Evaluation of leukocyte counts and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as predictors of local recurrence of feline injection site sarcoma after curative intent surgery

Local recurrence (LR) is the major concern in the treatment of feline injection‐site sarcoma (FISS). Pretreatment leukocyte counts and ratios have been reported as diagnostic and/or prognostic markers in human and canine oncology. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the prognostic impact on LR and overall survival time (OST) of pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), white blood cell count (WBCC), neutrophil count (NC) and lymphocyte count (LC) in cats with surgically excised FISS. Eighty‐two cats with histologically confirmed FISS at first presentation, without distant metastases, and with available pretreatment haematological analyses were retrospectively enrolled. The correlation of NLR, WBCC, NC, LC with tumour variables and patient variables was explored. NLR was correlated with tumour size (P = .004), histological pattern of tumour growth (P = .024) and histotype (P = .029), while WBCC and NC were associated with ulceration (P = .007, P = .011) and pattern of growth (P = .028, P = .004). No significant relationships emerged between LC and any of the considered variables. The impact of NLR, WBCC, NC, LC on LR and OST was then estimated in univariate and multivariate analysis. In univariate analysis, NLR, WBCC and NC were significant prognostic factors for both LR and OST. NLR, WBCC and NC remained prognostic in multivariate analysis for LR but not for OST. When NLR, WBCC and NC were jointly analysed, WBCC was the marker with the greater impact on LR. Preoperative NLR, WBCC and NC may aid in identifying cats at higher risk of LR.     

Distal luxation of the patella in a horse

A 19-year-old Thoroughbred gelding presented with sudden onset, non-weight bearing lameness in the right hindlimb. Radiography confirmed distal luxation of the patella, which was replaced into its normal anatomical location under general anaesthesia. There were no pathological sequelae noted on follow-up examination 9 months after the initial injury. To our knowledge, this is a rare manifestation of patellar luxation, only reported once previously in the equine literature.     

Bone allografts and adjuvant cisplatin for the treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma in 18 dogs

The results achieved in 18 dogs following the use of frozen bone cortical allografts for limb-sparing resection of non-metastatic canine appendicular osteosarcoma are presented. Three to five cisplatin doses (70 mg/m2) were administered, starting the day after surgery. The mean and median survival times were 478 and 266 days (range 80 to 2,611 days), respectively. The survival rate was 94 per cent at three months, 78 per cent at six months, 35 per cent at 12 months, 23 per cent at 18 months and 19 per cent at 24 months; the disease-free interval was 80 to 1,246 days (mean 365 days, median 266 days). Lung metastasis developed in 55 per cent of the dogs within one year. Complications were observed in 14/18 dogs (78 per cent), comprising local recurrence (28 per cent), allograft infection (39 per cent) and implant failure (11 per cent). Despite complications, limb sparing is a useful alternative to amputation in selected cases of appendicular osteosarcoma.     

Behavioral responses of turkeys subjected to different climatic conditions

I was evaluated the effect of seven different combinations of temperature, air velocity, and relative air humidity on the frequency and duration of eating, drinking, resting, cannibalism, dust bathing, scratching, ground pecking, shivering, and stretching behaviors of turkeys at three different ages. The combinations tested of temperature, relative air humidity, and air velocity were, respectively: 1 (22 °C, 50%, 1 m/s); 2 (26.2 °C, 73.2%, 0.45 m/s); 3 (26.6 °C, 71.2%, 1 m/s); 4 (28.9 °C, 72%, 1.4 m/s); 5 (31.1 °C, 85%, 0.45 m/s); 6 (34.1 °C, 82.1%, 1 m/s); and 7 (34.4 °C, 82.1%, 1.4 m/s) for three ages of birds (61, 96, and 131 days of age). Seven birds were housed per pen, at a density of 3 males/m², totaling 147 birds in the entire experiment. Each combination was applied for 5 days. The data were analyzed considering the number of times the bird performed the behavior and the time it performed (in seconds). Each pen was considered a repetition. A comparison of the medians was used to compare the treatments by each age. The results showed that young birds were more likely to suffer from the combination of low temperature and high air velocity, reducing their frequency of normal behaviors. Increased humidity at a low temperature raised the frequency of scratching, shivering, and cannibalism behaviors leading to poorer bird welfare. It is recommended that the temperature, relative air humidity, and air velocity combination of 26.6 °C; 71.2%; and 1 m/s, respectively, for young birds, and 22 °C; 50%; and 1 m/s, respectively, for older birds should be used.

     

Prognostic significance of Ki67 evaluated by flow cytometry in dogs with high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma

Ki67 can discriminate between high‐ and low‐grade canine lymphomas, but its prognostic role in specific subtypes of the neoplasm is unknown. We assessed the prognostic significance of Ki67% (percentage of Ki67‐positive cells), evaluated by flow cytometry, in 40 dogs with high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, treated with a modified Wisconsin–Madison protocol (UW‐25). The following variables were investigated for association with lymphoma specific survival (LSS) and relapse free interval (RFI): Ki67%, breed, sex, age, stage, substage, complete remission (CR). By multivariate analysis, Ki67% (P = 0.009) and achievement of CR (P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for LSS. Dogs with intermediate Ki67% (20.1–40%) presented longer LSS and RFI (median = 866 and 428 days, respectively) than dogs with low (median = 42 days, P < 0.001; median = 159 days, P = 0.014) or high (median = 173 days, P = 0.038; median = 100 days, P = 0.126) values. Determination of Ki67 is a prognostic tool that improves the clinical usefulness of flow cytometric analysis in canine high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma.     

Antimicrobial stewardship in equine practice

Antimicrobial stewardship involves the judicious use of antimicrobials balanced against the requirement to treat the presenting clinical condition. The same mandate and principles as discussed in human medicine and other veterinary disciplines are relevant to equine practice. This brief review will focus on available resources for equine practitioners, emerging perspectives on antimicrobial use and stewardship, and opportunities for more effective antimicrobial use in equine practice. There is a need for improved client education, availability of faster and more accurate techniques for identification and sensitivity testing of bacterial pathogens, and the development of novel agents.     

Surgical results and fertility following correction of vesicovaginal reflux in mares

Objective To evaluate the surgical results and fertility of mares bred at various intervals relative to surgical management of urovagina. Design Sixty-one mares underwent surgery to correct vesicovaginal reflux. Surgery was performed at varying times relative to breeding and postoperative fertility was evaluated. Results Five mares were lost to follow-up and a further four were electively not bred. Of the remaining 52 mares, seasonal pregnancy and live foaling rates were 67% (35/52) and 54% (26/48), respectively. When mares were bred in the same cycle as the surgery, the first cycle following surgery, the second cycle following surgery or the following breeding season after surgery the seasonal pregnancy rates were 89% (8/9), 63% (10/16), 67% (2/3) and 63% (15/24), respectively. After censoring four mares that died of natural causes pre-foaling, the foaling rates were 88% (7/8), 50% (7/14), 0% (0/3), 52% (12/23), respectively. All mares bred in the same cycle as surgery or in the next cycle were bred once only that season, so the pregnancy rate per cycle of 72% (18/25) was identical to the seasonal pregnancy rate. Conclusions Good fertility (comparable to a normal population of mares) was achieved following surgery and the results suggest that delaying breeding until the following breeding season is not necessary. In addition, breeding in the same cycle as surgical repair is a previously unreported technique that should be considered to maintain a yearly foaling interval.