Thoracoscopic Thoracic Duct Ligation and Thoracoscopic Pericardectomy for Treatment of Chylothorax in Dogs

Objective— To report the use of thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and pericardectomy for treatment of chylothorax.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Dogs with chylothorax (n=12).
Methods— Dogs with secondary or idiopathic chylothorax had thoracoscopy performed in sternal recumbency through 3 portals in the caudal right hemithorax for TDL and were then repositioned in dorsal recumbency for pericardectomy. Portals were placed in the 5th and 7th intercostal spaces of the right hemithorax with 1 transdiaphragmatic portal in the right paraxiphoid position. Follow-up was performed by recheck examination or telephone interview to determine outcome.
Results— Seven dogs (58%) had idiopathic chylothorax; 6 dogs (85.7%) had complete resolution of their effusion, whereas only 2 of the 5 nonidiopathic dogs (40%) had complete resolution.
Conclusions— Thoracoscopy is minimally invasive, provides excellent observation, and allows for ligation of the thoracic duct in the caudal thorax. Patients with idiopathic chylothorax may have a better prognosis after TDL and pericardectomy than dogs with nonidiopathic chylothorax.
Clinical Relevance— Thoracoscopy for ligation of the thoracic duct and pericardectomy is an acceptable surgical technique for treatment of chylothorax.     

The effect of cisterna chyli ablation combined with thoracic duct ligation on abdominal lymphatic drainage

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cisterna chyli ablation (CCA) and thoracic duct ligation (TDL) on abdominal lymphatic drainage in normal dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Nine female beagle dogs. METHODS: TDL was performed in 3 dogs and was combined with CCA (CCA-TDL) and local omentalization in 6 dogs. Contrast lymphangiography was attempted in all dogs immediately before and after TDL. Dogs were reanesthetized at 31-37 days for lymphatic studies by new methylene blue (NMB) injection into a mesenteric lymph node and by contrast lymphangiography. RESULTS: In 6 CCA-TDL dogs, 2 had direct shunting of contrast from the lymphatic system into major abdominal veins, 3 had contrast material that dissipated into abdominal vessels within the mesenteric root, and 1 had shunting into the azygous vein. NMB was not observed within the omental pedicle after CCA-TDL. Chylous drainage was by the azygous vein in all 3 TDL dogs. CONCLUSIONS: CCA-TDL disrupted chylous drainage to the thoracic duct and resulted in direct intraabdominal lymphaticovenous anastomoses identified by shunting of lymphatic flow directly into the abdominal vasculature in 5 of 6 CCA-TDL dogs. Omentalization of the cisternal ablation site was not beneficial in augmenting extrathoracic lymphatic drainage and is not recommended with CCA-TDL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CCA-TDL represents a novel approach to surgical redirection of chylous drainage to the venous circulation outside of the thorax and may be useful in the treatment of spontaneous chylothorax in the dog.     

Anatomic and volumetric characterization of the cisterna chyli using CT lymphangiography and computer‐assisted design software in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax

The objectives of this retrospective, observational study were to characterize the anatomical features of the cisterna chyli (CC) in a cohort of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic chylothorax that underwent CT lymphangiography (CTLa), and to evaluate the feasibility of computer‐assisted design (CAD) software to quantify volumetric measurements of the CC. Twenty‐three client‐owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax were included. Additionally, CTLa was performed in three canine cadavers to assess the ability of CAD software to accurately acquire volumetric measurements. Injection sites, attenuation values, anatomic location, dimensions, and aortic diameter to CC ratio (Ao:CC) were recorded. Video records of video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) thoracic duct ligation (TDL) were reviewed in eight out of 23 dogs to compare operative and CTLa findings. The CC was dorsal and right‐sided in 18 out of 23 dogs, located between L1 and L4 in 21 dogs, and extended as far cranially as T11 in two dogs. The median measurements for length, height, and width were 150.0, 5.5, and 13.3 mm, respectively. Median total volume was 1.82 mL. Median volumes to the right and left of the aorta were 1.46 and 0.49 mL, respectively (P = .014). Median total CC volume to body weight ratio (CC:bw) was 0.07 mL/kg. The presence of an intrathoracic CC was observed intraoperatively in six out of eight cases that underwent VATS TDL. Findings supported the use of CTLa and CAD as feasible methods for characterizing the CC in dogs diagnosed with chylothorax. These methods may facilitate interventional planning involving the CC such as embolization.     

Treatment of chronic pleural effusion with pleuroperitoneal shunts in dogs: 14 cases (1985-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To describe complications and outcome associated with chronic nonseptic pleural effusion treated with pleuroperitoneal shunts in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records at 4 veterinary schools were examined to identify dogs with chronic nonseptic pleural effusion that were treated by use of a pleuroperitoneal shunt between 1985 and 1999. Signalment, history, physical examination and laboratory findings, cause and type of pleural effusion, medical and surgical treatments, complications, and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: 10 of 14 dogs had idiopathic chylothorax, and 4 had an identified disease. All but 1 dog with idiopathic chylothorax and 1 dog with chylothorax from a heart base tumor had unsuccessful thoracic duct ligation prior to pump placement. No intraoperative complications developed during shunt placement. Short-term complications developed in 7 of 13 dogs, necessitating shunt removal in 2 dogs and euthanasia in 1. Eight of 11 dogs with long-term follow-up developed complications; the overall mean survival time and the interval in which dogs remained free of clinical signs of pleural effusion were 27 months (range, 1 to 108 months) and 20 months (range, 0.5 to 108 months), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pleuroperitoneal shunts can effectively palliate clinical signs associated with intractable pleural effusion in dogs. Numerous short- and long-term complications related to the shunt should be expected. Most complications can be successfully managed, but even when shunts are functional some treatments fail because of severe abdominal distension or massive pleural fluid production that overwhelms the functional capacity of the shunt.     

Results of thoracic duct ligation in dogs with chylothorax

Thoracic duct lymphangiography and ligation were done on 15 dogs with idiopathic chylothorax. Lymphangiography revealed thoracic lymphangiectasia in all dogs; none had a thoracic duct rupture. Lymphangiography immediately after ligation demonstrated missed branches of the thoracic duct in 4 of the 15 dogs. Eleven of the 15 dogs are alive and doing well. Eight of the 11 had no radiographic or clinical signs of pleural effusion (mean follow-up, 31.5 months; range, 4 to 75 months). The other 3 living dogs had persistent effusion; 2 were successfully managed with a pleuroperitoneal shunt (follow-up, 15 months) or pleurodesis (follow-up, 5 months), respectively, and 1 was not treated because the effusion was mild and the dog did not have clinical signs of disease (follow-up, 14 months). Four of the 15 dogs died or were euthanatized because of persistent effusion (mean follow-up, 11.5 months; range, 3 to 24 months). Considering the lack of treatment alternatives for dogs with idiopathic chylothorax, these results support thoracic duct ligation as a treatment method for dogs.     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Dogs with Neurologic Impairment Due to Acute Thoracic and Lumbar Intervertebral Disk Herniation

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a correlate to physical examination in various myelopathies and a predictor of functional outcome.
Objectives: To describe associations among MRI features, neurological dysfunction before MRI, and functional outcome in dogs with disk herniation.
Animals: One hundred and fifty-nine dogs with acute thoracolumbar disk herniation.
Methods: Retrospective case series. Signalment, initial neurological function as assessed by a modified Frankel score (MFS), and ambulatory outcome at hospital discharge and >3 months (long-term) follow-up were recorded from medical records and telephone interview of owners. Associations were estimated between these parameters and MRI signal and morphometric data.
Results: Dogs with intramedullary T2W hyperintensity had more severe pre-MRI MFS (median 2, range 0–4) and lower ambulatory proportion at long-term follow-up (0.76) than those dogs lacking hyperintensity (median MFS 3, range 0–5; ambulatory proportion, 0.93) ( P =.001 and .013, respectively). Each unit of T2W length ratio was associated with a 1.9 times lower odds of long-term ambulation when adjusted for pre-MRI MFS (95% confidence interval 1.0–3.52, P =.05). Dogs with a compressive length ratio >1.31 (which was the median ratio within this population) had more severe pre-MRI MFS (median 3, range 0–5) compared with those with ratios ≤1.31 (median MFS 3, range 0–4; P =.006).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: MRI features were associated with initial injury severity in dogs with thoracolumbar disk herniation. Based on results of this study, the T2W length ratio and presence of T2W intramedullary hyperintensity appear to be predictive of long-term ambulatory status.     

Investigation of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren dogs

BACKGROUND: Physiologic leukopenia in Tervuren dogs was reported in North America with a higher frequency in aged Tervurens. If not recognized, physiologic leukopenia can provoke unnecessary clinical investigations. HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective was to compare Tervurens and control dogs in Belgium with respect to the numbers of dogs with physiologic leukopenia. The secondary objectives were to compare Tervurens with control dogs and age classes within Tervurens and controls for parameters related to physiologic leukopenia. ANIMALS: Tervurens (n = 94) and control dogs (n = 48, maximum of 5 dogs per breed and 5 mixed breed dogs) were entered into the study. Dogs were 1-11 years old and healthy on routine physical examination. Dogs had no history of disease or drug administration in the previous 2 months. METHODS: Hematologic analyses were performed by an automated device within 30 hours of sampling. Blood smears were evaluated for cellular morphologic anomalies. RESULTS: Only 1 of the 94 Tervuren dogs had physiologic leukopenia (1.06%; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-5.22). Furthermore, the white blood cell (WBC) count in Tervuren dogs (median, 10.00 x 109/L; range, 5.90-20.80) was not significantly different (P = .55) from that of control dogs (median, 9.75 x 109/L; range, 5.20-20.90). The WBC count decreased significantly (P < .001) with age in Tervuren dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Physiologic leukopenia is uncommon in the Belgian Tervuren dog. Differences with earlier data published in North America might be due to genetic or environmental differences.     

Lung lobe torsion in dogs: 22 cases (1981-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To identify breed disposition, postoperative complications, and outcome in dogs with lung lobe torsion. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment; history; clinical findings; results of clinicopathologic testing, diagnostic imaging, and pleural fluid analysis; surgical treatment; intra- and postoperative complications; histologic findings; and outcome were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: All 22 dogs had pleural effusion; dyspnea was the most common reason for examination. Fifteen dogs were large deep-chested breeds; 5 were toy breeds. Afghan Hounds were overrepresented, compared with the hospital population. One dog was euthanatized without treatment; the remaining dogs underwent exploratory thoracotomy and lung lobectomy. Eleven dogs recovered from surgery without complications, but 3 of these later died of thoracic disease. Four dogs survived to discharge but had clinically important complications within 2 months, including chylothorax, mediastinal mesothelioma, gastric dilatation, and a second lung lobe torsion. Six dogs died or were euthanatized within 2 weeks after surgery because of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, septic shock, pneumothorax, or chylothorax. Chylothorax was diagnosed in 8 of the 22 dogs, including 4 Afghan Hounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that lung lobe torsion is rare in dogs and develops most frequently in large deep-chested dogs, particularly Afghan Hounds. Other predisposing causes were not identified, but an association with chylothorax was evident, especially in Afghan Hounds. Prognosis for dogs with lung lobe torsion was fair to guarded.     

Retrospective study of snake envenomation in 155 dogs from the Onderstepoort area of South Africa

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence, signalment, haematological and biochemical changes, therapy, and outcome of dogs presented to the Outpatients section of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for confirmed snake envenomation. Three hundred and seventy-six records of dogs presented for snake envenomation from 1998 to 2002 were reviewed and 155 were selected on the basis of there being a positively identified snake. The 2 most commonly encountered snake envenomations in dogs were puff-adders (Bitis arietans) and snouted cobras (Naja annulifera annulifera). The majority of cases (56%) occurred in the autumn (March to May), with most being bitten by puff-adders. Dogs were 3 to 168 months old with a median of 36 months. No sex predilection was identified. Ten per cent of cases died because of the snake envenomation. Fifty-seven per cent and 43% of snakebites were puff-adders and cobras, respectively. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups of snakes. Of the cobras 60% were the snouted cobra, 14% Mozambique spitting cobra, and 24% rhinkals. Swelling in the area of the bite, usually the face and forequarters, was the primary clinical abnormality. Significant haematological findings were leukocytosis (median 17.3 x 10(9)/l; range 0.4-44), neutrophilia (median 13.6 x 10(9)/l; range 0.3-39.9), band neutrophilia (median 0.4 x 10(9)/l; range 0-5.32), and thrombocytopaenia (median 124 x 10(9)/l; range 3-555). Dogs envenomated by a puff-adder and Mozambique spitting cobra had a greater degree of thrombocytopaenia: median of 68 and 66, respectively, versus 243 for the cobra group. The most commonly used treatments were intravenous fluids, antibiotics and glucocorticoids. Thirty-eight dogs were treated with polyvalent antiserum: 9 for puff-adder envenomation and 29 for cobra envenomation. Only 2 of the dogs that received antisera died, both of them of cobra envenomation. The study concluded that snake envenomation in dogs is associated with high morbidity but moderate mortality rate and that the most significant haematological abnormality is thrombocytopaenia.     

Partial prostatectomy using Nd:YAG laser for management of canine prostate carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for partial prostatectomy by laser dissection and to evaluate outcome and complications in dogs with prostate carcinoma (PCA). STUDY DESIGN: Experimental and clinical case series. ANIMALS: Four normal dogs and 8 dogs with PCA. METHODS: Subcapsular partial prostatectomy, sparing the urethra and the dorsal aspect of the prostatic capsule, using Nd:YAG laser dissection to remove the prostatic parenchyma and control hemorrhage was performed in 4 normal dogs and subsequently in 8 dogs with histologically confirmed PCA. Additional treatment of PCA dogs included local application of interleukin-2 and systemic administration of meloxicam. Prostate size, complications, and survival time were recorded. Laser-associated thermal damage to surrounding tissue was evaluated by histology. RESULTS: In normal dogs, no damage to the dorsal prostatic capsule or urethra was detected. In PCA dogs, median survival was 103 days (range, 5-239 days). Three dogs died from complications within 16 days, whereas 5 (median survival, 183 days; range, 91-239 days) had improvement or resolution of clinical signs. Urinary incontinence did not occur. CONCLUSION: Laser assisted subcapsular partial prostatectomy can be performed in dogs with PCA without development of postoperative incontinence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subcapsular partial prostatectomy is a potential palliative treatment for PCA in dogs and may lead to the resolution of clinical signs for several months.     

Thoracolumbar disc disease in large dogs: a study of 99 cases

The records of 99 dogs weighing over 20 kg with thoracolumbar disc disease were reviewed. Two types of disc disease were recognised: degenerative nuclear extrusion (n=63) and degenerative annular protrusion (n=36). Sixty-nine per cent of the affected discs were located between T12-T13 and L2-L3. Of the 63 dogs with degenerative nuclear extrusions, 35 were non-ambulatory and seven had no conscious pain perception at the time of presentation. Decompressive surgery was performed in 55 dogs, four dogs were managed non-surgically and three dogs were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in 49 (78 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 53 (84 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 11.7 months (range 1.5 to 48 months). Five dogs subsequently lost the ability to ambulate on their hindlimbs. Myelographic investigations in three of these dogs revealed a second thoracolumbar degenerative nuclear extrusion. Of the 36 dogs with degenerative annular protrusions, seven were non-ambulatory at the time of presentation. Fifteen cases had multiple protrusions. Twenty dogs were managed non-surgically, 12 surgically and four were euthanased. A successful outcome was achieved in eight (22 per cent) cases as assessed by the authors and in 19 (52 per cent) cases as assessed by the owners. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (range 1.5 to 30 months). The outcome of dogs with annular protrusions was significantly worse compared to the outcome of dogs with nuclear extrusions (P<0.001).     

Clinical outcome of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation in dogs aged five years and older: 17 cases (1992-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) treatment in dogs aged 5 years and older. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records for dogs (> or = 5 years old) that underwent surgical attenuation of an EHPSS (1992 through 2005) were evaluated; data, including clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, surgical procedure, and outcome, were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained via patient examination or telephone interview with veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Dogs (5 to 9 years old [median age, 6.6 years]) had neurologic (n = 12), urinary tract (8), and gastrointestinal tract (6) EHPSS-associated clinical signs. Serum bile acids and ammonia concentrations were abnormal in all evaluated dogs. Treatment of EHPSSs included complete (n = 6 dogs) or partial (2) suture attenuation or ameroid constrictor placement (9). Two dogs died following surgery. Follow-up information (6 to 120 months) was available for 13 dogs. Deaths were attributable to heart failure (n = 1), bacterial hepatitis (2; with pyelonephritis in 1 dog), and unknown causes (3). At a median of 23 and 25 months, serum bile acids concentrations had almost normalized in 5 of 8 dogs and ammonia concentrations were within reference limits in 3 of 5 dogs, respectively; dogs with abnormal liver function test results had no associated clinical signs. Median long-term survival time was 72 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Attenuation of EHPSS in > or = 5-year-old dogs ameliorated signs of liver dysfunction in surviving dogs, although return of normal liver function occurred less frequently than expected.     

SLOW RELEASE CISPLATIN COMBINED WITH RADIATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS

Thirteen dogs with malignant tumors of the nasal cavity were treated with a combination of slow release cisplatin and megavoltage radiation. Radiation was delivered on a Monday through Friday schedule using a 6 MV linear accelerator. The median total dose was 49.5 Gy (range 49.5-56 Gy). Cisplatin was given using an open-cell polylactic acid polymer, impregnated with the drug and implanted intramus-cularly at a distant site, as a slow release delivery system (OPLAn-Pt [THM Biomedical, Inc]). The median dose used was 60 mg/m2 (range 60–100 mg/m2). When combined with radiation, this delivery system caused no systemic drug toxicity, and a local tissue reaction was seen in only two dogs. Acute side effects to normal tissue from radiation were not enhanced, as measured by subjective assessment. When compared to a group of historical controls that received radiation without OPLA-Pt, the dogs that received combined radiation and cisplatin had longer overall survival times, with a median of 580 days. The control group had a median survival of 325 days. Previously reported median survival times for comparable megavoltage radiation treatment range from 6 to 13 months. Some dogs in both groups also received adjubant chemotherapy but this did not influence survival time. By multivariate analysis, only the use of OPLA-Pt was found to significantly influence survival, with a p value of p = 0.023. Mega-voltage radiation and slow release cisplatin appears to be a well tolerated combination that may favorably affect survival of dogs with nasal tumors.     

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy utilizing a 2-port technique in 10 dogs

A case series was selected retrospectively to evaluate the technique, outcome, and short-term complications associated with a combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap OVX) and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) using a 2-port technique, and to compare it with previously published combined laparoscopic techniques for Lap OVX and LAG in dogs. Medical records of dogs undergoing elective, combined Lap OVX and LAG performed using a 2-port technique between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. Total surgical time was compared to previously published combined Lap OVX and LAG techniques in dogs. Intraoperative and short-term complications were recorded. Ten dogs [median weight: 29.4 kg (range: 11.4 to 84.1 kg); mean: 37.4] met the inclusion criteria. Median surgical time to complete both the Lap OVX and LAG was 72.5 minutes (range: 47.0 to 120.0 minutes; mean: 77.4 minutes), which was not significantly different than that described in previous studies of combined Lap OVX and LAG (weighted mean average: 67.3 minutes; 95% confidence interval: 46.9 to 87.7, P = 0.3). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. It is concluded that a 2-port technique for combined Lap OVX and LAG is feasible, has few complications, and requires similar time to perform compared to other previously published laparoscopic techniques.     

Management of humeral and femoral fractures in dogs and cats with linear- circular hybrid external skeletal fixators

Linear-circular hybrid fixators were used to stabilize humeral and femoral fractures in 21 dogs and five cats. Twenty-two of 24 fractures with sufficient follow-up radiographic evaluation obtained union. Time to radiographic union ranged from 25 to 280 days (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] 110+/-69 days; median 98 days). Eleven animals developed minor and two dogs developed major pin and/or wire tract inflammation. Functional outcome was rated as excellent (n=16), good (n=5), and fair (n=3) at the time of final long-term assessment (range 4.5 to 60.0 months; mean +/- SD 28.4+/-15.4 months; median 28.5 months). Follow-up information was unavailable for two animals. Hybrid fixators were useful constructs for stabilization of humeral and femoral fractures, particularly fractures with short, juxta-articular fracture segments.     

The characteristics of short- and long-term surviving Shiba dogs with chronic enteropathies and the risk factors for poor outcome

Background

The objectives of this study were to investigate the differences in the characteristics of short- and long-term surviving dogs, and the factors that predict poor outcome in Shiba dogs with chronic enteropathies (CE).

Methods

A total of 25 Shiba dogs were included in this study, and classified as either short-term (≤6 months) survivors (Ss; n=16) or long-term (>6 months) survivors (Ls; n=9). The clinical and clinicopathological variables, histopathology, response to therapy, and outcomes were investigated between groups. Furthermore, these factors were tested for their ability to predict poor outcome.

Results

All CE dogs were diagnosed as having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (LPE). Age and canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) were significantly higher in the Ss group than in the Ls group (age: p = 0.035, CIBDAI: p = 0.018), as determined via univariate logistic regression analysis. According to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the best predictors of poor outcome were age and CIBDAI, with the cutoffs determined as 7 years and 9 points, respectively. The majority of the cases (84%) responded to initial treatment; in particular, 75% of dogs in Ss group responded to therapy. The time to response (days) to the initial treatment in the Ss group (median 42.5 days, range: 20-91 days) was significantly shorter than that of the Ls group (median 285 days, range: 196-1026 days). Approximately half (55.5%) of the dogs in the Ls group died due to relapse of CE.

Conclusions

This study suggested that there is a high risk of early mortality in Shiba dogs with CE, particularly if the dogs are older (>7 years) and have a high CIBDAI score (>9 points). There appears to be a possibility of early mortality even if the initial treatment was efficacious. Furthermore, Shiba dogs with CE that become less responsive to initial therapy in the short-term (approximately 3 months) are more likely to have an early mortality. Thus, it is necessary to follow-up Shiba dogs with CE in the long-term, as approximately half of the long-term survivors eventually died due to a relapse of the signs.     

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.     

Effects of sildenafil citrate on five dogs with Eisenmenger's syndrome

Objectives : To determine the effect of sildenafil for dogs with Eisenmeger's syndrome and secondary erythrocytosis. Methods : This is a prospective, single arm, open‐label study. Five clinical dogs with Eisenmeger's syndrome and secondary erythrocytosis were included. New York Heart Association functional class, packed cell volume, pulmonary artery acceleration time to ejection time ratio and serum erythropoietin concentration were evaluated before and after sildenafil therapy (0·5 mg/kg, twice a day). Results : New York Heart Association functional class was significantly improved after one (median 2; range 1 to 2, P=0·031) and three months (median 2; range 1 to 2, P=0·031) of sildenafil therapy, compared with the baseline (median 3, range 2 to 3). Packed cell volume was significantly decreased after three months (median 59%; range 56 to 63, P=0·031) of therapy, compared with the baseline (median 71%; range 58 to 74). Acceleration time to ejection time ratio had increased and serum erythropoietin concentration had decreased particularly after 1 month of therapy, but there was no statistical significance. Clinical Significance : Sildenafil improved the clinical signs and secondary erythrocytosis in dogs with Eisenmeger's syndrome. Sildenafil therapy could be a useful treatment for dogs with Eisenmeger's syndrome.     

Canine spinal nephroblastoma: long-term outcomes associated with treatment of 10 cases (1996-2009)

Objective: To report clinical outcome associated with treatment of canine spinal cord nephroblastoma (CSN). Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=10) with histopathologically confirmed CSN. Methods: Records of dogs with CSN were reviewed and clinicopathologic, diagnostic imaging, treatment, outcome, and survival data were collected. Results: CSN resulted in clinical signs of chronic, progressive T3–L3 myelopathy in young, large breed dogs, with an overrepresentation of German Shepherd Dogs (n=4). All CSN were located between T9 and L2. Dogs treated with cytoreductive surgery (n=6) or radiotherapy (1) survived longer (median, 374 days; range, 226–560 days) than dogs treated palliatively (3; median, 55 days; range, 38–176 days). Tumors confined to an intradural–extramedullary (ID–EM) location were associated with superior survival (n=6; median, 380 days; range, 176–560 days) than tumors with intramedullary (IM) involvement (n=4; median, 140 days; range, 38–269 days). Treatment resulted in temporary improvement in neurologic function in 9 dogs, including all dogs treated surgically, but local disease progression resulted in death of 8 dogs. Conclusions: Results of this observational study suggest that surgical cytoreduction and radiotherapy are effective at improving survival in dogs with CSN, and that ID–EM tumors may be associated with a more favorable prognosis than IM neoplasms.     

Bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization and vocal fold excision with mucosoplasty for treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis: 67 dogs (1998-2005)

Objective— To evaluate combined bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization, vocal fold excision, and mucosoplasty technique (BTAL) through ventral median laryngotomy for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=67) with laryngeal paralysis.
Methods— Medical records were reviewed for dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis that had BTAL between January 1998 and March 2005. Retrieved data included signalment, history, physical and laryngoscopic examination findings, clinicopathologic tests, and results of recheck examination findings.
Results— BTAL was performed by a single surgeon. Short-term (<6 months) follow-up information was available for 67 dogs and long-term (>12 months) for 40 dogs. Major postoperative complications were surgical failures (13; 7 short term, 6 long term) and aspiration pneumonia (1). Mean recurrence of clinical signs was at 19 weeks (range, 2–30 weeks). Minor complications occurred in 22 (33%) dogs including occasional coughing or gagging, stridorous breathing during exercise, panting, noisy or heavy breathing, and aspiration pneumonia (3 dogs) that did not require hospitalization. All owners reported an improved quality of life and had no regrets with surgical outcome.
Conclusions— BTAL is seemingly an effective procedure for treatment of laryngeal paralysis.
Clinical Relevance— BTAL is associated with a low incidence of aspiration pneumonia; however, there is substantial risk of recurrence of clinical signs associated with narrowing of the glottis. Consequently, unilateral arytenoid lateralization currently represents the accepted approach to the treatment of laryngeal paralysis.