Retrospective clinical evaluation of ultrasound guided transverse abdominis plane block in dogs undergoing mastectomy

HistoryEleven female dogs of different breeds undergoing unilateral radical (n = 7) or regional abdominal mastectomy (n = 4) received an ultrasound guided transverse abdominis plane block (TAP-block).Physical examinationSubjects showed single or multiple mammary tumours. Serum biochemistry, CBC and electrocardiogram were unremarkable. Eight animals were classified as ASA physical status II and 3 as ASA III.ManagementDogs were premedicated with methadone [0.1 or 0.2 mg kg^?1 intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly respectively] or fentanyl (2.5 μgkg^?1 IV). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane or sevoflurane. Unilateral ultrasound guided TAP blocks were performed in the caudal and cranial abdomen with bupivacaine 0.25% (0.3 to 0.35 mL kg^?1). Intercostal nerve blocks (T₄ to T₁₁) with bupivacaine 0.25% (0.013 to 0.04 mL kg^?1) completed the blocked area in dogs undergoing radical mastectomy.Follow upThe median (range) of end-expired isoflurane and sevoflurane necessary to maintain anaesthesia was 1.15 (1.07–1.22) and 2.07 (2.05–2.2) vol% respectively. A single administration of fentanyl (2.5 μg kg^?1, IV) was administered to control nociception (defined as an increased heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure above 20% of the pre-incisional value) in four of 11 dogs. All dogs received carprofen (2 mg kg^?1 subcutaneously) at the end of surgery. Post-operative pain, assessed for 120 minutes using the short form of Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (0–24), was always lower than 3. No rescue analgesia (allowed by the protocol) was required in this time.ConclusionTransverse abdominis plane block combined with intercostal nerve blocks may be useful to produce intraoperative anti-nociception and short term post-operative analgesia in dogs undergoing unilateral mastectomy.     

Retrospective evaluation of acute hyperkalemia of unknown origin during general anesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo report and characterize cases of acute hyperkalemia of unknown origin in dogs under anesthesia.Study designMulticentric retrospective clinical study.AnimalsMedical records of 19 client-owned dogs that developed acute hyperkalemia during anesthesia.MethodsAnesthetic records of dogs developing acute hyperkalemia from January 2015 to December 2022 were evaluated. Data collected included demographics, duration of anesthesia until the episode, electrolytes and blood gas measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, drugs used as part of the anesthetic protocol, hyperkalemia treatment and outcome.ResultsA total of 13 cases met the inclusion criteria with documented acute hyperkalemia with no apparent underlying cause during anesthesia. Dogs were [mean ± standard deviation (range)] 6.5 ± 5.0 (3–10) years old and weighed 18.0 ± 14.3 (5.1–40.0) kg. All dogs were administered dexmedetomidine and an opioid as part of the premedication. All dogs had inhalation anesthesia of >60 minutes’ duration. The first clinical sign was bradycardia that was minimally responsive to anticholinergic administration and was often accompanied by moderate/severe hypotension. These signs were rapidly followed by ECG changes compatible with hyperkalemia and/or cardiac arrest. Rapid identification and treatment for hyperkalemia, with or without dexmedetomidine reversal, resulted in survival of 12 dogs and one fatality.Conclusions and clinical relevanceUnknown origin hyperkalemia is a life-threatening complication that can occur during general anesthesia. In healthy dogs, preanesthetic administration of dexmedetomidine in association with an opioid and followed by inhalation anesthesia of more than 1 hour duration may predispose to this complication. A sudden decrease in heart rate >90 minutes after dexmedetomidine administration, or ECG changes, may warrant measurement of blood potassium concentrations.     

Detection of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in dogs with lymphoma(*)

Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production by malignant lymphoblasts has been identified in vitro and in vivo in mice and humans, respectively. The goals of this study were (1) to evaluate a novel single‐sample TNF‐α assay and (2) to determine whether TNF‐α is increased in dogs with lymphoma prior to and following treatment. Canine TNF‐α was analysed concurrently using the novel Siemens Immulite^® single‐sample automated ELISA and the previously validated Quantikine^® standard ELISA. Serum from dogs with lymphoma and from breed‐, age‐ and gender‐matched control dogs was evaluated at two time points. Three of 25 (12%) dogs with lymphoma had detectable TNF‐α at diagnosis, whereas none had detectable TNF‐α following complete or partial remission. TNF‐α was not detectable in control dogs. Despite 91% homology between human and canine TNF‐α, the Immulite^® automated ELISA failed to detect canine TNF‐α. Serum TNF‐α appears to have limited value as a tumour marker in dogs with lymphoma.     

Response evaluation criteria for peripheral nodal lymphoma in dogs (v1.0)–a veterinary cooperative oncology group (VCOG) consensus document

Standardized assessment of response to therapy for lymphoma in dogs is lacking, making critical comparisons of treatment protocols difficult. This Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group (VCOG) consensus document, based on the recommendations of a subcommittee of ACVIM board-certified veterinary oncologists, was unanimously adopted at the 29th Annual Conference of the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS) by the VCOG membership. It has integrated guidance from the response assessment criteria established for lymphoma in human patients using standards available in routine veterinary oncology practices that are simple, repeatable and consistently applicable. These guidelines are intended only for use in dogs, where peripheral lymphadenopathy represents the principal component of their disease and as such do not critically assess extranodal disease (e.g., primary cutaneous, central nervous system, gastrointestinal). It is hoped these guidelines will be widely adopted and serve to facilitate the comparison of current and future treatment protocols used in the therapy of dogs.     

Retrospective evaluation of sildenafil citrate as a therapy for pulmonary hypertension in dogs

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH) is a pathologic condition in dogs characterized by abnormally high pressures in the pulmonary circulation and has been associated with a poor outcome. Sildenafil is a type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor that produces nitric oxide mediated vasodilatation. Sildenafil treatment decreases pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance in people with PH. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of dogs with PH treated with sildenafil. The cardiology database was searched for dogs with PH treated with sildenafil. PH was defined as systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs) > or = 25 mmHg at rest. Medical records were reviewed for the following information: signalment, duration and type of clinical signs before treatment, underlying disease, estimated or measured PAPs, dosage and dosing interval of sildenafil, and the effect of treatment on clinical signs and pulmonary arterial pressure and survival time. Thirteen affected dogs were identified. Clinical signs included collapse, syncope, respiratory distress, and cough. Duration of clinical signs before presentation ranged from 3 days to 5 months. An underlying cause was identified in 8 dogs. The median sildenafil dosage was 1.9 mg/kg. Ten dogs received concurrent medications. Median PAPs was 90 mmHg; 8 dogs were reevaluated after therapy, and the median decrease in PAPs was 16.5 mmHg. The median survival time of all dogs was 91 days. Sildenafil appeared to be well tolerated in dogs with PH and was associated with decreased PAPs and amelioration of clinical signs in most. Sildenafil represents a reasonable treatment option for dogs with pulmonary hypertension.     

Retrospective evaluation of notched and fragmented QRS complex in dogs with naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. The association of QRS notching (nQRS) or fragmentation (fQRS) with disease severity is currently unknown. The study objective was to assess the prevalence of nQRS and fQRS in dogs with MMVD and its severity according to ACVIM classification and to compare the results with a group of healthy dogs. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 34 healthy control dogs and 155 dogs with spontaneous MMVD (42% of dogs in class B1, 23% in class B2 and 35% in class C). fQRS was defined as nQRS complexes in two contiguous leads in the frontal plane (leads I and aVL) and (II, III or aVF). A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc test was used to assess the differences in continuous data between control and MMVD groups. Of the MMVD group, 58% showed nQRS in at least one lead and 27% presented fQRS. There was no difference between the number of leads with a nQRS and disease severity (p = 0.75) nor did the number of leads with a nQRS correlate with left atrial size (r = 0.48; p = 0.5). The number of dogs with fQRS did not differ among classes of MMVD (p = 0.21). nQRS and fQRS were more prevalent in dogs with MMVD compared to control dogs (p < 0.01). This study did not identify any relationship between the number of leads with a nQRS and disease severity. However, dogs with MMVD had a higher prevalence of nQRS and fQRS compared to control group.     

Clinical evaluation of the Surgivet V60046, a non invasive blood pressure monitor in anaesthetized dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the Surgivet Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) monitor V60046 with an invasive blood pressure (IBP) technique in anaesthetized dogs. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. ANIMALS: Thirty-four dogs, anaesthetized for a variety of procedures. METHODS: Various anaesthetic protocols were used. Invasive blood pressure measurement was made using a catheter in the femoral or the pedal artery. A cuff was placed on the contralateral limb to allow non invasive measurements. Recordings of arterial blood pressures (ABPs) were taken at simultaneous times for a range of pressures. For analysis, three pressure levels were determined: high [systolic blood pressure (SAP) > 121 mmHg], normal (91 mmHg < SAP < 120 mmHg) and low (SAP < 90 mmHg). Comparisons between invasive and non invasive measurements were made using Bland-Altmann analysis. RESULTS: The NIBP monitor consistently underestimated blood pressure at all levels. The lowest biases and greatest precision were obtained at low and normal pressure levels for SAP and mean arterial pressure (MAP). At low blood pressure levels, the biases +/- 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.9 +/- 2.96 mmHg (SAP), 8.3 +/- 2.41 mmHg diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and 3.5 +/- 2.09 mmHg (MAP). At normal blood pressure levels, biases and CI were: 1.2 +/- 2.13 mmHg (SAP), 5.2 +/- 2.32 mmHg (DAP) and 2.1 +/- 1.54 mmHg (MAP). At high blood pressure levels, the biases and CI were 22.7 +/- 5.85 mmHg (SAP), 5.5 +/- 3.13 mmHg (DAP) and 9.4 +/- 3.52 mmHg (MAP). In 90.6% of cases of hypotension (MAP < 70 mmHg), the low blood pressure was correctly diagnosed by the Surgivet. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of blood pressure with the indirect monitor allowed detection of hypotension using either SAP or MAP. The most accurate readings were determined for MAP at hypotensive and normal levels. The monitor lacked accuracy at high pressures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When severe challenges to the cardiovascular system are anticipated, an invasive method of recording ABP is preferable. For routine usage, the Surgivet monitor provided a reliable and safe method of NIBP monitoring in dogs, thereby contributing to the safety of anaesthesia by providing accurate information about the circulation.     

Retrospective analysis of factors affecting clinical outcome following CHOP‐based chemotherapy in dogs with primary nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

Numerous factors are known to affect the prognosis of dogs with chemotherapy‐treated lymphomas. However, prognostic factors for dogs with specific subtypes of lymphoma are less clearly defined. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors for dogs receiving CHOP‐based chemotherapy for primary nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Medical records of dogs treated for DLBCL at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PUVTH) from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Factors potentially related to prognosis were analysed using multivariable statistical methods. Ninety‐eight dogs were included in the study. Best overall response to chemotherapy was complete remission in 80 dogs (81.6%) and partial remission in 18 dogs (18.4%). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) for the entire population was 252 days (range 19‐1068). Factors significantly associated with achieving partial (rather than complete) remission following CHOP included presence of thrombocytopenia at diagnosis (OR 6.88; 95% CI 1.98‐23.93; P = .002), baseline serum globulin concentration (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.03‐6.75; P = .044), and age at diagnosis (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.08‐1.71; P = .009). Factors significantly associated with PFS in the lowest quartile (≤93 days) included presence of thrombocytopenia at diagnosis (OR 8.72; 95% CI 1.54‐49.33; P = .014), age at diagnosis (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.12‐1.94; P = .005), and baseline neutrophil count (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.02‐1.37; P = .025). Presence of thrombocytopenia, greater age, higher neutrophil count, and higher serum globulin concentration all may be associated with a particularly poor outcome in dogs receiving CHOP‐based chemotherapy for DLBCL.     

Pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine following constant rate infusion for postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing ovariectomy

Objective

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine and its main active metabolite, norbuprenorphine, after administration of an intravenous loading dose followed by constant rate infusion (CRI) in dogs.

Expression of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein in three cases of canine lymphoma showing drug resistance

In canine lymphoma, drug resistance is the major factor hindering treatment. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical examination of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), which are considered as transporters related to multidrug resistance in three recurrent canine lymphomas. All cases were negative for both transporters before anticancer drug administration, but became positive after this administration. The expression was confirmed in capillary endothelial cells, such as in brain capillaries acting as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It is suggested that both transporters expressed on capillary endothelial cells in lymphoma tissue may inhibit the spread of anticancer drugs into tumor tissues from blood, the same as the BBB. Therefore, capillary endothelial cells could act as a blood-tumor barrier, which might be involved in drug resistance in canine lymphoma.     

Effect of anaesthesia on cell-mediated immunity in dogs undergoing mastectomy for mammary cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate if anaesthesia for canine cancer mastectomy further influences host cell-mediated immunity (CMI) promoting cancer progression.Study designA randomized, controlled, blinded clinical study.AnimalsA total of 20 bitches with malignant mammary tumours of clinical stage II or III undergoing the same type of mastectomy (regional mastectomy).MethodsDogs were randomly allocated to one of two anaesthetic groups (10 per group). The anaesthetic protocol of group A used minimally immunosuppressive drugs (tramadol, robenacoxib, propofol), whereas that of group B (control) used more immunosuppressive drugs (morphine, fentanyl, thiopental, isoflurane). For each animal, measurements of white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and lymphocytes, and flow cytometric assessment of T cells (CD3⁺), helper T cells (CD4⁺), cytotoxic T cells (CD8⁺) and CD5^low+ T cells were performed prior to anaesthesia (day 0) and on days 3 and 10 postsurgery. Data were analysed using a General Linear Model for repeated measures and presented as mean ± standard deviation, p ≤ 0.05.ResultsIn all animals, on day 3, WBCs and neutrophils were significantly increased (p < 0.0005), while flow cytometry revealed significantly decreased relative percentages of T cells (CD3⁺) (p = 0.003) and their subpopulations CD4⁺ (p = 0.006), CD8⁺ (p = 0.029) and CD5^low+ (p = 0.031). Specifically, on day 3, the cytotoxic T cells (CD8⁺) were significantly decreased (p = 0.05) only in group B, whereas the CD4⁺ (p = 0.006) and CD5^low+ (p = 0.008) T cells in group A. The only significant difference between groups was found preoperatively in the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio, which was higher in group A (p = 0.006).Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn dogs with mammary cancer undergoing regional mastectomy, a significant decrease in components of CMI was observed on day 3 postsurgery in both anaesthetic groups. Some indication, however, for better preserved cellular immunity by less immunosuppressive anaesthetic/analgesic drugs was detected, rendering their use advisable.     

Validation of oscillometric blood pressure measurement using a Datex S/5 Compact multiparameter monitor in anaesthetized adult dogs

ObjectiveTo compare noninvasive (NIBP) with invasive blood pressure (IBP) measurements from a Datex S/5 Compact monitor in anaesthetized adult dogs, and to evaluate it according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) criteria.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsA group of 34 client-owned adult dogs.MethodsDogs were anaesthetized for different surgical procedures using different anaesthetic protocols. IBP was measured using a catheter placed in a dorsal pedal artery. A blood pressure cuff was placed over the contralateral dorsal pedal artery for NIBP measurement. Data were recorded using the Datex iCollect program, and paired readings were matched every 3 minutes for 60 minutes. Bland-Altman and error grid analyses were used to estimate the agreement between IBP and NIBP measurements, and its clinical significance, respectively. Data were reported as mean bias [lower, upper limits of agreement (LoA)].ResultsThe Datex S/5 monitor conformed to most ACVIM criteria. The correlation coefficient was less than 0.9 for systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAP). The best agreement between the noninvasive and invasive methods was observed for MAP, with LoA (–17 to 13 mmHg) and higher percentage of NIBP readings within 5 (55.6%), 10 (81.7%) and 20 (98.6%) mmHg of the IBP values. The Datex S/5 NIBP technology did not meet the AAMI validation criteria and less than 95% of the paired measurements were found within the green zone of the error grid analysis.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe Datex S/5 monitor conformed to most ACVIM criteria but not with the more rigorous AAMI standards. Despite good agreement between IBP and NIBP for MAP measurements, care must be taken when using this device to guide therapeutic interventions of blood pressure in anaesthetized healthy adult dogs.     

Serum amyloid A is not a marker for relapse of multicentric lymphoma in dogs

BACKGROUND: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein whose concentration increases in inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic conditions in animals and human beings. Multicentric lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs, and chemotherapy is indicated to attain long-term survival. However, frequent relapses lead to changes in chemotherapeutic protocols. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate SAA as a marker for relapse of multicentric lymphoma in dogs and to determine whether chemotherapy induces changes in the concentration of SAA during treatment. METHODS: SAA was measured by an ELISA test in healthy control dogs (n=20), in healthy dogs receiving chemotherapy (n=8), and in dogs with lymphoma (n=20). All dogs receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups, one receiving cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) and the other receiving vincristine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and L-asparaginase (VCMA) protocols. SAA concentration was determined before chemotherapy at weeks 1-4 in healthy dogs receiving chemotherapy and in dogs with lymphoma, then every 3 weeks for 4 months in healthy dogs, and at relapse and in the sample prior to relapse in dogs with lymphoma. SAA was measured only once in the healthy control dogs. Results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests to compare groups and weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Mean SAA concentration was significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma before chemotherapy compared with healthy and chemotherapy control dogs. No increase in SAA concentration was found at relapse. No differences were observed in SAA concentration based on type of chemotherapy protocol. CONCLUSIONS: SAA is not a marker of relapse in dogs with multicentric lymphoma, nor does chemotherapy regimen affect SAA concentration.     

Simultaneous steroids measurement in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism using a column-switching liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method

We developed an analytical method using an on-line column-switching liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for quantifying multiple steroids in serum. Using the developed method, we evaluated the serum concentration of nine steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, 17α-OH-progesterone and aldosterone) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). Serum was mixed with stable isotope internal standards and thereafter purified by the automated column-switching system. The limit of detection ranged 2–16 pg/ml for nine steroids. In the baseline samples, five steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone) were detected in all dogs. The concentrations of cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone in dogs with HAC (n=19) were significantly higher those in dogs without HAC (n=15, P<0.02). After the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test, six steroids (cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, 17α-OH-progesterone, and deoxycorticosterone) were above the limit of quantification in all dogs. Cortisol, corticosterone, cortisone, and deoxycorticosterone concentrations of dogs with HAC were significantly higher than those of dogs without HAC (P<0.02). In addition, 11-deoxycortisol and 17α-OH-progesterone concentration was higher in dogs with HAC than in dogs without HAC (P=0.044 and P=0.048, respectively). The on-line column-switching LC/MS/MS would be feasible for measuring multiple steroids in dog serum. The results suggest that cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α-OH-progesterone would be related to HAC. Further studies are warranted to assess the clinical feasibility of steroid profile in dogs with HAC.     

Immunophenotyping lymphomas in dogs: a comparison of results from fine needle aspirate and needle biopsy samples

The reliability of utilizing cytologic samples for immunophenotyping canine lymphomas was evaluated by a systematic comparison of results from fine needle aspirate (FNA) to needle biopsy specimens stained by immunochemical methods. The specific reactivity of a selected panel of 12 antibodies to cell surface markers and intermediate filaments was assessed in 11 dogs by comparing cytologic to histologic samples. There was excellent correlation of results between immunostained cytologic and histologic samples. FNA sampling is a simple, noninvasive method for determining the lymphoid phenotype in canine lymphoma. In addition, this technique may be useful as a cytodiagnostic aid in differentiating lymphoid from non-lymphoid tumors and in assessing neoplastic vs. reactive or hyperplastic processes.     

Sensitivity and specificity of cytologic evaluation in the diagnosis of neoplasia in body fluids from dogs and cats

Sensitivity and specificity were determined for the cytologic detection of malignant tumors in canine and feline body cavity effusions. In a prospective study, 424 body cavity effusions from dogs and cats were collected and evaluated, including 70 pleural and 163 peritoneal effusions from dogs, and 77 pleural and 114 peritoneal effusions from cats. Final diagnoses were confirmed in 339 of the 424 cases by clinical follow-up, necropsy, and in the case of malignant tumors, Histopathology. Malignant tumors were found in 18% of canine and 25% of feline body cavity effusions. Approximately one-half of tumors in both dogs and cats were carcinomas. Discrete cell tumors accounted for 56% of feline neoplastic effusions. The sensitivity of cytologic evaluation for the detection of malignant tumors in body cavity effusions was 64% for dogs and 61% for cats. Specificity was 99% for canine and 100% for feline effusions. Sensitivity and specificity were comparable to those obtained with cytologic evaluation of human samples.     

Investigation of serum survivin in dogs suffering from cancer: a multicenter study

BackgroundIn contrast to human medicine, only a small number of serum tumor markers are established in veterinary medicine even though they are a non-invasive diagnostic tool.ObjectivesThis study examined whether survivin could be suitable as a potential canine serum tumor marker.MethodsThis study measured the serum survivin concentrations of dogs with mammary tumors (n = 33), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 9), soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 18) and multicentric lymphoma (n = 22), using a commercially available, competitive immunoassay kit (BlueGene). The serum survivin concentrations were compared with those of a healthy control group (n = 20) and a control group of dogs with non-neoplastic diseases (n = 17).ResultsDogs with malignant tumors had serum survivin concentrations between 15 and 5,906 pg/mL (median, 72 pg/mL), those in the healthy group ranged from 7 to 99 pg/mL (median, 21 pg/mL) and those in the group of dogs suffering from non-neoplastic diseases from 15 to 93 pg/mL (median, 42 pg/mL). The differences in the survivin concentrations between the healthy dogs and dogs with malignant tumors and between the dogs with non-neoplastic diseases and those with malignant tumors were significant (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively).ConclusionsThe serum survivin concentrations in dogs with malignant tumors, with some exceptions, are higher than in dogs with benign tumors and dogs that do not suffer from a malignancy. Therefore, survivin can provide information on the presence of malignant tumors and be used as a tumor marker in dogs.