Results of ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs: 201 cases (1969-1988)

Surgical treatment of 201 dogs with patent ductus arteriosus at the College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University was evaluated retrospectively to determine risk factors for development of surgical complications. During surgery, 15 dogs (7%) died because of hemorrhage associated with ductus dissection (n = 8), pulmonary edema (n = 4), ventricular fibrillation (n = 1), hemorrhage not associated with ductus dissection (n = 1), and cardiac arrest immediately after ductus ligation (n = 1). An additional 8 dogs (4%) died less than 1 month after surgery (total mortality before, during, and immediately after surgery, 11%). Nineteen dogs (9.5%) developed hemorrhage during surgery. Sixteen dogs developed complications other than hemorrhage (pulmonary edema [n = 4], cardiac arrest [n = 4], iatrogenic lung trauma [n = 3], ventricular fibrillation [n = 2], septicemia [n = 2], and recanalized ductus [n = 2]). Correlation was not found between age, sex, body weight, surgical technique (Jackson method vs standard method of dissection), or surgeon level of training and development of hemorrhage during surgery, other complications, or survival less than 5 days. Positive correlation (P less than 0.05) was found between hemorrhage and death within 5 days after surgery. Positive correlation (P less than 0.05) was also found between other complications and death within 5 days after surgery. Nineteen dogs survived surgery, but later died of unrelated causes (mean life span, 57 months); 63 of the dogs were still alive and doing well as of January 1990 (mean life span, 47 months after surgery). Contrary to previous reports, age, body weight, and surgical technique did not affect results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Outcome of and postoperative complications in dogs undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal paralysis: 140 cases (1985-1998).

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of various surgical techniques for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs and determine incidence and risk factors for development of postoperative complications. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 140 dogs undergoing surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1985 and 1998. PROCEDURE: Data were analyzed to determine outcome and factors influencing outcome and development of complications. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for survival analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were documented in 48 (34.3%) dogs; 20 (14.3%) dogs died of related causes. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common complication (33; 23.6%). Seven dogs died of aspiration pneumonia > 1 year after surgery. Dogs that underwent bilateral arytenoid lateralization were significantly more likely to develop complications and significantly less likely to survive than were dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization or partial laryngectomy. Factors that were significantly associated with a higher risk of dying or of developing complications included age, temporary tracheostomy placement, concurrent respiratory tract abnormalities, concurrent esophageal disease, postoperative megaesophagus, concurrent neoplastic disease, and concurrent neurologic disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that surgical repair of laryngeal paralysis may be associated with high postoperative complication and mortality rates. Surgical technique and concurrent problems or diseases increased the risk of complications. Dogs appeared to have a life-long risk of developing respiratory tract complications following surgical correction.     

En Bloc Resection of Primary Rib Tumors in 40 Dogs

Single or multiple rib resection was performed in 40 dogs for the treatment of primary osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma. The resulting thoracic wall defect was closed with polypropylene (12 dogs), primary muscle flap (16 dogs), diaphragmatic advancement (10 dogs), or a combination (2 dogs). Few immediate (less than 2 weeks) postoperative complications were observed. Twenty dogs with osteosarcoma had a median survival time of 3.3 months (range, 0.5 to 23 months), with a 20% 6-month survival time. Metastases occurred in all the dogs. Fourteen dogs with chondrosarcoma followed up longer than 2 weeks had a median survival time of 10.7 months (range, 0.5 to 36 months) with a 64% 6-month survival time. Eight dogs developed metastases, five died from concurrent disease, and one dog is alive. Dogs with chondrosarcoma survived significantly longer than dogs with osteosarcoma. Survival time was not related to tumor size or number of ribs resected.     

Long-Term Clinical Outcome After Partial Ligation of Single Extrahepatic Vascular Anomalies in 20 Dogs

This study reports the long-term clinical outcome after partial ligation of single extrahepatic vascular anomalies in 20 dogs. Outcome was classified as successful or complicated based on review of follow-up evaluations that consisted of telephone contacts with owners and veterinarians (n = 20), in hospital reevaluation (n = 15), and per-rectal portal nuclear scintigraphy (n = 12). Partial ligation was initially effective in resolving clinical signs in all 20 dogs. Long-term outcome was completely satisfactory in 50% of the cases. The mean time interval between surgery and onset of signs, or diagnosis of complications in the 10 dogs with a complicated outcome, was approximately 3 years. Central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and complications related to the urinary tract were most common. Acquired multiple extrahepatic venous communications occurred in at least 3 of 10 dogs (30%) with a complicated outcome. Long-term survival occurred in 13 of 20 dogs (65%) with partial ligation. The mean survival time for the seven dogs that died or were euthanatized was 3.6 years and the mean survival time for the 13 dogs still alive at the last follow-up was 5.0 years.     

Chronic hepatitis in the English springer spaniel: clinical presentation, histological description and outcome

Medical records and liver histology of 68 English springer spaniels (ESS) with a histological diagnosis of CH were reviewed retrospectively. PCR was performed on liver tissue for canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1), canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus and pathogenic Leptospira species. Follow-up information was obtained to calculate survival times. Median age at presentation was three years seven months (range, seven months to eight years five months) and there were 48 female and 20 male dogs. Clinical signs were non-specific and five dogs were asymptomatic. All dogs had an increase in serum activity of one or more hepatobiliary enzymes. Histopathology demonstrated hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis with varying amounts of fibrosis. A predominantly lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate throughout the hepatic parenchyma was found in all 68 dogs, but 45 of these dogs also had a neutrophilic component to the inflammatory infiltrate. There was no significant copper accumulation and no aetiological agent was identified by PCR. The median survival time was 189 days (range, 1 to 1211 days), 38 dogs died within three months and 12 dogs survived more than a year following diagnosis.     

Outcome of and complications associated with tube cystostomy in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1995-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for cystostomy tube use in dogs and cats, complications associated with their use, and outcome of dogs and cats in which cystostomy tubes had been inserted. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 39 cats. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by use of a client questionnaire. RESULTS: Indications for cystostomy tube placement were bladder dysfunction, urinary tract rupture, obstructive urinary tract neoplasia, urinary diversion following urogenital surgery, obstructive urolithiasis, and feline lower urinary tract disease. Median time tubes were in place was 11 days, but duration of tube use was significantly longer for animals with bladder dysfunction than for animals with urinary tract trauma, urinary diversion, or urinary tract obstruction. Thirty-seven (49%) animals had tube complications. Development of complications was not significantly associated with species, age, body weight, duration of tube use, or tube type, except that animals were significantly more likely to develop complications following long-rather than short-term use. In 42 animals, the underlying condition resolved and the tube was removed; 22 animals died or were euthanatized with the tube in place. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystostomy tubes may be used for animals with various conditions related to problems with urine outflow. Nearly half the animals in the study developed complications related to the cystostomy tube, suggesting that potential complications should be discussed with owners prior to tube placement. However, most complications were easily resolved.     

Ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach for implantation of cardiac pacemakers in the dog

Surgical implantation of a sutureless myocardial electrode and pulse generator was performed in 18 dogs, using a ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach. Twelve dogs were greater than or equal to 10 years old. The 18 dogs weighed from 3 to 54 kg. Indications for permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation included complete (3rd degree) atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, and sinus bradycardia. Few complications developed during or after surgery. One dog died during surgery from ventricular fibrillation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found at necropsy. Five dogs died 1 to 19 months after surgery (mean, 8.6 months) because of renal failure, hepatic cirrhosis, congestive cardiomyopathy, or idiopathic causes. Twelve dogs were alive 1 to 48 months after surgery (mean, 15.1 months). The surgical approach was used a second time in 3 dogs to replace the myocardial electrode wire and pulse generator 4, 16, and 26 months after surgery; technical complications were not associated with the second surgery in these 3 dogs. In 2 dogs that had initial pacemaker implantation via lateral thoracotomy, a transdiaphragmatic approach was used to replace the myocardial electrode lead and pulse generator 25.5 and 26 months after surgery. According to results of this study, the ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach for permanent pacemaker implantation in the dog is a simpler technique, with decreased surgery time, decreased time of tissue exposure, and decreased rate of infection, as compared with results described by investigators who used lateral thoracotomy or midline celiotomy and caudal one-third median sternotomy.     

Foramen magnum decompression for treatment of caudal occipital malformation syndrome in dogs

A method for foramen magnum decompression (FMD) in dogs with caudal occipital malformation syndrome (COMS) and results for 16 dogs are described. In brief, a dorsal approach to the caudal portion of the occiput and arch of the atlas was made, and a high-speed drill was used to remove a portion of the occiput in the region of the foramen magnum and the dorsal aspect of C1. The meninges that were exposed were removed or marsupialized to surrounding tissues. Foramen magnum decompression was performed in 16 dogs. No intraoperative complications occurred, and postoperative complications occurred in only 2 dogs after initial surgery and in 1 of these dogs after follow-up surgery. In both dogs, postoperative complications after the initial surgery resolved without additional treatment. One dog was nonambulatory tetraparetic after follow-up surgery and died of a suspected ruptured viscus 9 days after surgery. Four dogs developed evidence of scar formation at the surgery site and required additional surgery. Overall, 14 dogs survived, 1 died, and 1 was euthanatized. Clinical signs resolved in 7 of the 14 dogs that survived, improved in 6, and did not change in 1. Results suggest that FMD may be an effective treatment for dogs with COMS, especially if performed early in the course of the disease.     

Surgical Treatment of Pheochromocytoma: Technique, Complications, and Results in Six Dogs

Six dogs were diagnosed with phcochromocyloma and staged according to the World Health Organization's system for tumor classification. Two dogs had benign tumors (Tl, NO, M0) and four dogs had malignant tumors (T2, NO. M 1 or T3, N0, M0). All dogs had adrenalectomy, two dogs had concurrent nephrectomy, and three dogs had concurrent resection of a tumor thrombus from the vena cava. Anesthetic complications occurred in five dogs, including wide variations in heart rate (four dogs), blood pressure (five dogs), and cardiac arrythmias (one dog). One dog died 12 hours after surgery from partial dehiscence of the suture line and hemorrhage from the vena cava, and one dog died 6 days after surgery during general anesthesia for treatment of laryngeal paralysis. Four dogs survived from 3 to 23 months (median, 15 months). One dog remained hypertensive after surgery. Benign and malignant pheochromocytomas seem to be amenable to surgical resection. © Copyright 1994 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons     

Leiomyosarcoma in dogs: 44 cases (1983-1988).

During a 5-year period, leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed in 57 dogs. Forty-four dogs were included in the study on the basis of completeness of medical records. All dogs underwent exploratory laparotomy, and dogs were allotted to 4 groups according to primary site of tumor: spleen (16 dogs, median age 10.3 years), stomach/small intestine (13 dogs, median age 10.3 years), cecum (10 dogs, median age 11.8 years), and liver (5 dogs, median age 9 years). All dogs with leiomyosarcoma of the liver had visible metastasis and were euthanatized at surgery. In the other 3 groups, 79% of the dogs had no gross evidence of metastasis at surgery, and 64% survived greater than 2 weeks. Median survival in these 3 groups was 10 months (range, 1 month to 7 years); 48% died of metastasis, 32% died of unrelated causes, and 16% died of unknown causes. The prognosis in dogs with leiomyosarcoma of the spleen, stomach, small intestine, and especially the cecum is good to excellent if surgery is performed. In dogs with leiomyosarcoma of the liver, the prognosis is poor.     

Valved apico-aortic conduit for relief of left ventricular hypertension caused by discrete subaortic stenosis in dogs

A double-outlet left ventricle (LV), with a valved conduit interposed between the LV apex and the aorta, was created in 7 dogs with subaortic stenosis. Of 8 dogs in which the implantation was attempted, 1 died following thoracotomy but before conduit implantation could be performed, 1 died from hemorrhage 24 hours after surgery, 1 died from septicemia as a sequel to pneumonia 10 days after surgery, 1 died from "shock-lung" 4 days after surgery, and 4 were functionally normal 22, 12, 6, and 2 months after surgery. In the 7 dogs in which the implantation was completed, the mean LV to aorta (LV-Ao) pressure gradient was significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced by the implantation. Diastolic and systolic murmurs were detected over the prosthetic valve area in 3 of the 4 surviving dogs 1 to 4 days postoperatively, but the murmurs gradually decreased in intensity until they disappeared after 1 month. The 4 survivors had no angiographic evidence of prosthetic valve insufficiency at 2 months or at 1 year. In 3 of the survivors, the LV-Ao pressure gradients 2 months postoperatively were 45, 20, and 0 mm of Hg, as compared with 120, 90, and 50 mm of Hg preoperatively. Postoperative pressure measurements were not obtained on 1 surviving dog.     

Results of Screw/Wire/Polymethylmethacrylate Composite Fixation for Acetabular Fracture Repair in 14 Dogs

Objective- To assess the clinical results in dogs with acetabular fractures stabilized using a screw-wire-polymethylmethacrylate (SWP) composite fixation.
Study Design- A retrospective study of client-owned dogs with acetabular fractures.
Animals- Fourteen dogs ranging in age from 4 to 95 months (mean, 34 ±25 months; median, 25 months) and body weight from 8 to 39 kg (mean, 25 ±6 kg; median, 27 kg).
Methods- Medical records and radiographs were retrospectively evaluated to determine location of the fracture, presence of preexisting degenerative joint disease, accuracy of fracture reduction and complications associated with surgery. Long-term results were evaluated by subjective assessment of lameness, elicitation of pain and/or crepitus on manipulation of the coxofemoral joint, measurements of pelvic limb circumference, coxofemoral joint goniometric measurements, and radiographic evaluation.
Results- Fracture reduction was considered anatomic in 13 dogs. At the time of the last follow-up evaluation (mean, 347 ±261 days; median, 380 days) 10 dogs were sound on the affected limb, three dogs had a subtle weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb, and the remaining dog had a consistent non-weight-bearing lameness of the affected limb. Mild (n = 10) or moderate (n = 1) degenerative changes of the affected coxofemoral joint attributed to the acetabular fracture and its repair were noted on the follow-up radiographs in 11 dogs. Limb circumference of the affected limb ranged from -8.2% to +10.8% (mean, -0.8 ±4.2%; median, -0.7%) of the contralateral limb.
Conclusions- The SWP composite fixation consistently maintained anatomic reduction, was associated with few complications, and yielded satisfactory clinical results.
Clinical Relevance- The SWP composite fixation technique would seem to be an acceptable means of stabilizing acetabular fractures in dogs.     

Kidney transplantation in dogs with naturally occurring end-stage renal disease

Renal allografts were performed between unrelated donors and 15 dogs with naturally occurring end-stage renal disease. Donor selection was based on compatible dog erythrocyte antigen typing and cross-matching. An immunosuppressive protocol consisting of rabbit antidog antithymocyte serum, cyclosporin-A, azathioprine, and prednisone was used to control postoperative rejection of the donated kidney. Although seven animals died because of technical failures or rejection episodes, a median survival time of eight months has been achieved, with two dogs living for longer than five years after surgery. Long-term survivors have died from a variety of problems not related to renal allograft rejection.     

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.     

Canine Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma was diagnosed in 38 dogs. Thirty-six tumors originated from the appendicular skeleton and two from the axial skeleton. Nineteen of the dogs were treated with amputation alone, and 19 were treated with amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin and cisplatin. The 36 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma had complete amputation of the affected limb, whereas the two dogs with osteosarcoma of the axial skeleton had an en bloc resection. The mean survival of the 19 dogs treated with amputation alone was 218 days (median, 175 days). Ten dogs were alive at 6 months and four survived 1 year. None of the dogs survived longer than 16 months. Radiographic lesions consistent with metastatic osteosarcoma were seen after surgery in the nine dogs in which radiographs were taken. The mean survival of the 19 dogs treated with amputation and chemotherapy was 415 days (median, 300 days). Drug toxicity was not observed. Fifteen dogs were alive at 6 months, seven dogs were alive at 1 year, 5 dogs were alive at 2 years, and two dogs were alive at 3 years or longer. One dog is alive and well at 25 months. Radiographic lesions suggestive of metastatic osteosarcoma developed in the other 18 dogs. The 19 dogs treated with amputation and chemotherapy had significantly longer survival times than the dogs treated with amputation alone.     

Penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy in 18 dogs

The objective of this study was to report the signalment, indications for surgery, postoperative complications and outcome in dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy. Medical records of three surgical referral facilities were reviewed for dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy between January 2003 and July 2010. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, indication for penile amputation, surgical technique, postoperative complications and long-term outcome. Eighteen dogs were included in the study. Indications for surgery were treatment of neoplasia (n=6), external or unknown penile trauma (n=4), penile trauma or necrosis associated with urethral obstruction with calculi (n=3), priapism (n=4) and balanoposthitis (n=1). All dogs suffered mild postoperative haemorrhage (posturination and/or spontaneous) from the urethrostomy stoma for up to 21 days (mean 5.5 days). Four dogs had minor complications recorded at suture removal (minor dehiscence (n=1), mild bruising and swelling around the urethrostomy site and mild haemorrhage at suture removal (n=2), and granulation at the edge of stoma (n=1)). One dog had a major complication (wound dehiscence and subsequent stricture of the stoma). Long-term outcome was excellent in all dogs with non-neoplastic disease. Local tumour recurrence and/or metastatic disease occurred within five to 12 months of surgery in two dogs undergoing penile amputation for the treatment of neoplasia. Both dogs were euthanased.     

Treatment for pancreatic abscesses via omentalization with abdominal closure versus open peritoneal drainage in dogs: 15 cases (1994-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To compare survival rate, duration of hospitalization, and complications in dogs with pancreatic abscesses treated with omentalization with abdominal closure versus open peritoneal drainage and evaluate a pancreatitis severity score for potential prognostic value. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 15 dogs with pancreatic abscesses. PROCEDURE: Data regarding species, breed, age, initial clinical signs, CBC, serum biochemical abnormalities, pancreatitis severity score, anatomic location of the abscess, intraoperative bacteriologic culture results, treatment modality, postoperative complications, outcome (dismissed alive from the hospital, died in the postoperative period, or euthanized at surgery), and duration of hospitalization were evaluated. RESULTS: 6 dogs survived, 6 dogs died or were euthanized after surgery, and 3 were euthanized during surgery. Five of 8 dogs treated with omentalization and abdominal closure survived, and 1 of 4 dogs treated with open peritoneal drainage survived. In several dogs, treatment required additional surgical procedures, which did not appear to affect outcome. Postoperative complications were similar among survivors and nonsurvivors. Mean duration of hospitalization for dogs treated with omentalization and abdominal closure was less than that of dogs treated with open peritoneal drainage. Neither pancreatitis severity score nor any individual components of the score were associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Omentalization is a viable treatment option for pancreatic abscess in dogs. Furthermore, shorter hospitalization and better survival outcomes may make omentalization preferred over open peritoneal drainage.     

RADIATION THERAPY FOR INCOMPLETELY RESECTED CANINE MAST CELL TUMORS

The records of 56 dogs treated with megavoltage radiation for mast cell neoplasia were reviewed to determine the efficacy of this treatment modality. Total radiation dose ranged from 45 to 57 Gray (Gy), dose per fraction ranged from 3.0 to 4.0 Gy, and radiation treatment time ranged from 14–28 days. Median disease free interval (95% CI) was 32.7 (19–70) months. Median disease free interval for dogs older than 7.5 years was 15 (lower limit 7) months as compared to 62 (lower limit 20) for dogs younger than 7.5 years of age (p = 0.006). Median disease free interval for dogs with measurable disease was 12 (lower limit 5) months as compared to 54 (32–70) months for dogs with microscopic disease (p = 0.006). Radiation treatment time was also significantly related to disease free interval. Median disease free interval for dogs treated longer than 22 days was 12 (7–19) months as compared to greater than 50 (lower limit 20) months for dogs treated in 22 or fewer days (p < 0.001). This appeared to be due to more recurrences in dogs treated with 3-per-week fractionation and suggests that tumor proliferation in the interfraction interval may be important. Sex, tumor location, histologic grade, WHO clinical stage, number of radiation fractions, total radiation dose, and dose-per-fraction, as well as the following "yes/no" variables: steroids given, surgery prior to radiation, lymph nodes irradiated, and development of another mast cell tumor did not appear to influence median disease free interval or survival. Data presented herein support megavoltage radiation as an effective treatment for canine mast cell neoplasia, and suggest that disease free interval in dogs treated with daily fractions may be longer than that achieved with alternating day fractions.     

Radiotherapy of malignant nasal tumors in 67 dogs

The nasal cavity of 67 dogs with malignant nasal neoplasia was treated with radiation. Preirradiation surgical cytoreduction of the tumor was done in 41 dogs. Fifty dogs were irradiated by use of 10 fractions over 22 days, and 17 dogs were given a similar total dose in 5 fractions over 35 days. The range of survival times (0.5 to 42 months), median survival time (8.5 months), and 1- and 2-year survival rates (38% and 30%, respectively) were better than those expected for other methods of treatment. Serious complications were few (4%). Survival times for dogs were determined on the basis of histologic tumor type and on the basis of megavoltage (cobalt or linear accelerator) vs softer deep radiation (cesium or orthovoltage) treatment, with or without cytoreductive surgery. Survival times of 10 dogs given softer radiation without surgery were shorter than those of 14 dogs that were given softer radiation and had cytoreductive surgery. Survival times of dogs that were given softer radiation and had surgery were similar to those of dogs that were given megavoltage radiation only. Cytoreductive surgery did not improve survival times for dogs that were given megavoltage radiation. Median survival time for 38 dogs with adenocarcinoma was 12 months, compared with 6 months for 14 dogs with squamous cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. Median survival time for 16 dogs with a variety of sarcomas was 11.2 months. Survival times of dogs with adenocarcinoma or sarcoma were significantly better (P less than 0.02 or 0.03) than for dogs with squamous cell or undifferentiated carcinoma. Necropsies were performed on 27 of 58 dogs that died or were euthanatized.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Carotid Body Tumors in the Dog Eleven Cases (1978–1988)

Case records of 11 dogs with histologically confirmed carotid body tumors were reviewed. Surgical excision had been attempted in ten dogs with carotid body tumors, and one dog had been euthanatized at diagnosis. There were no intraoperative deaths but perioperative mortality was 40%. Horner's syndrome and laryngeal paralysis were the most common postoperative morbidities. The median survival time after surgery alone in the four dogs that survived the perioperative period was 25.5 months (range, 12-45 months). Two dogs treated with postoperative radiation therapy had survival times of 6 and 27 months. Of the six dogs surviving the perioperative period, two dogs are still alive at 19 and 32 months postoperatively. Of the four dogs that died, one was euthanatized 12 months postoperatively for nontumor-related causes. The remaining three dogs died of distant metastases. The carotid body tumors studied were characterized by local tissue invasion, neurovascular complications after therapy, and a propensity to metastasize to multiple sites in the body.