Hemimaxillectomy for the treatment of oral tumors in 69 dogs.

Hemimaxillectomy was performed in 69 dogs for the treatment of benign or malignant maxillary tumors. Eighteen dogs with ameloblastomas had a median disease-free interval of 21.5 months (range, 1 to 76 months), with a 72% 1-year survival time. There was recurrence in three dogs, with metastasis after malignant transformation in one of them. Based on calculated survival curves, seven dogs with squamous cell carcinoma had a median survival time of 19.2 months (range, 2 to 24 months), with a 57% 1-year survival time. There was local recurrence in two dogs. Twenty-three dogs with melanoma had a median survival time of 9.1 months (range, 1 to 46 months), and a 27% 1-year survival time. Twelve dogs died or were euthanatized because of recurrence or metastases. Fifteen dogs with fibrosarcoma had a median survival time of 12.2 months. Eight dogs died or were euthanatized because of recurrence or metastases. Six dogs with osteosarcoma had a median survival time of 4.6 months (range, 1 to 12.5 months), with a 17% 1-year survival time. Five dogs died or were euthanatized for recurrence or metastases. Tumor size or location and type of partial maxillectomy performed did not affect survival.     

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.     

Use of splenectomy in the management of lymphoma in dogs: 16 cases (1976-1985)

Sixteen dogs with lymphoma underwent splenectomy to relieve signs of massive splenomegaly including splenic rupture. The most common preoperative hematologic abnormalities, anemia and thrombocytopenia, were reversed in all dogs surviving the initial postoperative period. Within 6 weeks after surgery, 5 dogs died because of disseminated intravascular coagulation and sepsis. The remaining 11 dogs underwent chemotherapy. These 11 dogs had a complete response rate of 66% at one month after surgery; the mean and median survival times were 9.3 and 5 months, respectively. In 7 dogs evaluated until death, the mean and median survival times were 13.4 months and 14 months, respectively.     

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)     

Results of Partial Mandibulectomy for the Treatment of Oral Tumors in 142 Dogs

Partial mandibulectomy was performed for the treatment of benign or malignant oral tumors in 142 dogs. Forty-two dogs with a benign tumor (ameloblastoma) had a 22.5 month (range, 6 to 74 months) median disease-free interval, with a 97% 1-year survival rate; there was local recurrence in one dog. Twenty-four dogs with squamous cell carcinoma had a disease-free interval of 26 months (range, 6 to 84 months), with a 91% 1-year survival rate; recurrence and metastasis developed in two dogs and metastatic disease in one dog. Based on survival curves, 37 dogs with a melanoma had a median survival time of 9.9 months (range, 1 to 36 months), with a 21% 1-year survival rate; 20 dogs died or were euthanatized for recurrent or metastatic disease. Twenty dogs with osteosarcoma had a median survival time of 13.6 months (range, 3 to 28 months), with a 35% 1-year survival rate; nine dogs died or were euthanatized for recurrent or metastatic disease. Nineteen dogs with fibrosarcoma had median survival time of 10.6 months (range, 3 to 32 months), with a 50% 1-year survival rate; 12 dogs died or were euthanatized for recurrent or metastatic disease. Results of this and previous studies demonstrated that partial mandibulectomy was effective in prolonging survival and decreasing recurrence for squamous cell carcinoma and ameloblastoma. Progressive disease and corresponding low survival times were common in dogs with melanoma, osteosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma. There were no differences in survival times or the progression of disease among five partial hemimandibulectomy procedures. The high rates of recurrence and metastasis in dogs with these tumors suggest a need for evaluation of ancillary chemotherapy and local radiation therapy to decrease the prevalence of progressive disease.     

Use of an ultrasonically activated scalpel for splenectomy in 10 dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ultrasonically activated scalpel for performing splenectomy, with minimal ligation, in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (10) with naturally occurring splenic disease. METHODS: Between October 2003 and February 2004, splenectomy was performed using an ultrasonically activated scalpel and a double seal method, in 10 dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease. Time for splenectomy and number of ligatures required were recorded. Intraoperative hemostasis, device ease of use, postoperative hemorrhage, and short-term survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean operative time for splenectomy, exclusive of celiotomy and closure, was 18 minutes (range, 8-25 minutes). The mean number of ligatures needed to perform splenectomy was 1 (range, 0-2 ligatures). One dog hemorrhaged from the splenic vein after ultrasonic scalpel transection of a vessel >5-mm diameter and required a ligature. The ultrasonic scalpel was easy to use, with a minimal learning curve. None of the dogs had postoperative abdominal hemorrhage; 9 dogs were discharged and 1 dog was euthanatized because of septicemia. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic activated scalpel may be used to achieve efficient and safe hemostasis of the splenic vascular pedicle in dogs with minimal need for vascular ligation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonic scalpels can be used to perform splenectomy in dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease.     

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.     

Retroperitoneal sarcomas in dogs: 14 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, surgical and histologic findings, biological behavior, and outcome of dogs with retroperitoneal sarcomas. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical and pathology records from 1992 to 2002 of dogs with tumors originating in the retroperitoneal space were reviewed. Dogs with retroperitoneal tumors originating from the adrenal glands, kidneys, or ureters were excluded. Inclusion criteria included observation of a tumor arising from the retroperitoneal space during exploratory surgery or necropsy and histologic confirmation of tumor type. Details of clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcome were determined from medical records and telephone interviews with veterinarians and owners. RESULTS: Retroperitoneal sarcoma was diagnosed in 14 dogs, 2 at necropsy and 12 during exploratory surgery. Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histologic diagnosis. Seven dogs had regional extension of the sarcoma into adjacent organs, and 4 dogs had metastatic disease. Grossly complete resection was possible in 6 dogs. Cytoreductive surgery or incisional biopsy was performed in the remaining dogs. Two dogs were treated with palliative radiation therapy (1 intraoperatively and 1 postoperatively). Three dogs received adjunctive chemotherapy, although none completed the targeted course because of development of local recurrence or metastatic disease. Local recurrence was reported in 2 of 12 dogs and metastasis in 10 of 14 dogs. Thirteen dogs died or were euthanatized as a result of the retroperitoneal sarcoma; 1 dog was alive and disease-free 410 days after surgery. Median survival time was 37.5 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, retroperitoneal sarcomas are aggressive tumors with a high rate of local recurrence and metastasis, and a poor survival time.     

Partial Gastrectomy with an Automatic Stapling Instrument for Treatment of Gastric Necrosis Secondary to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

A gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling instrument was used to perform partial gastrectomy in nine dogs undergoing emergency surgery for gastric dilatation-volvulus. The amount of necrotic stomach resected was 20% to 50%. Permanent gastropexy was performed, and six dogs also required partial or total splenectomy. Six dogs (67%) were normal after surgery, with follow-up periods of 6 to 16 months for five dogs. One dog died and two dogs were euthanatized because of postoperative complications unrelated to the surgical technique. There were no complications involving the partial gastrectomy staple line.     

Treatment by digital amputation of subungual squamous cell carcinoma in dogs: 21 cases (1987-1988)

Malignant digital tumors were diagnosed in 62 dogs during a 1-year period. Twenty-one (33.9%) of the dogs had subungual squamous cell carcinoma. Each of these dogs had involvement of single digits. Sixteen (76.2%) of the dogs with squamous cell carcinoma were large-breed dogs, and 15 (71.4%) had predominantly black coats. Labrador Retrievers (n = 5, 23.8%) and Standard Poodles (n = 3, 14.3%) were the most commonly represented purebreeds. None of the dogs had evidence of metastases prior to treatment. All 21 tumors were treated by amputation of the involved digit. Histologic evidence of neoplastic bone invasion was found in 15 of the 21 amputated digits (71.4%). Local tumor recurrences were not observed. Only 1 dog developed documented metastatic disease; this dog was euthanatized because of pulmonary metastases 5 months after surgery. At the time of this report, 9 dogs (42.9%) were alive with no evidence of disease (median, 26 months after surgery), and 11 dogs (52.4%) had died or were euthanatized (median, 20 months after surgery). The cause of death in 7 dogs was known to be unrelated to squamous cell carcinoma, and the cause of death in 4 dogs was unknown. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 76.2% and 42.9%, respectively.     

Evaluation of splenectomy as a risk factor for gastric dilatation-volvulus

Objective-To evaluate whether dogs undergoing splenectomy had an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), compared with a control group of dogs undergoing enterotomy. Design-Retrospective case-control study. Animals-219 dogs that underwent splenectomy for reasons other than splenic torsion (splenectomy group; n = 172) or enterotomy (control group; 47) without concurrent gastropexy. Procedures-Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, date of surgery, durations of surgery and anesthesia, reason for splenectomy, histopathologic findings (if applicable), whether gastropexy was performed, duration of follow-up, and date of death (if applicable). Follow-up information, including occurrence of GDV, was obtained via medical records review and a written client questionnaire. Results-Reasons for splenectomy included splenic neoplasia, nonneoplastic masses, infarction, traumatic injury, and adhesions to a gossypiboma. Incidence of GDV following surgery was not significantly different between dogs of the splenectomy (14/172 [8.1 %]) and control (3/47 [6.4%]) groups. Median time to GDV for the 17 affected dogs was 352 days (range, 12 to 2,368 days) after surgery. Among dogs that underwent splenectomy, sexually intact males had a significantly higher incidence of GDV (4/16) than did castrated males and sexually intact or spayed females (10/156). Incidence of GDV among sexually intact male dogs did not differ between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results did not support a recommendation for routine use of prophylactic gastropexy in dogs at the time of splenectomy. Other patient-specific risk factors should be assessed prior to recommending this procedure.     

Surgery of metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma in five dogs

OBJECTIVE: To identify survival and morbidity information after surgery for metastases from apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGACA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Five dogs with AGACA. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that had surgery for treatment of metastatic AGACA between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion required that dogs had lymphadenectomy, with or without further debulking, as part of their treatment for metastatic AGACA and that the tissue was histologically confirmed as consistent with the primary AGACA. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, imaging findings, surgical complications, number of surgeries, survival times, and cause of death were recorded. All dogs had a complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, serum electrolytes, 3-projection thoracic radiographs, abdominal radiographs and/or abdominal ultrasonography, and histologic confirmation of metastatic AGACA invading the regional lymph nodes and caudal abdomen. RESULTS: No surgical complications occurred. Three dogs were euthanatized; median survival, 20.6 months. One dog was alive for 19 months postoperatively. One dog had 5 sequential surgical procedures: 1 iliac lymphadenectomy and 4 debulking procedures of metastatic neoplastic tissue around and dorsal to the iliac vessels extending into the pelvic cavity, and was alive 54 months after initial surgery. CONCLUSION: Dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma metastases to the iliac lymph nodes can experience long-term survival after surgical excision of the metastatic lesion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lymphadenectomy may afford long-term survival to patients with metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma.     

Splenic Infarction in 16 Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Sixteen dogs with splenic infarction due to causes other than splenic torsion were identified. Dogs with splenic infarction often had multiple concurrent diseases, and surgical management of splenic infarction was associated with high mortality. Splenic infarction occurred in dogs with hypercoagulable conditions associated with liver disease, renal disease, and hyperadrenocorticism, or as a consequence of uniform splenomegaly, neoplasia, or thrombosis associated with cardiovascular disease. Clinical signs and common laboratory findings generally reflected the underlying disease process. A variety of splenic abnormalities were detected by abdominal ultrasound in 15 dogs, with the ventral extremity of the spleen being most often abnormal. Four dogs were euthanized or died because of the presence of severe systemic disease, whereas 12 dogs underwent laparotomy. Complete splenectomy was performed in 9 dogs and partial splenectomy was performed in 2 dogs. Seven dogs died in the immediate postoperative period, 3 required chronic veterinary care, and 2 had uncomplicated long-term recoveries. Splenic infarction should be regarded as a sign of altered blood flow and coagulation, rather than as a primary disease, and surgical management should be reserved for patients with life-threatening complications such as hemoabdomen or sepsis.     

Osteosarcoma in cats: 22 cases (1974-1984)

Osteosarcoma was diagnosed in 22 cats. Diagnosis was based on results of physical, radiographic, and histologic findings. Fifteen tumors arose from the appendicular skeleton, 4 from the skull, 2 from the pelvis, and 1 from a rib. Radiography revealed that in 14 of 15 cats (93%) with appendicular tumors, the lesion was metaphyseal, primarily lytic, with a "moth-eaten" appearance; absence and presence of periosteal new bone formation were associated with the tumors in 12 and 3 cats, respectively. The remaining 7 cats had axial tumors that were characterized by the presence of periosteal new bone formation in addition to bony lysis. Of the 15 cats with appendicular tumors, 12 were treated by amputation and 3 were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis. Of the cats undergoing amputation for treatment of their appendicular tumors, 6 cats were still alive 64 months after surgery (range, 13 to 64 months); the median survival time of the 5 cats (1 cat was lost to follow-up evaluation) that died was 49.2 months (range, 1 to 122 months). Four of 12 cats (33%) survived greater than or equal to 5 years after diagnosis. Of the cats with axial tumors that were not euthanatized at the time of diagnosis (6 of 7), the median survival time was 5.5 months. Based on these findings, we concluded that cats with appendicular osteosarcoma have a better prognosis than those with axial osteosarcoma, and that amputation is a viable treatment for cats with appendicular osteosarcoma.     

Surgical management of gallbladder mucoceles in dogs: 22 cases (1999-2003)

OBJECTIVES: To describe preoperative, surgical, and postoperative findings and determine prognostic indicators and treatment recommendations in dogs treated surgically for gallbladder mucocele. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs with gallbladder mucoceles that were treated surgically were reviewed. History, clinical signs, results of selected clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal ultrasonography, surgical procedure performed, results of histologic examination of a liver biopsy specimen, and survival time were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained via telephone interview with owners and referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Dogs were 7 to 15 years of age and had non-specific clinical signs (vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy). Physical examination findings included icterus, signs of depression, and signs of discomfort on palpation of the abdomen. Sixteen dogs had a definitive diagnosis and 6 dogs were strongly suspected of having a gallbladder mucocele on the basis of results of abdominal ultrasonography. Fifteen dogs survived after surgery; 3 of these dogs had bile-induced peritonitis, and 4 had pancreatitis. One dog was euthanatized as a result of severe pancreatitis, and 1 was euthanatized because of acute renal failure; 5 dogs died as a result of pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or bile-induced peritonitis. Hepatic abnormalities were detected histologically in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No predictors of survival were identified. No associations between outcome of surgical treatment (survival vs nonsurvival) and preoperative findings, biliary rupture, surgical procedure performed, results of histologic examination of the liver, or development of pancreatitis were found. Cholecystoduodenostomy and cholecystectomy appear to be acceptable treatments for gallbladder mucocele.     

Canine hemangiosarcoma: retrospective analysis of 104 cases

Hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in 104 dogs. The mean age was 10 years. Twenty-two breeds were represented. The most common were the German Shepherd Dog and Poodle. Most tumors were in the spleen (65/104). Other primary sites included the soft tissues of the trunk and extremities (18), liver (6), heart (3), and lung (2). Sixty of the dogs were examined because of rupture of the primary tumor or metastatic disease. Of the 104 dogs, 4 are alive and 100 are dead: 35 were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis, and the remaining 65 had a mean survival time of 123 days. The mean survival time of the 4 living dogs was 360 days. Forty-seven of the 65 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma were treated with surgery alone, surgery and immunotherapy, or surgery, immunotherapy, and combination chemotherapy. The same 47 dogs were clinically staged. There was no difference in survival time according to therapy or stage of disease.     

Survival of dogs following surgical excision of histologically well-differentiated melanocytic neoplasms of the mucous membranes of the lips and oral cavity

Postsurgical follow-up information was obtained on 64 dogs with 69 histologically well-differentiated melanocytic neoplasms that involved the mucous membranes of the lips and oral cavity. The patients received no adjunct therapy. Sixty one of 64 dogs (95%) were alive at the end of the study or had died of causes unrelated to the tumor, with a mean survival of 23.4 months and a median survival of 34 months after surgery. Twenty-eight dogs alive at the end of the study had a mean survival of 31.3 months after surgery. There were 2 dogs, which had recurrent tumors, that were still alive at the end of the study. All dogs that died of tumor-related causes (3) and all dogs with recurrent tumors (2) had tumors in the oral cavity. Results of this study indicate that a favorable clinical course and prolonged survival can be expected in most dogs with histologically well-differentiated melanocytic neoplasms of the mucous membranes of the lips and oral cavity, with only local excision of the lesions and no adjunct therapy.     

Treatment of dogs with osteosarcoma by administration of cisplatin after amputation or limb-sparing surgery: 22 cases (1987-1990).

Twenty-two dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma were treated by amputation (n = 17) or limb-sparing surgery (n = 5). All dogs were given cisplatin (60 mg/m2 of body surface, IV) at 3-week intervals, beginning 1 week after surgery. Number of cisplatin treatments ranged from 1 to 6. Survival data for the 22 dogs were compared with survival data from a historical control group consisting of 162 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated by amputation alone. Median survival time for the 22 dogs given cisplatin was estimated to be 46.4 weeks, and 1- and 2-year survival rates were estimated to be 45.5 and 20.9%, respectively. Survival time was significantly (P less than 0.0001) longer for treated dogs than for control dogs. Statistically significant relation was not found between survival time and number of cisplatin treatments. Three dogs were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of reporting. Of the remaining 19 dogs, 14 (73.4%) were euthanatized for problems documented to be related to metastases. Nine (47.4%) dogs were euthanatized because of bone metastases, and 5 (26.3%) were euthanatized because of pulmonary metastases. The proportion of dogs euthanatized because of bone metastases was significantly (P less than 0.0001) higher for treated than for control dogs. Median survival times for dogs developing bone and lung metastases were estimated to be 51.2 weeks and 21.2 weeks, respectively; however, this difference was not statistically significant. One local tumor recurrence was observed among dogs that had limb-sparing surgery. Significant difference in survival time was not observed between dogs that had limb-sparing surgery and dogs that underwent amputation.     

Epirubicin in the adjuvant treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs: 59 cases (1997-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and toxic effects of epirubicin for the adjuvant treatment of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma and identify prognostic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 59 client-owned dogs that underwent splenectomy for splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with or without epirubicin. PROCEDURES: Medical records were examined for signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and postoperative outcome. For dogs treated with epirubicin, dose numbers, intervals, and reductions and type and severity of toxic effects were recorded. Dogs were allotted to 2 groups: splenectomy alone and splenectomy with adjuvant epirubicin treatment. RESULTS: 18 dogs received epirubicin (30 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks for up to 4 to 6 treatments. Forty-one dogs were treated with splenectomy alone. The overall median survival time was significantly longer in dogs treated with splenectomy and epirubicin (144 days), compared with splenectomy alone (86 days). Median survival time for dogs with stage I disease (345 days) was significantly longer than for dogs with either stage II (93 days) or III disease (68 days). Seven of 18 dogs treated with epirubicin were hospitalized for signs of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Inappetence, long duration of clinical signs, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, and high mitotic rate were negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epirubicin may be as efficacious as adjuvant doxorubicin-based protocols, but may result in a higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Epirubicin should be considered as an alternative to doxorubicin in dogs with preexisting cardiac disease, as clinical epirubicin cardiotoxicity was not diagnosed in treated dogs.     

Effect of RA233 on metastasis in dogs with osteosarcomas

The influence of RA233, an inhibitor of platelet function, on the occurrence of metastasis in 18 dogs with osteosarcomas was evaluated. At least 24 hours before surgical removal of the primary tumor, dogs were given RA233 orally (20 mg/kg of body weight divided into 3 equal doses). Original sites of the osteosarcoma included humerus, 6 dogs; radius, 5 dogs; tibia, 3 dogs; femur, 2 dogs; maxilla, 1 dog; and mandible, 1 dog. Survival time for 13 dogs euthanatized for progression of neoplastic disease ranged from 3 months to 10 months, with a mean survival time of 5.5 months. Medication was discontinued in 1 dog because of possible adverse reaction. One dog died of disease unrelated to the tumor, and one dog was euthanatized after the surgery. Two dogs were tumor free 9 and 17 months after surgery. Seemingly, the metastasis potential was not diminished in dogs given 20 mg of RA233/kg/day.