Immunophenotype predicts survival time in dogs with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematologic disorder in dogs, but studies on prognostic factors and clinical outcome are lacking. In people, several prognostic factors have been identified and currently are used to manage patients and determine therapy. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine if the immunophenotype of neoplastic cells predicts survival in canine CLL. Design: Retrospective study. Animals: Forty‐three dogs with CLL. Procedures: Records of dogs with a final diagnosis of CLL were reviewed. For each included dog, a CBC, blood smear for microscopic reevaluation, and immunophenotyping data had to be available. Data on signalment, history, clinical findings, therapy, follow‐up, as well as date and cause of death were retrieved. Results: Seventeen dogs had B‐CLL (CD21+), 19 had T‐CLL (CD3+ CD8+), and 7 had atypical CLL (3 CD3? CD8+, 2 CD3+ CD4? CD8?, 1 CD3+ CD4+ CD8+, and 1 CD3+ CD21+). Among the variables considered, only immunophenotype was associated with survival. Dogs with T‐CLL had approximately 3‐fold and 19‐fold higher probability of surviving than dogs with B‐CLL and atypical CLL, respectively. Old dogs with B‐CLL survived significantly longer than did young dogs, and anemic dogs with T‐CLL survived a significantly shorter time than dogs without anemia. Conclusions: Although preliminary, results suggested that immunophenotype is useful to predict survival in dogs with CLL. Young age and anemia are associated with shorter survival in dogs with B‐CLL and T‐CLL, respectively.     

Morphologic Changes in the Lungs of Cats Experimentally Infected With Dirofilaria immitis

The morphologic response of the pulmonary arteries and lungs in cats was studied after a five month heartworm infection produced by transplantation of four adult heartworms/cat. One group of seven heartworm infected cats was not treated, another group of seven cats was treated with 97.5 mg of aspirin given twice a week, and the third group of six cats was given aspirin at a sufficient dosage to block in vitro platelet aggregation throughout the study. A fourth group of eight noninfected cats served as controls. Five months after heartworm infection, the cats were euthanized and the lungs perfusion fixed for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the pulmonary arterial surfaces. All cats in the three heartworm-infected groups had live heartworms and the typical pulmonary arterial changes of heartworm disease at necropsy. The arterial surfaces, as viewed with scanning electron microscopy, had villus proliferations that were more numerous and exuberant than similar infections in dogs. Mean percentage of arterial surface involvement with villus proliferation of the nontreated heartworm infected cats was 67.3%; the aspirin treated cats, 73.8%; and the adjusted aspirin treated cats, 75.9%. The villi were myointimal proliferations in the small and medium-sized arteries. The more elastic arteries had a predominance of fibromuscular proliferation. All heartworm infected cats had arterial muscular hypertrophy of the small arteries, in contrast to only three of eight of the nonheartworm infected cats. The caudal lobar arteries were frequently obstructed with either villus proliferation, thrombi, and/or dead heartworms. The muscular arteries had branches with marked dilation, a condition associated with pulmonary hypertension in man. However, only three cats, one in each group, had pulmonary hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

An immunophenotypic study of canine leukemias and preliminary assessment of clonality by polymerase chain reaction.

There is a relative lack of information in the veterinary literature regarding the immunophenotypes present in canine leukemias. Utilizing a panel of thirty monoclonal antibodies, canine leukemias were assessed by flow cytometry alone or by flow cytometry in combination with immunocytochemical staining of smears. Canine chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occurred in older dogs (mean age 9.75 years; range 1.5-15 years; n = 73 cases). Blood lymphocyte counts ranged from 15,000 to 1,600,000/microl. Surprisingly, 73% of CLL cases involved proliferation of T lymphocytes (CD3+), and 54% of CLL cases had large granular lymphocyte (LGL) morphology. LGL CLL's were almost exclusively proliferation's of T cells that expressed CD8 and the leukointegrin alphaDbeta2 and more frequently expressed T cell receptor (TCR) alphabeta (69%) than TCRgammadelta (31%). The non-LGL T cell CLL cases (19% of CLL) involved proliferation of TCRalphabeta T cells in which no consistent pattern of CD4 or CD8 expression was found. B cell CLL, based on expression of CD2 or CD79a, comprised 26% of canine CLL cases. These results are in marked contrast to people where greater than 95% of CLL cases involve proliferation of B lymphocytes. Thirty eight (38) acute leukemias were also immunophenotyped. The majority (55%) of these leukemias had a phenotype most consistent with a myeloid origin. Acute LGL leukemias were also observed (7/38), although less commonly than the CLL counterpart. CD34 expression was common in acute, non-LGL leukemias of dogs, both myeloid and lymphoid. In some circumstances, it can be difficult to differentiate a reactive (polyclonal) lymphoid proliferation from a neoplastic (monoclonal) one. Therefore, as an adjunct to phenotypic studies, we have developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based test for assessment of clonality in T cell proliferations. The test amplifies the junction of the variable gamma (Vgamma) and joining gamma (Jgamma) gene segments region of the TCR gamma genes. Preliminary data indicates that our test is effective and is capable of differentiating a neoplastic from a reactive lymphoproliferative process.     

Canine and feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity

The diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats can be challenging. Several diagnostic tests have been evaluated over the years, but the majority have been shown to be of limited utility owing to poor performance or limited availability or because invasive procedures are required. Assays for the measurement of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI for dogs and fPLI for cats) were first developed over a decade ago and now include Spec cPL and SNAP cPL for dogs and Spec fPL and SNAP fPL for cats. Owing to their high sensitivity and specificity for pancreatitis compared with those of other serum tests, concentrations of cPLI and fPLI have been demonstrated to be the serum tests of choice for evaluation of dogs and cats, respectively, suspected of having pancreatitis. False-positive and false-negative results can occur, and recognition of the limitations of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity assays is important. As there is currently no gold standard for antemortem diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats, the combination of a complete history and physical examination, measurement of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, and ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas is the best approach for an accurate noninvasive diagnosis of pancreatitis.     

Gastric neoplasia.

Gastric tumors are rare in dogs and cats but should always be considered, particularly in older dogs with chronic vomiting. The most common gastric tumor in dogs is carcinoma, although lymphoma is rare. Breeds that seem to be predisposed to gastric carcinoma are the Rough Collie, Staffordshire Terrier, and Belgian Shepherd. Lymphoma is the most common gastric malignancy in cats. Contrast radiographic examination and endoscopy are the elective procedures of choice for the diagnosis of these conditions. Biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the only potentially curative modality for localized gastric carcinoma. Chemotherapy alone or following surgery is the elective treatment of choice for gastric lymphoma in dogs and cats. The prognosis is poor for both types of tumor, but prolonged survival times in individual animals are possible.     

Use of keyhole lung biopsy for diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases in dogs and cats: 13 cases (1998-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and evaluate use of keyhole lung biopsy for diagnosis of ILDs in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 11 dogs and 2 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs and cats undergoing keyhole lung biopsy to confirm ILDs were reviewed. Signalment, clinical signs, results of thoracic radiography and other respiratory diagnostic tests, postoperative complications, and patient outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical respiratory signs included cough, tachypnea, exercise intolerance, and hemoptysis. Thoracic radiographic abnormalities included interstitial, alveolar, and bronchointerstitial patterns and multiple discrete pulmonary nodules. Lung biopsy and histologic examination revealed interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia, or unclassified lesions. Outcome after biopsy included no response to treatment, euthanasia, partial or complete remission while receiving medication, and cure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Recognition and classification of ILDs in dogs and cats are likely to be important in guiding appropriate treatment and providing accurate prognostic information. Ancillary respiratory diagnostic tests are beneficial in ruling out infectious and neoplastic disorders that may mimic ILDs; however, their present use in the diagnosis of ILDs is limited. Results suggest that keyhole lung biopsy is an effective means for obtaining a specimen for histologic diagnosis in dogs and cats with ILDs.     

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia transformation into high‐grade lymphoma: a description of Richter's syndrome in eight dogs

Richter's syndrome (RS) is the development of an aggressive lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). In humans, RS occurs in 2–20% of CLL, which transform into diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma but reports in dogs are scarce. This study retrospectively describes eight dogs with CLL progressing into RS. A database including 153 dogs with CLL (93T CD8+ and 55 B‐CLL) was interrogated and RS was demonstrated in eight cases (representing 5.2% of total CLL): two with T‐cell (2.2% of T CLL) and six with a B‐cell immunophenotype (10.9% of B‐CLL). When RS occurred, lymphocytes were decreased compared to CLL. Five dogs had anaemia and two dogs thrombocytopenia. Frequent clinical signs included lymph node swelling, coughing, vomiting, neurological signs and weight loss. Independently from the therapy, RS was associated with a short survival (median 41 days). RS should be considered as an unfavourable evolution in canine CLL.     

Sensitivity and specificity of fasting ammonia and serum bile acids in the diagnosis of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats

Background: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is the most common cause of hepatic encephalopathy in dogs and cats. Fasting ammonia and serum bile acids (SBA) are used to diagnose PSS, but their true sensitivity and specificity have not been fully evaluated, especially in cats. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of fasting ammonia and SBA concentrations in the diagnosis of PSS in dogs and cats and to compare diagnostic accuracy between species. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 373 dogs and 85 cats presented to the clinic from 1996 to 2006 was carried out. Based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, animals were grouped as having PSS, parenchymal hepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease. The sensitivity and specificity of ammonia and SBA concentrations for the diagnosis of PSS were calculated and receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was used to optimize cut‐offs. Results: Using the upper limit of laboratory reference intervals (ammonia, 59 μmol/L; SBA, 20 μmol/L), the sensitivity and specificity of ammonia was 85% and 86% in dogs, and 83% and 76% in cats, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of SBA was 93% and 67% in dogs, and 100% and 71% in cats, respectively. Using optimal cut‐off points for ammonia (dogs, 57 μmol/L; cats, 94 μmol/L) the sensitivity and specificity was 91% and 84% in dogs and 83% and 86% in cats, respectively. Using optimal cut‐off points for SBA (dogs, 58 μmol/L; cats, 34 μmol/L) the sensitivity and specificity was 78% and 87% in dogs and 100% and 84% in cats. Conclusion: Increased fasting ammonia and SBA concentrations are accurate indicators of PSS. An improvement in diagnostic accuracy can be achieved by using defined optimal cut‐off points for the selective diagnosis of PSS.     

Feline progressive histiocytosis

Histiocytic proliferative diseases include reactive and neoplastic proliferations of dendritic cells (DC) or macrophages. Various forms of DC proliferations have been documented in humans and dogs; their etiology is largely unknown. With the exception of a few case reports, histiocytic proliferations have not been characterized in cats. This study summarizes clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features of a feline progressive histiocytosis (FPH) in 30 cats. There was no breed or age predilection. Females were more often affected than males. Solitary or multiple nonpruritic firm papules, nodules, and plaques had a predilection for feet, legs, and face. Lesions consisted of poorly circumscribed epitheliotropic (13/30) and nonepitheliotropic (17/30) histiocytic infiltrates of the superficial and deep dermis, with variable extension into the subcutis. The histiocytic population was relatively monomorphous early in the clinical course. With disease progression, cellular pleomorphism was more frequently encountered. Histiocytes expressed CD1a, CD1c, CD18, and major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. This immunophenotype suggests a DC origin of these lesions. Coexpression of E-cadherin, a feature of cutaneous Langerhans cells, was only observed in 3 cats. FPH followed a progressive clinical course; the lesions, however, were limited to the skin for an extended period of time. Terminal involvement of internal organs was documented in 7 cases. Treatment with chemotherapeutics or immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs was not successful. The etiology of FPH remains unknown. FPH is best considered an initially indolent cutaneous neoplasm, which is mostly slowly progressive and may spread beyond the skin in the terminal stage.     

Histological examination of the intestine from dogs and cats with intussusception

Objectives : To review the histological findings in the intestine from dogs and cats with intussusception. Methods : Medical records and histopathology reports of dogs and cats with intussusception were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Fourty‐nine animals (31 dogs and 18 cats) were identified for inclusion. Tissues examined com‐prised the intussusception alone in 29 animals (16 dogs and 13 cats), and the intussusception with additional intestinal biopsies in 20 animals (15 dogs and 5 cats). Twenty‐eight of 49 (57·1%) animals, comprising 19 of 31 (61·3%) dogs and 9 of 18 cats (50%) had abnormalities detected on histological examination of tissue. Eleven of 29 (46·9%) cases where only the intussusception was submitted achieved a histological diagnosis, compared to 17 of 20 (85%) where additional biopsies were submitted (P=0·003). Cats (median age 36 months, range 2 to 174) were significantly older than dogs (median age 7·5 months, range 1 to 125 months, P=0·010) and were significantly more likely to have underlying neoplasia (5 of 9; 55·6%) compared to dogs who were more likely to have inflammatory causes (17 of 19; 89·5%, P=0·020). There was no association between histological diagnosis and location of the intussusception (P=1·000). Clinical Significance : Histological abnormalities were detected in more than half of the animals. Diagnosis of intestinal disease in animals with intussusception may be improved by submission of additional biopsy samples. Cats with intussusception are more likely to be older and have underlying neoplasia than dogs which are more likely to have inflammatory disease.     

Safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine bait containing ERA strain of attenuated rabies virus.

Ninety percent of foxes fed commercial ERA vaccine in a specially designed bait developed rabies serum neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine bait did not cause clinical signs of rabies when consumed by foxes, raccoons, skunks, dogs, cats, cattle and monkeys. When presented, in the laboratory, to wild rodents of the species Microtus, Mus musculus and Peromyscus, the vaccine baits caused vaccine-induced rabies only in Mus musculus. Laboratory mice of the CD-1 and CLL strain were susceptible to vaccine-induced rabies; however, studies showed that transmission of virus to other animals did not occur. These studies suggest that the vaccine bait described could be useful in a rabies control program in areas where foxes and wild dogs are the principal vectors.     

Factors associated with adverse outcomes during parenteral nutrition administration in dogs and cats

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is increasingly used to support hospitalized dogs and cats. Published assessments of outcome are limited. Objective: Evaluate type and prevalence of complications and risk factors for death and complications in dogs and cats receiving PN. Animals: Three hundred and nineteen dogs and 112 cats that received PN at a teaching hospital between 2000 and 2008. Methods: Retrospective case review. Diagnosis, duration of PN administration, concurrent enteral feeding, death, and mechanical, septic, and metabolic complications were abstracted from medical records. Association of each parameter with complications and death was analyzed by binary logistic regression. Results: Pancreatitis was the most common diagnosis (109/319 dogs, 34/112 cats), and 137/319 dogs and 51/112 cats died. Dogs and cats received 113 ± 40% and 103 ± 32% of resting energy requirement, respectively. Mechanical (81/319 dogs, 16/112 cats) and septic (20/319 dogs, 6/112 cats) complications were not associated with death (P > .05). Hyperglycemia was the most common metabolic complication (96/158 dogs, 31/37 cats). Hypercreatininemia in dogs (8/79) was the only complication associated with death (P < .01). Chronic kidney disease in dogs, hepatic lipidosis in cats, and longer duration of inadequate caloric intake before PN in both species were negatively associated with survival (P < .05). Factors positively associated with survival included longer duration of PN administration in both species, enteral feeding in cats with any disease, and enteral feeding in dogs with respiratory disease (P < .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PN can be effectively used to provide the energy requirements of most critically ill dogs and cats. Most complications accompanying PN administration do not affect survival.     

Clinical signs, imaging features, neuropathology, and outcome in cats and dogs with central nervous system cryptococcosis from California

Background: Cryptococcus spp. is a fungal pathogen with a predilection for the central nervous system (CNS). Objectives: To compare the clinical, advanced imaging, and neuropathologic findings in dogs and cats with CNS cryptococcosis, and to evaluate outcome of treatment in these animals. Animals: Twenty‐six cats and 21 dogs with CNS cryptococcosis. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for clinical findings and results of CNS imaging. Archived cerebrospinal fluid and CNS tissue specimens were reviewed for pathology. Findings in cats were compared with those in dogs and the effects of variables on survival were determined by survival curve analysis. Results: When present, pain was localized to the cervical region in dogs and was generalized or localized to the thoracolumbar spine or pelvic limbs in cats. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were variable but correlated with CNS histopathological findings of meningitis, meningitis with gelatinous pseudocyst formation, and granulomatous mass lesions. Peripherally enhancing brain lesions were seen only in cats. Histopathologically, the inflammatory response was milder in cats compared with dogs. Remissions of ≥1 year occurred in 32% of treated animals. Altered mentation was associated with negative outcome. Glucocorticoid use after diagnosis was associated with improved survival in the first 10 days. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Lesions seen on MRI reflected neuropathological findings and were similar to those reported in human patients. The immune response to infection may differ between cats and dogs, or relate to the infecting cryptococcal species. Long‐term (>6 month median survival time) survival may be possible in animals surviving ≥4 days after diagnosis.     

Serial abdominal radiographs do not significantly increase accuracy of diagnosis of gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction due to occult foreign bodies in dogs and cats

Abdominal radiographs are commonly used in dogs and cats that present with gastrointestinal signs. When initial abdominal radiographs are equivocal for the presence or absence of gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction, follow‐up abdominal radiographs may be recommended. Based on our review of the literature, no published study has been performed to evaluate the clinical utility of serial abdominal radiographs in such cases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether follow‐up abdominal radiographs increase diagnostic accuracy for mechanical obstruction. A prospective cohort study was performed on client‐owned dogs and cats with clinical concern for gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction and initial abdominal radiographs inconclusive for the presence of obstruction. Follow‐up abdominal radiographs were performed between 7 and 28 h of the initial radiographs; an abdominal ultrasound performed within 3 h of the follow‐up study served as the gold standard. A total of 57 patients (40 dogs and 17 cats) were recruited; 19 of 57 cases (11 dogs; 8 cats) were mechanically obstructed, all with nonradiopaque foreign bodies. Four blinded reviewers (2 radiologists, 1 radiology resident, 1 criticalist) separately assessed the initial and the combined initial/follow‐up radiographic studies for diagnosis of mechanical obstruction; for each observer, there was no significant change in accuracy (P = .058‐.87) for the diagnosis of mechanical obstruction. Given the lack of significant increase in diagnostic accuracy using follow‐up radiographs in cases of occult gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction, other diagnostic options (eg, abdominal ultrasonography) could be considered when survey abdominal radiographs are inconclusive for the diagnosis of mechanical obstruction in dogs and cats.     

Campylobacteriosis in dogs and cats: a review

Campylobacter species are commonly isolated from faecal samples collected from dogs and cats, with the most prevalent species being C. upsaliensis, C. helveticus, and C. jejuni. Although the majority of dogs and cats are subclinically infected, some will develop mild to moderate enteritis. Immature animals, animals from intensive housing backgrounds, and animals with concurrent disease are especially predisposed to infection and the development of clinical signs. Bacterial culture methods applied in diagnostic laboratories remain biased to C. jejuni and C. coli detection, but molecular methods to diagnose Campylobacter spp. infections in dogs and cats have become widely available and can aid rapid and accurate diagnosis. Multilocus sequence typing has also been developed for subtyping different strains and has been used in epidemiological investigations. In the majority of cases, clinical signs are self-limiting and antimicrobial treatment is not warranted. Campylobacter spp. isolated from dogs and cats have shown resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, so antimicrobial therapy should only be administered where this is justified. Contact with dogs and cats is a recognised risk factor for human campylobacteriosis, thus people living or working in close contact with cats and dogs should be made aware of the zoonotic organisms these animals can shed.     

Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats.

The clinical presentation and biologic behavior of thyroid tumors vary widely among dogs, cats, and human beings. Although thyroid tumors in dogs are rare, they are most likely to be malignant. Clinical signs are usually the result of impingement on surrounding structures, and clinical hyperthyroidism is rare. In contrast, hyperthyroidism resulting from benign thyroid proliferation is relatively common among older cats. Malignant tumors are extremely uncommon but have high metastatic potential. Irrespective of the tumor's ability to produce functional thyroid hormone, scintigraphy is often helpful in the diagnosis and staging of thyroid tumors in all three species. Treatment with surgery is a reasonable treatment option for noninvasive tumors. Iodine 131 is a well-established treatment for thyroid nodules in cats, but its effectiveness in dogs is controversial. In dogs, external beam radiation therapy has produced more consistent results in affording local tumor control when surgery is not possible.     

Endoscopic examination of the choanae in dogs and cats: 118 cases (1988-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic examination of the choanae resulted in diagnosis of various diseases in dogs and cats with signs of respiratory tract disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 91 dogs and 27 cats that had endoscopic examination of the choanae. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for endoscopy findings and results of examination of biopsy or cytologic specimens. RESULTS: 34 animals had neoplasia in the choanal region; in 26 animals, diagnosis was confirmed by evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Five dogs with neoplasia had an erroneous diagnosis of rhinitis made on the basis of evaluation of specimens obtained by endoscopy. Six dogs and 2 cats had foreign objects in the choanae; 7 foreign objects were removed endoscopically, whereas 1 required nasal flushing. Results of endoscopy and biopsy of the choanae provided diagnosis of cryptococcosis and aspergillosis, but did not aid in the diagnosis of pythiosis or nasal mites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic examination of the choanae may assist in rapid diagnosis of nasal neoplasms, foreign objects, and certain infectious organisms.     

Accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the liver and cytologic findings in dogs and cats: 97 cases (1990-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the liver and cytologic findings in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 56 dogs and 41 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs and cats evaluated from 1990 to 2000 by use of cytologic and histopathologic examination of the liver were reviewed. Histologic and cytologic diagnoses were categorized as vacuolar hepatopathy, inflammation, neoplasia, cirrhosis, primary cholestasis, shunt, normal, and other. RESULTS: Overall agreement between the histopathologic diagnosis and cytologic diagnosis was found in 17 of the 56 (30.3%) canine cases and 21 of the 41 (51.2%) feline cases. Vacuolar hepatopathy was the category with the highest percentage of agreement. Vacuolar hepatopathy was identified via cytologic examination in 7 of 11 and 15 of 18 dogs and cats, respectively, in which histopathologic examination revealed that it was the predominant disease process. However, it was also the category that was most commonly misdiagnosed via cytologic examination. Inflammatory disease was accurately identified cytologically in 5 of 20 and 3 of 11 dogs and cats, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acknowledging the limitations of cytology and the extent of discrepancies between cytologic and histopathologic findings in dogs and cats will help clinicians make better decisions in diagnosing liver disease.     

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in the cat: 18 cases (2000–2010)

There is little information regarding the presentation, biologic behaviour, treatment and prognosis in cats with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and further investigation is needed to characterize this disease in cats. The goal of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, response to treatment and prognosis of feline CLL. A multi‐institutional retrospective study of 18 cats diagnosed with CLL between 2000 and 2010 was performed. CLL was defined as the presence of a mature lymphocytosis (> 9000 lymphocytes µL^?1) and confirmation of an immunophenotypically monomorphic or clonal lymphoid population. Each patient was required to also have at least one of the two following criteria: (1) concurrent cytopenia of at least one cell line and/or (2) >15% mature lymphocytes in the bone marrow. Data on signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathologic features and response to treatment were reviewed. Median age of the cats at initial presentation was 12.5 years (range: 5–20 years). The most common presenting complaint was chronic weight loss, which was present in 8/18 (44%) cats. Sixteen of 18 (89%) cats were treated with chlorambucil and prednisolone; four of these cats also received vincristine. Two (11%) cats were treated with multi‐agent injectable chemotherapy (L‐CHOP, l ‐asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone). Eighty‐eight percent of cats evaluable for response achieved a complete (nine cats) or partial (six cats) remission. Median overall remission was 15.7 months (range: 1.3–22.8 months). The median overall survival in the 17 cats with follow‐up data was 14.4 months (range: 0.9–25.3 months). Results of this study suggest that CLL affects older‐aged cats and responds favourably to treatment with oral chlorambucil and prednisolone.     

Salivary gland neoplasia in the dog and cat: survival times and prognostic factors

Twenty-four dogs and 30 cats with histopathologically confirmed salivary gland neoplasia were retrospectively reviewed in a multi-institutional study. The predominant presenting complaint for animals with salivary gland neoplasia was that of a mass being noted by the owner; other common complaints included halitosis, dysphagia, and exophthalmia. Siamese cats were overrepresented, indicating a possible breed predisposition. The most common histopathological type was simple adenocarcinoma. Cats had more advanced disease at diagnosis than did dogs, and clinical staging was prognostic in dogs. The median survival times for dogs and cats were 550 days and 516 days, respectively.