Clinical and pathologic features of thyroid tumors in 26 dogs

Thyroid tumors were diagnosed in 26 dogs between 1977 and 1984. A total of 23 of the 26 tumors were carcinomas, and 3, detected as incidental findings at necropsy, were adenomas. The median patient age was 9.5 years. Dogs of the Beagle breed were affected most commonly (5 dogs). The most common physical abnormalities in carcinoma patients were cervical swelling, dyspnea, and coughing. A total of 25 of 26 dogs were clinically euthyroid. Aspiration cytology provided diagnostic information in 8 of 17 cases. In dogs with thyroid carcinoma, a cervical soft tissue lesion was identified consistently by use of radiography and scintigraphy with sodium pertechnetate. Pulmonary metastases were detected radiographically in 8 of 21 dogs with thyroid carcinoma. Thoracic nuclear imaging confirmed the radiographic findings in 11 of 14 dogs. Surgical excision of the thyroid mass was the primary treatment for 17 dogs with carcinoma. Eight dogs died within 2 years (median, 7 months) of surgery because of primary tumor regrowth or metastases. Four dogs were alive at a range of 3 to 48 months after surgery, and 4 dogs died from unrelated causes. Necropsy of 7 dogs with thyroid carcinoma revealed neoplastic infiltration of the cervical blood vessels and pulmonary metastases in each dog. The most common histologic patterns of thyroid carcinoma were solid or compact cellular (11 dogs) and mixed solid-follicular tumors (8 dogs). Dogs with a solid carcinoma had a median survival time of 10.5 months (6 dogs), and dogs with a mixed solid-follicular tumor had a median survival time of 8 months (3 dogs).     

Clinical features and management of snake bites in 70 dogs in Korea

BackgroundSnakebites remain a devastating and life-threatening environmental hazard. While the management of snakebites has been well described in humans, few clinical data and guidelines exist for dogs, especially in Korea.ObjectivesThis retrospective study evaluated the clinical features of 70 dogs with snakebite wounds in Korea.MethodsThe medical records of 72 dogs that presented to three animal hospitals from June 2008 to July 2021 were reviewed; among these, 70 dogs that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Their signalment, history, clinical signs, physical examination, blood analysis, treatment, and prognosis were also evaluated.ResultsOf 70 dog owners, 35 (50%) witnessed the bite, with a mean time between bite and hospital presentation of 9.7 ± 4.1 h in 58 dogs. Blood smears were evaluated in 45 dogs, of which 28 (62%) showed echinocytosis. Anemia and acute kidney injury were found in 21 (29%) and 2 dogs (3%), respectively. A total of 37 dogs (53%) were hospitalized, 5 (7%) of which died.ConclusionsThe most significant finding was the high prevalence of echinocytosis. The data from this retrospective study could inform the management of dogs bitten by snakes in Korea.     

Clinical and haematological features of haemangiosarcoma in dogs

Canine haemangiosarcoma was studied retrospectively in 31 cases recorded among 2,871 dogs presented for necropsy (1.08%). The German Shepherd breed was more frequently represented than other breeds. Affected dogs were older than 5 years (mean 9.1 years). Nineteen were males. Presenting signs often included episodic lethargy and weakness, with depression, anorexia and mucosal pallor. Spleen and lungs were the most frequently affected sites. Haematological findings in 9 dogs with splenic or hepatic haemangiosarcoma included a mild to moderate normochromic anaemia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopaenia, poikilocytosis and increased target cells. Acanthocytes occurred in 90% of cases, schizocytes in 80% and keratocytes and metarubyricytes in 70%. Fibrin split products were increased in 2 of the 3 cases in which they were measured. The changes in erythrocyte morphology are considered to be useful diagnostic features of canine haemangiosarcoma.     

Evaluation of risk and clinical outcome of mast cell tumours in pug dogs

Mast cell tumours (MCT) are common in dogs and characterized by diverse biologic behaviour. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of MCT in pugs and to describe the clinical behaviour of MCT in this breed. Data obtained from the Veterinary Medicine Database demonstrate significantly increased frequency of MCT in pugs compared with other dogs (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.81–2.86). The medical records for 25 purebred pugs with a histologic diagnosis of MCT were reviewed. Multiple cutaneous tumours were documented in 14 (56 %) of the dogs. Histologic review of 64 tumours from these dogs confirmed that most tumours (94%) were low to intermediate grade. Sixty‐four per cent of these dogs are still living, while only three dogs (12%) have died due to mast cell disease. A median survival time has not been reached. The median follow‐up time is 660 days from the diagnosis of the first MCT. We conclude that MCT in pugs are relatively benign, despite the presence of multiple cutaneous tumours in most cases. Multiple tumours in breeds with predisposition to MCT may indicate separate primaries rather than advanced stage disease.     

The clinical and radiological features associated with spinal tumours in thirty dogs

The clinical, neurological and radiographic features of thirty dogs with spinal tumours are described. Twenty were investigated at post mortem, and of these, eleven had primary nerve tissue tumours, four primary vertebral tumours, and in the remaining five the spinal involvement was secondary from neoplasms elsewhere in the body.     

Clinical management of tumours in geriatric dogs and cats: systemic effects of tumours and paraneoplastic syndromes

There are many clinical presentations of neoplastic disease in the dog and cat. Some relate to the presence of a solid mass but many relate to the systemic effect that the tumour has on the animal. This paper covers the broad categories of the systemic metabolic and haematological effects that are associated with tumours in the dog and cat.     

Clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 126 cases (1989-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features and outcome in dogs and cats with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 103 dogs and 23 cats. PROCEDURES: Records of patients with OCD were analyzed for clinical features, medication used, extent of behavior modification, and outcome. RESULTS: Most dogs affected with OCD had been obtained from breeders. Male dogs significantly outnumbered females (2:1). Female cats outnumbered male cats by 2:1 in a small sample. Most affected dogs lived in households with 2 or more humans and other dogs or cats, and had some formal training. Client compliance with behavior modification was high. A combination of behavior modification and medication resulted in a large decrease in intensity and frequency of OCD in most animals. Clomipramine was significantly more efficacious for treatment in dogs than was amitriptyline. Only 1 dog and 1 cat were euthanatized because of OCD during the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: OCD in dogs does not appear to be associated with lack of training, lack of household stimulation, or social confinement. In cats, OCD may be associated with environmental and social stress. Obsessive-compulsive disorder appears at the time of social maturity and may have sporadic and heritable forms. With appropriate treatment (consistent behavior modification and treatment with clomipramine), frequency and intensity of clinical signs in most dogs and cats may decrease by > 50%. Success appears to depend on client understanding and compliance and the reasonable expectation that OCD cannot be cured, but can be well controlled.     

Clinical and pathologic features of parvoviral diarrhea in pound-source dogs

From June 1980 through May 1982, 161 pound-source dogs that developed diarrhea while being used in research were evaluated to determine whether canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2 was the etiologic agent. Evaluation included notation of clinical signs, determination of serum CPV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG titers, virus isolation attempts, and histologic examination of tissues. Criteria for diagnosis of canine parvoviral enteritis were serum CPV-specific IgM antibodies, isolation of CPV from feces, and histologic evidence of intestinal crypt cell necrosis. Upon arrival, 67 clinically normal pound-source dogs were evaluated to determine the prevalence of fecal shedding of CPV and to determine their antibody titers to CPV. Parvovirus was not isolated from any of these dogs, although 76% had IgG antibodies and 3% had IgM antibodies. Of the 161 dogs with diarrhea, 40 (25%) had parvoviral enteritis. Of dogs with parvoviral enteritis, 71% had IgG antibodies and 68% had IgM antibodies. Canine parvovirus was isolated from 18 dogs. Serum IgG antibodies were found in 85% of dogs with diarrhea due to other causes. The geometric mean titer of IgG antibodies to CPV was not significantly different among the 3 groups. Clinical signs that appeared significantly (P less than 0.05) more often in dogs with parvoviral enteritis included bloody diarrhea, anorexia, fever (greater than or equal to 39.4 C), and leukopenia (WBC less than 6,000/mm3). Cases occurred throughout the year, without apparent seasonal variation. The duration between arrival and onset of diarrhea was significantly (P less than 0.05) shorter for dogs with parvoviral enteritis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Clinical features and outcome of dermal squamous cell carcinoma in 193 dogs (1987‐2017)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a frequently recognized dermal tumour in dogs and has been described as a common pathology induced by solar ultraviolet radiation exposure. Little has been published about this neoplasm with regard to clinical features and outcome in dogs. This retrospective study included 193 dogs from a single institution histopathologically diagnosed with SCC of the dermis. Thirty‐eight percent of all dogs had documented histopathologic actinic change. The overall median survival time was 1004 days, with the population demonstrating actinic change associated with a significantly longer survival time (median 1359 days, range 16‐3530 days) compared to dogs without actinic change (median 680 days, range 16‐3066 days) and this achieved significance on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.193‐0.930, P = 0.032). These data demonstrate increased survival of dogs with SCC demonstrating actinic change over those with non‐actinic SCCs, and purports long‐term survival for these animals. Dogs received a variety of treatment approaches as a retrospective study, and future prospective studies will be necessary to investigate whether adjunct therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy offer improvement in survival for dermal SCC in the dog.     

Urethral tumours in dogs

Urethral tumours in 21 dogs are reported. Transitional cell carcinoma was the most frequent presentation. A more deliberate radiographic protocol has enhanced diagnostic ability and has improved presurgical evaluation. The use of a transpubic surgical approach has allowed the direct examination of the affected urethra and excision or resection of focal and diffuse lesions in 10 dogs with periods of remission varying from eight to 22 months. The apparent success of the surgical technique underlines the necessity for early and careful investigation of the dysuric, haematuric case.     

Synovial tumours in dogs

The morphological characteristics, breed predispositions, site predilections and behaviour of three of the most common types of synovial tumours were discussed. Synovial histiocytic sarcoma represents 50% of synovial tumours, occurring in breeds predisposed to histiocytic sarcoma, and has a poor prognosis. Their histological appearance is similar to histiocytic sarcomas occurring elsewhere. The stifle is the most common site; dogs with ruptured cranial cruciate ligament are predisposed. Synovial cell sarcoma represents 15% of synovial tumours in dogs. They have non-specific spindle cell morphology, and can only be distinguished using cytokeratin immunohistochemistry, which will label a small percentage of the spindle cells. Amputation is often curative, but metastases can occur. Synovial myxoma represents 20% of synovial tumours in dogs. They have a characteristic morphology of myxomatous nodules filling the joint cavity and sometimes extending into the surrounding tissues, including bone. Labrador Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers are predisposed, and the stifle and digit are the most common sites. Prognosis is good; even with incomplete excision some dogs survive years without progression or metastasis. Histopathological examination of synovial tumours is essential to determine the course of treatment, and prognosis.     

Clinical features of ceroid lipofuscinosis in border collie dogs

Ceroid lipofuscinosis was diagnosed by histopathological and histochemical findings in 17 related border collie dogs and by clinical signs in 6 of their litter mates. Behavioural changes, first hyperactivity and later aggression, commenced at 16 to 23 (mean 19.5) months of age. Motor abnormalities and blindness were observed at the mean ages of 20.8 and 21.2 months, respectively. All dogs were euthanased 1 to 6 months after the onset of clinical signs, mean age 23.1 months. Pedigree data supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.     

Clinical signs including papilloedema associated with brain tumours in twenty-one dogs

A clinico-pathological investigation was carried out on twenty-one dogs affected with intracranial neoplasia, in order to correlate behaviour with the neuroanatomical position of the lesion. Useful localizing signs were seen in cases where the tumour was small. Secondary changes such as necrosis, brain swelling, hydrocephalus, herniation, ischaemic necrosis of the cerebral cortex and spread of tumour within the brain itself led to complications of these signs. Common clinical features included: change of temperament, locomotor upset, visual disturbance, papilloedema, circling, turning and tilting the head, hemiplegia, hemianopia and sensory loss. The diagnosis of papilloedema and its pathogenesis are considered. Notable pathological features of the tumours were (1) their spread within the nervous system, not only by tissue contiguity but by invasion and transport within the ventricular system and (2) the site of origin of the gliomata which appeared to be in tissue adjacent to the anterior part of the lateral ventricles, perhaps from the subependymal plate. Because of this common site of origin gliomata frequently caused destruction of similar areas of brain. Résumé. On a procédé à une investigation clinico-pathologique sur vingt et un chiens atteints de néoplasie intercrânienne, afin de mettre le comportement en corrélation avec la situation neuroanatomique de la lésion. On a constaté d'utiles signes localisés dans des cas où la tumeur était de petite taille. Des changements secondaires tels qu'une nécrose, ine tuméfaction cérébrale, un hydrocéphale, une nécrose ischémique d'hermation du cortex du cerveau et l'étendue de la tumeur à l'intérieur même du cerveau, ont mené aux complications de ces signes. Les traits caractéristiques cliniques communs comprenaient: changement de tempérament, troubles de la démarche, papill?dème, tournant en cercles, tête qui tourne et se renverse, hémiplégie, hémianopsie et perte sensorielle. On étudie le diagnostic d'un papillcedème et sa pathogenèse. Les caractéristiques pathologiques notables de la tumeur étaient (1) leur étendue dans le système nerveux, non seulement par contiguité des tissus, mais par invasion et transport dans le système ventriculaire et (2) l'endroit d'origine des gliômes qui sembienteâtre en tissus adjacents à la partie antérieurs des ventricules latéraux, peut-être de la plaque subépendymaire. À cause de cela, un site commun de gliômes d'origine a souvent causé la destruction de régions semblables du cerveau. Zusammenfassung. Es wurde eine klinisch-pathologische Forschung in 21 Hunden, die von intrakranialer Neoplasia befallen waren, ausgeführt, um Verhalten mit nervenanatomischer Lage der Lásionen zu korrelieren. Nützliche lokalisierte Anzeichen wurden in Fällen wo der Tumor klein war, beobachtet. Sekundäre Veränderungen, solche wie Nekrose, Hirnschwellung, Hydrocephalus, Bruchbildung, ischämische Nekrose des zerebralen Kortex und Verbreiten des Tumors innerhalb des Gehirns selbst, führten zu Komplikationen dieser Anzeichen. Gewöhnliche klinische Merkmale schliessen ein: Veränderung in Temperament, Gangstörungen, visuelle Störungen, Sehnervpapillenödem, Sich-im-Kreise drehen, Wenden und Schiefhalten des Kopfes, Hemiplégie, Hemianopie und Empfindungsverlust. Die Diagnose von Sehnervpapillenödem und seiner Pathogenese sind in Betracht gezogen. Auffallende pathologische Merkmale des Tumors waren (1) sein Verbreiten innerhalb des Nervensystems, nicht nur durch Gewebe-Kontiguität sondern auch durch Invasion und Transport innerhalb des ventrikularen Systems und (2) die ursprüngliche Stelle des Gliom welche in dem Gewebe nahe des vorderen Teiles der Seitenventrikeln zu sein schienen, möglicherweise von der subependymalen Platte her. Wegen dieser gewöhnlichen Ursprungsstelle hat Gliom Zerstörung von ähnlichen Gebieten des Gehirns häufig verursacht.     

Clinical outcome in 23 dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma

Exocrine pancreatic carcinoma is uncommon in the dog and the veterinary literature surrounding the disease is minimal. Twenty‐three cases of canine exocrine pancreatic carcinoma were reviewed in a retrospective manner to obtain information on clinical presentation, behaviour and survival associated with the disease. Presenting clinical signs were nonspecific and included anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and abdominal pain. The overall median survival time was only 1 day but was confounded by the large number of dogs that were euthanized shortly after diagnosis. Metastatic disease was detected in 78% of cases at the time of diagnosis, attesting to the aggressive nature of the disease. Neither lymph node metastasis, tumour size nor tumour location had an impact on overall survival. Only one patient was a previous diabetic who is contrary to reports of the disease in people and felines. This retrospective study reaffirms the need for early detection measures to optimize disease control. However, the benefits of therapy with surgery or radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy remain to be elucidated in dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma.     

Pretreatment leukocyte ratios and concentrations as predictors of outcome in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours

Leukocyte ratios correlate with outcome in several human cancers. Little is known about their prognostic significance in mast cell tumour (MCT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of pretreatment leukocyte concentrations and their ratios in dogs with MCT for survival. Medical records of 92 dogs with MCT were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour diagnosis was made by tumour biopsy or fine‐needle aspirate. Only dogs without prior treatment were included. Eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and neutrophil concentration were obtained by ADVIA 2120? (Siemens Healthcare, Vienna, Austria). Neutrophil‐to‐eosinophil ratio (NER), lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated from collected leukocyte concentrations. Relative eosinophil concentration (REC), NER (P < 0.001), NLR (P = 0.001) and LMR (P < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for outcome in univariate analysis. REC (P = 0.008) and NER (P = 0.001) remained independent predictors of survival in multiple analyses. Leukocyte concentrations and ratios, especially REC and NER may serve as prognostic indicators in MCT.     

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.