[Sonographically detectable splenic disorders in dogs with malignant lymphoma]. / Sonographisch erfassbare Milzveränderungen bei Hunden mit malignem Lymphom.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of different sonographic splenic disorders in dogs with different anatomic forms of malignant lymphoma. Additionally, the occurrence of the moth-eaten pattern in the parenchyma of the spleen in patients with diseases other than lymphoma should be investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patient data collected from dogs histologically or cytologically diagnosed with malignant lymphoma and for which ultrasonographic images were available before the initiation of therapy. Patient data from dogs with a moth-eaten pattern within the splenic parenchyma were evaluated separately. Exclusion criterion was the administration of cytostatic agents prior to diagnosis. RESULTS: In 84% of 164 dogs with malignant lymphoma, an altered pattern of the spleen was diagnosed ultrasonographically. Ninety-four of these 137 patients had a moth-eaten pattern of the splenic parenchyma and 43 dogs displayed abnormalities in the form of splenomegaly, coarse echotexture or other changes of the parenchyma. When a moth-eaten pattern was diagnosed, the affected dogs suffered significantly more often from a multicentric lymphoma (95%) than from any other anatomical lymphoma form. Only one dog displayed a moth-eaten pattern of the splenic parenchyma without diagnosis of a malignant lymphoma. The positive predictive value of the moth-eaten pattern for malignant lymphoma was 99% and, in particular, for the multicentric lymphoma this was 95%. In total, 84% of the 164 dogs displayed a multicentric lymphoma, 5% a mediastinal or a cutaneous lymphoma, respectively, 4% a gastrointestinal lymphoma, and one animal had an ocular or renal lymphoma, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sonographic changes of the spleen are often diagnosed in dogs with malignant lymphoma, independent of the anatomical lymphoma form. When the moth-eaten pattern is observed, it is very likely that the affected dog suffers from a malignant lymphoma, most probably a multicentric lymphoma.

Canine splenic haemangiosarcoma: influence of metastases, chemotherapy and growth pattern on post-splenectomy survival and expression of angiogenic factors.

Splenic haemangiosarcomas (HSAs) from 122 dogs were characterized and classified according to their patterns of growth, survival time post splenectomy, metastases and chemotherapy. The most common pattern of growth was a mixture of cavernous, capillary and solid tumour tissue. Survival time post splenectomy was independent of the growth pattern; however, it was influenced by chemotherapy and metastases. Immunohistochemical assessment of the expression of angiogenic factors (fetal liver kinase-1, angiopoietin-2, angiopoietin receptor-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor A) and conventional endothelial markers (CD31, factor VIII-related antigen) revealed variable expression, particularly in undifferentiated HSAs. Therefore, a combination of endothelial markers should be used to confirm the endothelial origin of splenic tumours.

Liposuction--removal of giant lipomas for weight loss in a dog with severe hip osteoarthritis.

An extremely obese, mixed breed dog, with severe bilateral hip osteoarthritis was presented with progressive hindlimb lameness. In addition, three giant lipomas were diagnosed, one causing mechanical irritation within the left axillary region. Previous treatments of dietary weight loss and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had failed. Minimally invasive liposuction of the lipomas was performed, resulting in weight loss of 3 kg, representing 10 per cent of the dog's bodyweight. Conservative treatment was continued, and the dog improved rapidly postoperatively. Liposuction of lipomas may be considered as an alternative to traditional surgical resection in cases where seroma formation and delayed wound healing may be expected. Acute weight loss through liposuction may improve lameness associated with osteoarthritis and motivate the owner compliance for further weight loss.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy for intranasal tumours in dogs: results of a pilot study.

This prospective study describes the feasibility and toxicity of (192)Iridium high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as an alternative strategy for the treatment of canine intranasal tumours. Fifteen dogs with malignant intranasal tumours were treated twice weekly using a hypofractionated protocol with eight fractions, 5 Gy per fraction, resulting in a total dose of 40 Gy. Acute and chronic adverse side-effects appeared to be rare. Only 7% of the acute side-effects and 5% of the chronic were classified as severe (grade 3). Eight dogs showed clinical complete remission, and five dogs had partial remission, with a resolution of tumour-related symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a reduced tumour mass in 12 cases. Median survival time was 17 months (range 4-48 months), with four dogs (three without disease) still alive. Median time to recurrence of these dogs was 14 months. In nine dogs, progression or recurrence of the tumour was the cause of death. This study suggests that HDR brachytherapy is feasible and well tolerated.

[Knowledge status of the effect of long-term heat exposure on health]. / Erkenntnisstand über die Wirkung langzeitiger Hitzebelastung auf die Gesundheit.

The actual occupational hygienic limit values for heat stress are based only on acute thermic effects. It cannot, however, be excluded that occupational heat exposure lasting for many years is able to cause chronic alterations of health status to such an extent that long-term effects have to be considered in occupational hygienic heat stress evaluation. In the present paper the essential effects of long-lasting heat stress are discussed on the basis of information from specialized literature, referring primarily to circulation system and water and electrolyte balance. Because of contradictions and insufficient reliability of the present results, further scientific work, especially concerted epidemiological research, is required to answer open questions. Concerning the health protection of heat exposed workers, conclusions are deduced, which can be drawn from the analyzed results already now.