using data from the Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre (MVSC) database between 2004 and 2017. Dogs with a histologically confirmed intranasal tumour who received chemotherapy treatment were included. Signalment, presenting signs, tumour type, chemotherapy details, adverse events (AEs) and survival times were reviewed. Twenty‐nine dogs met the inclusion criteria. Overall median survival time for dogs in the study was 234 days (range 12‐1698 days). Median survival for dogs with adenocarcinoma or carcinoma (n = 12) was 280 days, transitional cell carcinoma (n = 6) 163 days, squamous cell carcinoma, anaplastic carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma (n = 7) 59 days and all sarcomas (n = 4) 448 days. Adverse events were reported following 28% of treatments and 69% of dogs experienced at least one AE. Twenty four per cent of all dogs experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities. The chemotherapy protocol was generally well tolerated. The study suggests potential benefit in the use of chemotherapy for dogs with adenocarcinoma, carcinoma and sarcoma.     

Outcome in dogs with surgically resected oral fibrosarcoma (1997-2008)

Oral fibrosarcoma (FSA) is a common oral tumour in dogs, and historically reported survival times after surgical excision range from 7.0 to 12.2 months with local recurrence rates of 32-57%. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report outcome in a cohort of dogs with oral FSA treated with surgical excision with or without adjuvant radiation therapy. Twenty-nine dogs with a histological diagnosis of FSA arising from the oral cavity that underwent surgical resection of their oral FSA were included in this study. Twenty-one dogs were treated with surgical excision alone and eight dogs with both surgery and radiation therapy. The median progression-free interval was >653 days. The median survival time was 743 days. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 87.7 and 57.8%, respectively. Seven (24.1%) dogs developed local recurrence. Seven dogs (24.1%) developed metastasis.     

Multi-centre assessment of mycotic rhinosinusitis in dogs: a retrospective study of initial treatment success (1998 to 2008)

Objectives : To retrospectively review the first treatment response of dogs with mycotic rhinosinusitis to commonly utilised treatment techniques. Methods : Medical records of dogs treated for mycotic rhinosinusitis were obtained retrospectively via a manual review of the clinical databases of six veterinary referral centres for the period of January 1998 to June 2008, and first treatment outcome was evaluated. Historical and clinicopathological findings were also reviewed to evaluate their impact on treatment success or failure. Results : There was no significant difference in first treatment outcome between treatment groups (P=0·21). When all topical treatments were considered together (n=85), 39 dogs (45·8%) had a successful first treatment. Initial treatment success was associated with a younger age (56·3 versus 75·8 months; P=0·02) and was 2·7 times more likely in dogs with unilateral disease, although this was not significant (P=0·07). Adjunctive therapy with systemic antifungal agents was associated with treatment failure (PÄ0·01). Fifty-nine dogs (69·4%) responded successfully following multiple treatments. Clinical Significance : Treatment of mycotic rhinosinusitis remains challenging, and multiple treatments are frequently required for adequate treatment. Reasons for first treatment failure are likely multifactorial in origin, making it difficult to predict those dogs that are likely to have a superior prognosis, regardless of the treatment type used.     

Canine intervertebral disk disease: a retrospective study of clinical outcome in 238 dogs (2003-2004)

The aim of the study was the assessment of the prognosis of intervertebral disk diseases on the basis of a large case load with the help of currently available therapy modalities. Medical records of 238 dogs presented within 2 years (2003-2004) with neurological deficits resulting from intervertebral disk disease and surgical treatment at the Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover were reviewed. 85% of the patients showed a good and 15% a poor long-term functional outcome. Both the presence of deep pain sensation and the weight of the dog were the only variables detected as having a significant impact on prognosis. The time needed to motor function improve depended on the degree of neurological deficits before surgery, and patients with a cervical lesion had a more rapid recovery than patients with a thoracolumbal disease. All other variables, including age, previous signs of intervertebral disk disease, preoperative steroid medication, a lower motor neuron involvement and durotomy did not significantly influence the outcome. Radiographic changes of the vertebral column such as spondylosis, spondylarthrosis, a narrowed disk space up to a fusion of the vertebral bodies mostly were found at the site of a removed intervertebral disk. In dogs with intervertebral disk disease evaluated in the current study a good result could be obtained after surgical decompression.     

Canine vector-borne disease in travelled dogs in Germany--a retrospective evaluation of laboratory data from the years 2004-2008

When importing dogs from various Mediterranean countries into Western Europe canine vector-borne infections are often considered as a major issue. Several diseases including babesiosis, leishmaniosis, hepatozoonosis, canine heartworm disease or ehrlichiosis can potentially be endemic in this region and pose a potential health risk for travelling dogs. Information on such infections in travelled dogs is scarce and therefore this study has been undertaken to examine the frequency of vector-borne infections in travelled dogs from the years 2004-2008. A total of 997 samples were screened by direct and/or indirect methods. Total seroprevalence was 7.5% with individual seroprevalence for the 3 species Leishmania spp., Ehrlichia canis and Babesia canis spp. ranging from 3.1 to 4.9%. Total detection rate for pathogens by direct methods was 3.5%. Ninteen Giemsa-stained blood smears were positive for large Babesia. None of the samples screened for microfilariae by Knott's test or for Dirofilaria immitis antigen by DiroChek^® were positive. Using PCR methods Leishmania-DNA was detected in 1/42 samples but none of 59 animals screened for E. canis-DNA was positive. The prevalence values as established by indirect and direct pathogen detection are considered as rather low.     

Outcome of dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis: 127 dogs (1993-2003)

The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the outcome of 127 dogs with naturally occurring diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and to examine the association between outcome of canine DKA and clinical and clinicopathologic findings. Eighty-two (65%) dogs were diagnosed with DKA at the time of initial diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Eighty-seven dogs (69%) had one or more concurrent disorders diagnosed at the time of hospitalization. Commonly identified concurrent conditions included acute pancreatitis (52, 41%), urinary tract infection (21, 20%), and hyperadrenocorticism (19, 15%). Dogs with coexisting hyperadrenocorticism were less likely to be discharged from the hospital (P = .029). Of 121 treated dogs, 89 dogs (70%) survived to be discharged from the hospital, with a median hospitalization of 6 days. Nonsurvivors had lower ionized calcium concentration (P < .001), lower hematocrit (P = .036), lower venous pH (P = .0058), and larger base deficit (P = .0066) than did survivors. Time from admission to initiation of subcutaneous insulin therapy was correlated with lower serum potassium concentration (P = .0056), lower serum phosphorus concentration (P = .0043), abnormally high white blood cell count (P = .0060), large base deficit (P = .0015), and low venous pH (P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that base deficit was associated with outcome (P = .021). For each unit increase in the base deficit, there was a 9%) greater likelihood of discharge from the hospital. In conclusion, the majority of dogs with DKA were not previously diagnosed with DM. Concurrent conditions and electrolyte abnormalities are common in DKA and are associated with length of hospitalization. Survival was correlated to degree of anemia, hypocalcemia, and acidosis.     

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.     

Bone marrow mastocytosis in dogs with myelosuppressive monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mastocytosis has been reported rarely in naturally occurring canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence and magnitude of bone marrow mastocytosis in a case series of dogs with natural CME and to assess the association, if any, between mastocytosis and the clinical severity of the disease. METHODS: Seventy-six dogs with confirmed CME (Ehrlichia canis) were included in the study. Affected dogs were allocated into group A (n = 51) without bone marrow hypoplasia and group B (n = 25) with bone marrow hypoplasia. Twenty clinically healthy Beagles not previously exposed to E canis served as controls (group C). The main inclusion criteria for group A were documentation of normocellular to hypercellular bone marrow and complete clinical cure following a 4-week treatment with doxycycline, while those for group B were bone marrow hypoplasia and lack of response to doxycycline. Bone marrow aspirate smears from all 96 dogs were Giemsa-stained and examined for the presence of mast cells, which were calculated as a percentage of 1,000 nucleated cells (NCs). The prevalence of mastocytosis was compared among the 3 groups by the Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: Bone marrow mastocytosis (>0.1% of NCs) was found in 5 (20%) dogs in group B (range, 0.5-2.5% of NCs; median, 1% of NCs). One dog in each of groups A and C had 0.1% mast cells in the marrow. The prevalence of bone marrow mastocytosis in dogs in group B was significantly higher (P = .004) than in groups A and C. CONCLUSION: Bone marrow mastocytosis can be seen in a substantial number of dogs with E canis-induced myelosuppression.     

Prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase activity in dogs treated with CCNU (Lomustine)*

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) elevation in dogs receiving lomustine (CCNU) and to analyse the pattern of occurrence and potential risk factors. Serum ALT activity in 109 dogs during single‐agent CCNU chemotherapy was retrospectively analysed. The median initial dose, dose‐intensity and cumulative dose of CCNU were 64 mg m^?2, 21 mg m^?2 week^?1 and 171 mg m^?2, respectively. The overall prevalence of major ALT elevation [> 5‐fold upper reference limit (URL)] was 29% (32/109) and developed most commonly after one to three doses of CCNU. These ALT elevations occurred without preceding mild ALT elevation in 53% (17/32) of the cases. Three dogs (2.8%) developed clinical hepatopathy. For severe ALT elevation (>10‐fold URL), age ≤5‐year‐old was associated with higher risk. The findings of this study showed that elevation of ALT is common during CCNU chemotherapy in dogs and severe elevation can develop on a sudden onset.     

The Canine Postamputation Pain (CAMPPAIN) initiative: a retrospective study and development of a diagnostic scale

ObjectiveTo develop a scale to diagnose and assess the severity of postamputation pain (PAP) in dogs.Study designSingle-center retrospective study.AnimalsA total of 66 dogs that underwent thoracic or pelvic limb amputation and 139 dogs that underwent tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) at a veterinary teaching hospital.MethodsAn online survey regarding postoperative behavioral changes was sent to owners. Categorical, multiple-choice responses were entered into a univariable logistic regression model and tested for association with amputation using the Wald test. If p < 0.2, variables were forwarded to a multivariable logistic regression model for manual build. Model simplicity and predictive ability were optimized using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) characteristic, and model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The selected model was converted to an integer scale (0–10), the Canine Postamputation Pain (CAMPPAIN) scale. Univariable logistic regression related each dog’s calculated score to the probability of PAP.ResultsMultivariable logistic regression identified four independent predictors of PAP (p < 0.05): 1) restlessness or difficulty sleeping, 2) episodes of panic or anxiety, 3) sudden vocalization, and 4) compulsive grooming of the residual limb. Score AUROC was 0.70 (95% confidence interval = 0.63–0.78) with good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic p = 0.82). A score of 2 corresponded to a risk probability of 0.5. Taking a score ≥ 2 to indicate PAP, score specificity and sensitivity were 92.1% and 36.4%, respectively. When this score was used to diagnose PAP, prevalence was 36.4% (24/66) and 7.9% (11/139) in the amputation and TPLO groups, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevancePostamputation pain is characterized by specific postoperative behaviors and appears to affect approximately one-third of canine amputees. The CAMPPAIN scale generated from these data could facilitate diagnosis, treatment and further study of PAP but requires external validation.     

Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) as an useful biomarker in preventive screening programme of canine prostate: CPSE threshold value assessment and its correlation with ultrasonographic prostatic abnormalities in asymptomatic dogs

Due to the increased attention that pet‐owners devote to their animals and to the improved veterinary care, investigations regarding methods to early detect prostatic disorders that might affect canine life quality have been performed. Canine prostate specific esterase (CPSE) concentration was reported to be higher in dogs suffering from prostatic diseases. This study aimed to estimate the CPSE threshold as a biomarker to early identify prostatic diseases in asymptomatic dogs. The ultrasonographic examination of the prostate was performed in 19 dogs (6–40 kg; 1–5 years) with no symptoms of prostatic diseases. Dogs were grouped according to the presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of prostatic disorders at the ultrasound (altered appearance, the presence of cysts or irregular borders). For each dog, a venous blood sample was collected to measure serum CPSE and the ratio between calculated and normal expected prostatic volume was assessed for each dog. The CPSE data were statistically analysed (t test, p < .05), and the CPSE threshold in blood serum between groups was calculated by ROC. In 11 dogs, ultrasonography showed signs of prostatic abnormalities (Group A, 2–5 years), while no signs were detected in eight dogs (Group B, 1–3 years). The calculated/estimated volume ratio resulted greater than 1.5 in Group A dogs. The CPSE was statistically different between groups (p < .0001): higher in Group A (mean = 184.9, SD = 126 ng/ml) than in Group B (38.9 ± 22.1 ng/ml). The cut‐off CPSE threshold was 52.3 ng/ml (ROC, AUC = 0.974, SE 95.6%, SP 89.2%). This study suggests that CPSE serum concentration higher than 50 ng/ml in asymptomatic dogs is associated with ultrasonographic alterations and increased the prostatic size (volume by 1.5 times greater than the normal size). As the onset of prostatic disorders often remains asymptomatic, the rapid assessment of CPSE could be suitable for selecting preventively those animals that would require further accurate evaluation.     

A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986–91)

Abstract The medical records of 81 dogs (47 juvenile, 34 adult) with generalized demodicosis were reviewed. There was a significant difference in the distribution of breeds (juvenile P < 0.002, adult P < 0.001; chi squared) presented for demodicosis compared with the distribution of the same breeds presented to our practice during the same time period. Cocker Spaniels and mixed-breed dogs were likely to be under-represented in both the adult- and juvenile-onset groups. Significantly more miticidal treatments were required to achieve clinical remission in adult dogs with pustular demodicosis compared with juvenile dogs with pustular disease (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). Concurrent disease and associated drug administration were assessed for adult dogs with demodicosis. Of dogs with concurrent conditions (n=15), administration of corticosteroids and endogenous hyperadrenocorticism were recognized most often (10/15). Concurrent neoplastic, infectious, parasitic or metabolic disease was uncommon in dogs with adult-onset demodicosis. Résumé— Les dossiers médicaux de 81 chiens présentant des démodécies généralisées (47 formes juvéniles, 34 formes adultes) ont été analysés. Il existait une différence significative (forme juvénile P < 0.002, forme adulte P < 0.001) dans la distribution des races présentées pour démodécie par rapport aux mêmes races présentées à notre consultation à la même époque. Les cockers spaniels et les chiens métissés sont sous - représentés dans les deux groupes. Le nombre de traitements acaricides nécessaires pour obtenir une rémission clinique était significativement plus élevé chez les chiens adultes présentant une démodécie pustulcuse que chez les jeunes (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). La présence de pathologies intercurrentes ou iatrogènes a été recherchée chez les chiens adultes. Chez les chiens présentant une pathologie intercurrente (n=15), les diagnostics les plus fréquents (10/15), étaient l'administration de corticoïdes ou un hypercorticisme endogène. Une pathologie intercurrente de type néoplasique, infectieuse, parasitaire ou métabolique est rarement associée à la forme adulte de démodécie canine. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986–91) (Analyse retrospective de formes juveniles et de formes adultes de demodecie generalisee chez le chien (1986–91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 3–10.] Resumen Se revisó la historia médica de 81 perros (47 jóvenes, 34 adultos) con demodicosis generalizada. Habia diferencias significativas en la distribución de razas (jóvenes P < 0.002, adulto P < 0.001; chi cuadrado) con una presentación de demodicosis comparado con la distribución de las mismas razas que se presentaron en nuestra consulta durante el mismo período. Los Cocker Spaniel y los cruzados tenían menos posibilidades de presentarse tanto en el grupo de perros jóvenes como en el de adultos. Se necesitaron tratamientos significativamente más miticidas para consequir curación clínica en los perros adultos con demodicosis pustular comparado con los perros jóvenes con presentación pustular (P < 0.05; Kruskall-Wallis). Se detectaron con mayor frecuencia enfermedades concomitantes (n = 15), administración de corticosteroides e hiperadrenocorticismo endógeno (10/15). Fueron poco frecuentes las enfermedades neoplásicas, infecciosas, parasíticas o metabólicas en los casos de demodicosis del adulto. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986–91) (Estudio retrospectivo de la demodicosis canina en el adulto y en el perro joven (1986–91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 3–10.] Zusammenfassung— Die Krankenblätter von 81 Hunden (47 juvenil, 34 adult) mit generalisierter Demodikose kamen zur Auswertung. Es bestand einer signifikanter Unterschied in der Verteilung der Rassen (juvenil P < 0,002, adult P < 0,001; Chi-quadrat), die wegen Demodikose vorgestellt wurden, im Vergleich zur der Verteilung der selben Rassen, die während des gleichen Zeitabschnitts in unserer Praxis kamen. Cockerspaniel und Mischlinge schienen unterrepräsentiert sowohl in der Adult- wie in der Juvenil-Demodikosegruppe. Es wurden signifikant mehr akarizide Behandlungen für das Erreichen einer klinischen Remission bei adulten. Hunden mit pustulärer Demodikose benötigt im Vergleich zu juvenilen Hunden mit pustulärer Erkrankung (P < 0,05; Kruskall-Wallis). Bestehende Krankheit und die damit verbundene Arzneimittelanwendung wurden bei adulten Hunden mit Demodikose ausgewertet. Bei Hunden mit bestehenden Krankheitsbildern (n = 15) wurde am häufigsten die Verabreichung von Kortikosteroiden und endogener Hyperadrenokortizismus festgestellt (10/15). Gleichzeitige neoplastische, infektiöse, parasitäre oder stoffwechselbedingte Erkrankung war bei Hunden mit adult-beginnender Demodikose selten. [Lemarié, S.L., Hosgood G., Foil C.S. A retrospective study of juvenile- and adult-onset generalized demodicosis in dogs (1986–91) (Retrospektive Studie über juvenil- und adult-beginnende Demodikose beim Hund (1986–91). Veterinary Dermatology 1996; 7 : 3–10.]