Cytological grading of canine mast cell tumors: correlation with histologic grading and survival time / Graduação citológica de mastocitomas caninos: correlação com graduação histológica e sobrevida

ABSTRACT: Mast cell tumors are one of the most common neoplasia in dogs and cytopathology and/or histopathology examinations are used for diagnosis. Histologic grading is considered the gold standard test to predict the prognosis of this neoplasia. However, studies have been conducted using the cytological grading system to provide similar information in a faster, less invasive, and more accessible way. This study aimed to investigate cytological graduation and correlate it with histological grading and the survival time of dogs diagnosed with cutaneous mast cell tumors at the Veterinary Hospital of "Universidade Federal de Uberlândia" over five years. For that, cytological and histological slides from 72 animals were reviewed. The statistical methods used were the kappa test for agreement between grading systems, the Kaplan-Meier for survival time, Cox regression for comparison of cytological and histological grades and survival time. The cytological grading when compared to the two-tier histologic grading, high and low grades, had a moderate agreement (kappa 0.566). When the correlation between survival time and the cytological grade was evaluated, there was a higher death rate in the group with high-grade mast cell tumors compared to low grade, pointing to a correlation between survival time and cytological grade (p=0.009). In conclusion, the cytological grade is useful to treatment planning and providing prognostic information that precedes tumor removal, showing a good correlation with the two-tier histologic grading and with the survival time of the animals.

RESUMO: O mastocitoma é uma das neoplasias cutâneas mais comum nos cães e os exames citopatológicos e/ou histopatológicos são utilizados para diagnóstico. A graduação histológica é considerada padrão ouro para prever o prognóstico dessa neoplasia. Contudo, estudos têm sido realizados visando utilizar graduação citológica para fornecer informações semelhantes de maneira rápida, menos invasiva e mais acessível. Esse trabalho objetivou realizar graduação citológica e correlacionar com as graduações histológicas e com a sobrevida de cães diagnosticados com mastocitoma cutâneo no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia durante 5 anos. Para isso, lâminas de citologia e histologia de mastocitomas de 72 animais foram revisadas. Os métodos estatísticos utilizados foram teste kappa para concordância entre os sistemas de graduação, método Kaplan-Meier para tempo de sobrevida dos animais, e análise pela regressão de Cox para comparação do grau citológico e grau histológico e o tempo de sobrevida global. A graduação citológica quando comparada com a histológica de dois níveis, alto grau e baixo grau, obteve uma concordância moderada (kappa 0,566). Na avaliação da correlação entre sobrevida e grau citológico, houve maior taxa de óbito no grupo de cães com mastocitoma de alto grau, comparado aos de baixo grau, sendo observada correlação entre a sobrevida e o grau citológico (p=0,009). Esse estudo concluiu que o grau citológico é útil para o planejamento do tratamento e para fornecer informações prognósticas que antecedem a exérese do tumor, tendo boa correlação com a graduação histológica de dois níveis e com a sobrevida dos animais.

Epididymal primary mast cell tumor in a dog

Background: In the literature, there are a few descriptions of epididymis neoplasia in domestic animals, especially considering primary tumors. In the few reports found in literature, the lesions were a consequence of the invasion of testicular or paratesticular neoplasia, as a papillar carcinoma in a dog's and a bull's epididymis, and mesenchymal tumors - fibrome/ fibrosarcoma, leiomyoma/leiosarcome. On the other hand, mast cell tumors are the second most prevalent neoplasia in dogs in Brazil, affecting especially the skin. The aim of this report is to describe for the first time a low malignancy mast cell tumor in a mixed-breed dog's epididymis, without metastasis or recurrence in a 2-year follow-up period. Case: A 10-year-old male mixed-breed dog was presented for pre-surgical evaluation for elective orchiectomy. In the physical examination, an increase in the volume of approximately 2 cm with an irregular appearance was identified on palpation in the cranial pole of the left testis. In the trans surgical period, an increase in testicular volume (4 cm long x 2 cm wide) was observed, with a firm consistency in the region of the vas deferens with macroscopic changes in the region. The testis was sectioned, and the fragments were sent for histopathological evaluation in 10% buffered formaldehyde. There was a fairly cellular circumscribed neoplastic infiltrate, distributed in a sheet and separated by fibrovascular stroma, and rounded neoplastic cells with a moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasmic granulation, and discrete anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. The nuclei were rounded with vesicular chromatin with 1 or 2 distinct nucleoli. No mitosis figures were observed in 10 high power fields (400x). Few eosinophils were distributed throughout the neoplastic cell population. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated immunostaining for KIT protein with perimembranous staining in 95% of neoplastic mast cells, giving a KIT 1 pattern. There was no positive nuclear staining for Ki67 in any cell of the histological sections examined. A grade II mast cell tumor (low grade of malignancy) was diagnosed. After diagnosis, the animal underwent radiographic evaluation of the chest and abdominal ultrasound, and a new physical inspection in search of nodules, plaques, skin lesions, or subcutaneous masses. There were no metastases in the thorax and abdominal cavity, nor physical alterations, and it can be inferred that the epididymis was the primary site of the mast cell tumor. After 2 years of orchiectomy, there were no recurrences, and no chemotherapy treatment was performed. Discussion: Extracutaneous mast cell tumors are uncommon in animals, but have been reported in oral and nasal mucosa, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, intestine, visceral lymph nodes, spleen, liver, spinal cord, intestine, ureter, conjunctiva, lung and more recently in tear gland of the third eyelid. However, in the authors' assessment, this is the first description of mast cell tumor in the epididymis in dogs. The diagnosis was established by histopathological examination, which revealed a grade II epididymal mast cell tumor and immunohistochemical evaluation (KIT and Ki-67) as being of low aggressiveness. The diagnosis of a primary tumor was confirmed since the staging was established after the histopathological diagnosis, involving chest radiography, abdominal ultrasound, cutaneous evaluation in search of nodules, plaques, cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, and did not reveal other abnormalities or metastases not identified in the preoperative evaluation. In addition, immunostaining with KIT and Ki-67 reaffirmed the low degree of malignancy and the potential for metastases, which can be observed by the asymptomatic follow-up of the patient 2 years after the surgical excision.

Metastatic intranasal mastocytoma in a dog

Background: Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are neoplasms originating from mast cells, which can be well or poorly differentiated. They are considered the most commonly diagnosed malignant cutaneous neoplasm in dogs; however, intranasal forms are still little reported. Thus, this study seeks to report a case of unilateral intranasal MCT exhibiting submandibular lymph node metastasis. Case: A 11-year-old-and-4-month-old dog of undefined breed (UB), weighing 41 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Presenting a clinical history of bilateral purulent nasal secretion, accompanied by sneezing in the two months prior to admission, in addition to vomiting and diarrhea. Auxiliary tests were requested, including skull X-ray, cytology of the nasal cavity with a swab, and collection of material from the submandibular lymph node directly through cytology with a needle. Cytological findings from the right nasal cavity were consistent with mast cell tumors (MCTs). Cytological analysis of the left nasal cavity was compatible with dysplasia/cellular reactivity. A heterogeneous population of cells was detected on cytology of the right submandibular lymph node. These findings were consistent with MCT lymph node metastasis. Skull radiography showed an increase in both opacity and soft tissue extension, surpassing the palate, from the canine tooth through the caudal region of the maxillary sinuses to the last molar, without bone destruction. The dog was then admitted for an abdominal ultrasound, which showed no changes in the spleen or liver. The leukocyte count showed mild lymphopenia and the presence of reactive lymphocytes. Through the buffy coat, the presence of rare round cells, compatible with circulating mast cells, was detected. Due to the biological behavior of the neoplasm and its anatomical location, the established therapy was based on the use of vinblastine and prednisolone. The patient did not show any clinical improvements. In a joint decision with the patient's guardian, the dog was euthanized. Discussion: Intranasal MCTs commonly present progressive and intermittent unilateral epitaxis, mucopurulent nasal discharge, dyspnea, and ocular discharge. Several anatomical sites were associated with more aggressive neoplastic phenotypes; those with an unfavorable prognosis were mainly those present in the oral and intranasal mucosa. Cytopathological examination is considered a highly sensitive method for the diagnosis of MCTs. Metastases are present in more than 90% of mucosal MCTs, usually affecting regional lymph nodes and associated with a poor prognosis. Radiography is considered a useful test in determining the size and location of tumors in the nasal cavity. Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment, especially in cases like the one described in this report, in which surgical excision is not possible due to the anatomical location of the neoplasm. Intranasal MCTs are uncommon in dogs. In this case, he presented aggressive, metastatic behavior and a poor response to antineoplastic therapy. Furthermore, due to the location of these tumors, they may be clinically similar to a number of other upper respiratory tract diseases, posing a diagnostic challenge. Therefore, it is essential that the search for differential diagnoses be carried out through auxiliary tests, such as cytology and imaging.

Abordagem diagnóstica de mastocitoma cutâneo metastático em canino / Diagnostic approach of metastatic cutaneous mastocytoma in dog

O mastocitoma é uma das neoplasias cutâneas mais comuns que acometem cães. O diagnóstico da doença é baseado em aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais, sendo a citologia e a histopatologia os métodos de eleição. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é relatar a importância da ampla abordagem diagnóstica de mastocitoma cutâneo metastático em uma fêmea canina castrada, atendida no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Estadual do Ceará, com uma neoformação em membro compatível com mastocitoma. O estadiamento da paciente foi feito através de exames laboratoriais de hemograma completo, e citologia aspirativa de linfonodo regional e medula óssea, que evidenciaram a presença de focos de metástase; bem como do exame de ultrassom abdominal, que evidenciou alterações no parênquima hepático e linfoadenomegalia ilíaco medial direita. Diante das suspeitas, optou-se pela eutanásia da paciente, cujo corpo foi enviado para os exames de necropsia e histopatologia, os quais confirmaram o diagnóstico de mastocitoma cutâneo de alto grau, com metástase em fígado, pulmão, medula e linfonodos. Desta forma pode-se concluir que o mastocitoma cutâneo metastático é uma neoplasia de diagnóstico multifatorial, em que a realização de exames hematológicos associados às análises citológicas, histopatológicas e de imagem são indispensáveis para estabelecer o diagnóstico definitivo para que seja determinada uma melhor conduta terapêutica e prognóstico de pacientes caninos.

Mast cell tumors are one of the most common skin neoplasms that affect dogs. The diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory aspects, with cytology and histopathology being the preferred methods. Therefore, this study aims to report the importance of the broad diagnostic approach of metastatic cutaneous mastocytoma in a castrated a female dog attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Ceará, with a neoformation in a member compatible with mast cell tumor. The patient's staging was performed through laboratory tests of complete blood count, aspiration cytology of regional lymph nodes and bone marrow, which showed the presence of focus of metastasis, as well as the abdominal ultrasound examination, which showed changes in the liver parenchymas and right medial iliac lymphadenopathy. Given the suspicions, the patient was euthanized and the body was sent for necropsy and histopathological examination, which confirmed the diagnosis of high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumor, with metastasis in the liver, lung, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Thus, it can be is concluded that mast cell tumor is a neoplasm of multifactorial diagnosis, where hematological tests associated with cytology, histopathological, and imaging analyses are essential to establish the definitive diagnosis to determine a better therapeutic behavior and prognosis of canine patients.

Mastocitoma cutâneo em uma cadela / Cutaneous mast cell tumor in a bitch

Background: The diagnostic of neoplasia in dogs has risen significantly in the last years and this fact is mostly attributed to the longer life expectancy of these animals, which contributes to a greater chance of exposure to carcinogenic agents. In between the diverse tumors that could compromise skin, the mastocytoma is the third most commonly diagnosed neoplasia. It is characterized by being a form of neoplasia with round cells, these being the mast cells. The objective of the present study consisted in relating a case of cutaneous mastocytoma in a 7-year-old bitch mixed-breed treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of Uberaba (UNIUBE) - Uberaba, MG, Brazil. Case: The bitch initially presented a localized nodule external to the right ear pinna with cytology test suggesting a mastocytoma. The nodule was surgically removed and, posteriorly, an histopatholgy was not requested. After 5 months since the emergence of the nodule and a month after its surgical resection, the tutor noticed the presence of a new growth in the ipsilateral cervical region to the previous nodule. At this moment, the responsible veterinarian decided to refer the animal to an oncologist. During the appointment with the oncologist, alterations such as hyporexia and anemia were related, and the presence of a nodule in the right cervical region measuring 4.5 to 4 cm of diameter was verified. Material for cytologic evaluation of the neoplasia was collected and again the result suggested a mastocytoma. The new tumor was also surgically removed but was then referred to histopathological evaluation for diagnostic confirmation, grading and evaluation of surgical margins. The tumor was classified as an infiltrative subcutaneous mastocytoma presenting, additionally, compromised surgical margins. After its excision, the association with a chemotherapy treatment using a protocol of Vimblastina 2 mg/m², i.v. in unique dosage per section, associated with Predinisona 1 mg/kg, v.o, SID was indicated. Each section was realized with an interval of 7 days in between. Only 2 chemotherapy sessions took place. Because of the worsening of the clinical condition associated with a very weakened animal the veterinarian opted for the euthanasia of the animal. Discussion: The diagnostic of mastocytoma must be realized through the association of cytology and histopathology, in case histopathological evaluation is needed to confirm the obtained cytology result, to grade the tumor and to evaluate the compromising of surgical margins. In this sense, it was observed that the bitch was submitted only to cytology diagnostic when it presented the nodule in the ear pavilion. Yet, at the second approach realized by the oncologist, it was possible to realize adequate diagnose methods. However, the animal was not submitted to clinical staging of the mastocytoma due to the non-authorization of the exam by the tutor. Such measure is very important, as it reflects directly in the treatment and prognostic of the animal. Thus, image exams such as abdominal ultrasonography and chest X-ray should have been realized, as well as cytological and histopathological evaluation of the regional lymph nodes, in order to search for metastasis points in these places. As the data suggests, the importance of clinical staging of animals affected by this neoplasia and the importance of cytological evaluation associated with histopathology for a correct diagnosis, prognosis and mastocytoma treatment is noted. It is emphasized that many times veterinarians face impediment related to requesting all necessary exams coming from tutors, which compromises treatment success.

Cutaneous mast cell tumor in a captive Bush dog (Speothos venaticus): pathological and immunophenotypical aspects - case report / Mastocitoma cutâneo em um cachorro-do-mato vinagre (Speothos venaticus) de cativeiro: aspectos patológicos e imunofenotípicos - relato de caso

A senile male captive bush dog (Speothos venaticus) presented a small perianal cutaneous nodule. Histologically, there was an ulcerated round cell tumor composed of well differentiated mast cells with abundant intracytoplasmic purple Giemsa-positive granules, with a diffuse eosinophilic infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry revealed that 30% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Kit in the cytoplasm and cell membrane, and all neoplastic cells were negative for MAC and CD3. Less than 10% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Ki67. At necropsy other primary tumors were identified in this animal, including an intestinal adenoma, an adrenal cortex adenoma and a testicular interstitial cell tumor.(AU)

Um cachorro-vinagre (Speothos venaticus) apresentou um nódulo cutâneo pequeno na região perianal. Histologicamente havia neoplasia cutânea de células redondas e ulcerada, constituída por mastócitos bem diferenciados, com abundantes grânulos citoplasmáticos metacromáticos na coloração de Giemsa e infiltrado eosinofílico difuso. A imuno-histoquímica demonstrou que 30% das células neoplásicas eram positivas para a proteína Kit no citoplasma e na membrana celular. As células foram negativas para MAC e CD3. Menos de 10% das células neoplásicas foram positivas para Ki67. Durante a necropsia, foram identificados outros tumores primários, como adenoma intestinal, adenoma cortical da adrenal e tumor de células intersticiais do testículo.(AU)

Comparison of two different vinblastine dosages for treatment of cutaneous mast cell tumor in dogs

Background: Mast cell tumors (MCT) are among the most common malignant cutaneous neoplasm in dogs with variable biologic behavior and remain a therapeutic challenge in high-grade cases. Surgery remains the primary treatment for canine MCT; however, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly used to treat aggressive cases. The combination of vinblastine (VBL) at a dose of 2 mg/m² and prednisone is the classically described protocol for MCT treatment. Studies have shown the safety of higher VBL doses for dogs with MCT, but there is a lack of information regarding dose intensity and outcome as a goal after chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a higher dose of VBL on MCT treatment outcome. Materials, Methods & Results: This was an observational and comparative study conducted in two different Veterinary Teaching Hospitals. Client-owned dogs with histopathological diagnosis of grade II or III MCT were selected and underwent at least four chemotherapy sessions with VBL and prednisone. The experimental group (EG) consisted of 18 dogs that received a dose of 3 mg/m² VBL treated in one institution. The control group (CG) included 31 dogs that received a dose of 2 mg/m² VBL treated at the other institution. All dogs treated in both groups had a clinical and complete blood count (CBC) evaluation performed previous the start of chemotherapy (T0) and before each weekly treatment (T1, T2, T3, and T4). After treatment, dogs in both groups were followed-up for the recurrence rate and overall survival time after diagnosis. There was no significant difference in clinical variables between EG and CG. During treatment, dogs of EG showed a significant reduction in erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values between T0 and T1, T2, T3, and T4 (P < 0.001). Comparatively, the CG showed significant reduction in hemoglobin (P = 0.02) and total leucocytes (P = 0.001) values in the same period. Despite these findings, these hematological...

Use of the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap for the correction of facial defects in six dogs

Background: Reconstructive surgery is an important area of veterinary surgery because it allows the reconstruction of large cutaneous defects in areas where a primary approach is not possible. Axial patterns flaps are composed by one direct cutaneous artery and vein, leading to a better blood supply with a good survival outcome. The angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap was introduced for correction of facial defects, but its versatility is not really explored in the existing literature. This article reports the use and complications of the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap in six dogs, to treat defects in mandibular, temporal or labial regions. Cases: Five mixed breed dogs and one Labrador, with age between 4 and 9-year-old were submitted for surgery and the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap was used to close the different defects. Causes of defect included a lesion caused by myiasis in three of the dogs, and tumoral removal in the other three, where two were mast cell tumors and one a keratinizing basal cell carcinoma. The regions affected included rostral mandible with oral mucosa, intermandibular region, temporal region and upper lip. Before flap confection the tissue was cleaned, resected and prepared properly, according to each cause of lesion. The flap was made with two parallel incisions, which center was usually the labial commissure, with the dorsal limits at the ventral aspect of the zygomatic arch, and the ventral incision on the ventral aspect of the mandibular ramus. Caudal extension was based on the length needed for surgical closure, but stained between the vertical auditory canal or up to atlas wing. Suture size and pattern depend the region and patient size. Patients were observed closely for any complication in the surgical site. From the six dogs presented here, five got some complications in the surgical site, including: lymphedema (2), suture dehiscence (4) and hematoma (1); however...

Canine cutaneous neoplasms in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil / Neoplasias cutâneas caninas na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to describe the occurrence and epidemiological features of skin neoplasms diagnosed in dogs in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil. Diagnoses from dog biopsies from 2011 to 2016 provided by a private veterinary pathology laboratory were analyzed. The main diagnoses were mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and hemangioma. Highest frequency of neoplasms was found in female dogs, dogs aged > 8 years, and purebred dogs, particularly the American Pit Bull Terriers and the Poodles. Most common sites affected by the neoplasms were the limb and the head. Using multiple correspondence analysis, groups of neoplasms were found to be associated with different epidemiological features and the size of the neoplasms was associated with the biological behavior. The results of this study described predispositions and verified the importance of different types of skin neoplasms in dogs in the region being studied.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e as características epidemiológicas das neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás. Foram analisados os diagnósticos de um laboratório do setor privado de 2011 a 2016. Mastocitoma, hemangiossarcoma, carcinoma de células escamosas, melanoma maligno e hemangioma representaram os principais diagnósticos. A maioria dos casos ocorreram em cães de raças definidas, fêmeas e com idade >8 anos. American Pit Bull Terrier e Poodle foram as raças mais encontradas. As neoplasias acometeram principalmente regiões de membros e cabeça. Pela análise de correspondência múltipla, associou-se os grupos de neoplasias com diferentes características epidemiológicas e o tamanho da neoplasia com o comportamento biológico. A comparação dos resultados com pesquisas prévias possibilitou confirmar predisposições previamente descritas e verificar a importância dos diferentes tipos de neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região estudada.(AU)

Canine cutaneous neoplasms in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil / Neoplasias cutâneas caninas na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

The present study aimed to describe the occurrence and epidemiological features of skin neoplasms diagnosed in dogs in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás state, Brazil. Diagnoses from dog biopsies from 2011 to 2016 provided by a private veterinary pathology laboratory were analyzed. The main diagnoses were mast cell tumor, hemangiosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and hemangioma. Highest frequency of neoplasms was found in female dogs, dogs aged > 8 years, and purebred dogs, particularly the American Pit Bull Terriers and the Poodles. Most common sites affected by the neoplasms were the limb and the head. Using multiple correspondence analysis, groups of neoplasms were found to be associated with different epidemiological features and the size of the neoplasms was associated with the biological behavior. The results of this study described predispositions and verified the importance of different types of skin neoplasms in dogs in the region being studied.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e as características epidemiológicas das neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás. Foram analisados os diagnósticos de um laboratório do setor privado de 2011 a 2016. Mastocitoma, hemangiossarcoma, carcinoma de células escamosas, melanoma maligno e hemangioma representaram os principais diagnósticos. A maioria dos casos ocorreram em cães de raças definidas, fêmeas e com idade >8 anos. American Pit Bull Terrier e Poodle foram as raças mais encontradas. As neoplasias acometeram principalmente regiões de membros e cabeça. Pela análise de correspondência múltipla, associou-se os grupos de neoplasias com diferentes características epidemiológicas e o tamanho da neoplasia com o comportamento biológico. A comparação dos resultados com pesquisas prévias possibilitou confirmar predisposições previamente descritas e verificar a importância dos diferentes tipos de neoplasias cutâneas em cães na região estudada.(AU)

Use of the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap for the correction of facial defects in six dogs

Background: Reconstructive surgery is an important area of veterinary surgery because it allows the reconstruction of large cutaneous defects in areas where a primary approach is not possible. Axial patterns flaps are composed by one direct cutaneous artery and vein, leading to a better blood supply with a good survival outcome. The angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap was introduced for correction of facial defects, but its versatility is not really explored in the existing literature. This article reports the use and complications of the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap in six dogs, to treat defects in mandibular, temporal or labial regions. Cases: Five mixed breed dogs and one Labrador, with age between 4 and 9-year-old were submitted for surgery and the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap was used to close the different defects. Causes of defect included a lesion caused by myiasis in three of the dogs, and tumoral removal in the other three, where two were mast cell tumors and one a keratinizing basal cell carcinoma. The regions affected included rostral mandible with oral mucosa, intermandibular region, temporal region and upper lip. Before flap confection the tissue was cleaned, resected and prepared properly, according to each cause of lesion. The flap was made with two parallel incisions, which center was usually the labial commissure, with the dorsal limits at the ventral aspect of the zygomatic arch, and the ventral incision on the ventral aspect of the mandibular ramus. Caudal extension was based on the length needed for surgical closure, but stained between the vertical auditory canal or up to atlas wing. Suture size and pattern depend the region and patient size. Patients were observed closely for any complication in the surgical site. From the six dogs presented here, five got some complications in the surgical site, including: lymphedema (2), suture dehiscence (4) and hematoma (1); however...(AU)

Use of different fixation times and application of two immunohistochemical methods for detection of KIT and Ki67 proteins in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors / Utilização de diferentes tempos de fixação e métodos imuno-histoquímicos na detecção das proteínas KIT e Ki67 em mastocitomas cutâneos caninos

Due to the high prevalence of mast cell tumors (MCTs) in the diagnostic routine, several factors, especially prognostic, have been sought to determine the biological behavior of these neoplasms. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is one of the main tools utilized to biologically differentiate more aggressive tumors from less aggressive ones. However, some immunostainings are influenced by formalin fixation, interfering with the results. This is both a retrospective and prospective study of MCTs diagnosed in laboratory routine. A total of 25 samples, without knowledge about fixation time, were analyzed in the retrospective study, whereas 12 samples, with known fixation times, were assessed in the prospective study. Two histologic grading systems (Patnaik and Kiupel), special staining of toluidine blue, and IHC for KIT and Ki67 proteins were applied in both studies. Additionally, two amplification systems (biotinylated and non-biotinylated) for Ki67 protein and counting of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR method) were tested in the prospective study. In the retrospective study, greater agreement between the evaluating pathologists was observed when the Kiupel system was used. IHC staining for KIT protein was effective in both studies, regardless of fixation time. IHC staining for Ki67 protein was highly sensitive to formaldehyde, and staining failure was observed in 56% of the cases in the retrospective study. In the prospective study, samples fixed for longer than 24 hours showed a reduction in the number of stained cells (altering the determination of the cell growth fraction) or showed absence of IHC staining in both amplification systems. The use of the AgNOR method to evaluate the rate of cell proliferation may be an alternative when the fixation time of the neoplasm is unknown or longer than 24 hours.(AU)

Devido a alta prevalência dos mastocitomas cutâneos caninos (MCCs) na rotina diagnóstica, vários fatores, especialmente fatores prognósticos, têm sido buscados para auxiliar na determinação do comportamento biológico desse neoplasma. A imuno-histoquímica é uma das principais ferramentas empregadas para diferenciar tumores biologicamente mais agressivos de tumores menos agressivos. Entretanto, algumas imunomarcações sofrem influência pela fixação em formol, interferindo nos resultados. Este estudo compreendeu avaliar através de uma etapa retrospectiva e uma etapa prospectiva casos de MCCs diagnosticados na rotina laboratorial. Um total de 25 amostras, sem conhecimento do tempo de fixação, foi analisado no estudo retrospectivo e 12 amostras, com tempos de fixação conhecidos, no estudo prospectivo. Foram aplicados nos dois estudos, dois sistemas de graduação histológica (Patnaik e Kiupel), a coloração especial de azul de toluidina e a imuno-histoquímica para as proteínas KIT e Ki67. Adicionalmente, no estudo prospectivo, foram testados dois sistemas de amplificação (biotinilado e não biotinilado) para a proteína Ki67 e a técnica de AgNOR (contagem das regiões organizadoras nucleolares argirofílicas). Na etapa retrospectiva, observou-se uma maior concordância entre os patologistas avaliadores quando o sistema Kiupel foi utilizado. A imunomarcação para KIT se manteve eficaz em ambos os estudos, independentemente do tempo de fixação. A imunomarcação para o Ki67 mostrou-se altamente sensível ao tempo de fixação em formol, sendo observada falha na imunomarcação em 56% dos casos do estudo retrospectivo. No estudo prospectivo, constatou-se que amostras fixadas por mais de 24 horas em formol apresentaram redução na quantidade de células imunomarcadas (alterando a determinação da fração de crescimento celular) ou apresentaram ausência de imunomarcação em ambos os sistemas de amplificação. A utilização do método AgNOR, para avaliar a taxa de proliferação celular, pode ser uma alternativa quando o tempo de fixação do neoplasma for desconhecido ou superior a 24 horas.(AU)

Use of different fixation times and application of two immunohistochemical methods for detection of KIT and Ki67 proteins in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors / Utilização de diferentes tempos de fixação e métodos imuno-histoquímicos na detecção das proteínas KIT e Ki67 em mastocitomas cutâneos caninos

Due to the high prevalence of mast cell tumors (MCTs) in the diagnostic routine, several factors, especially prognostic, have been sought to determine the biological behavior of these neoplasms. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is one of the main tools utilized to biologically differentiate more aggressive tumors from less aggressive ones. However, some immunostainings are influenced by formalin fixation, interfering with the results. This is both a retrospective and prospective study of MCTs diagnosed in laboratory routine. A total of 25 samples, without knowledge about fixation time, were analyzed in the retrospective study, whereas 12 samples, with known fixation times, were assessed in the prospective study. Two histologic grading systems (Patnaik and Kiupel), special staining of toluidine blue, and IHC for KIT and Ki67 proteins were applied in both studies. Additionally, two amplification systems (biotinylated and non-biotinylated) for Ki67 protein and counting of the argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR method) were tested in the prospective study. In the retrospective study, greater agreement between the evaluating pathologists was observed when the Kiupel system was used. IHC staining for KIT protein was effective in both studies, regardless of fixation time. IHC staining for Ki67 protein was highly sensitive to formaldehyde, and staining failure was observed in 56% of the cases in the retrospective study. In the prospective study, samples fixed for longer than 24 hours showed a reduction in the number of stained cells (altering the determination of the cell growth fraction) or showed absence of IHC staining in both amplification systems. The use of the AgNOR method to evaluate the rate of cell proliferation may be an alternative when the fixation time of the neoplasm is unknown or longer than 24 hours.(AU)

Devido a alta prevalência dos mastocitomas cutâneos caninos (MCCs) na rotina diagnóstica, vários fatores, especialmente fatores prognósticos, têm sido buscados para auxiliar na determinação do comportamento biológico desse neoplasma. A imuno-histoquímica é uma das principais ferramentas empregadas para diferenciar tumores biologicamente mais agressivos de tumores menos agressivos. Entretanto, algumas imunomarcações sofrem influência pela fixação em formol, interferindo nos resultados. Este estudo compreendeu avaliar através de uma etapa retrospectiva e uma etapa prospectiva casos de MCCs diagnosticados na rotina laboratorial. Um total de 25 amostras, sem conhecimento do tempo de fixação, foi analisado no estudo retrospectivo e 12 amostras, com tempos de fixação conhecidos, no estudo prospectivo. Foram aplicados nos dois estudos, dois sistemas de graduação histológica (Patnaik e Kiupel), a coloração especial de azul de toluidina e a imuno-histoquímica para as proteínas KIT e Ki67. Adicionalmente, no estudo prospectivo, foram testados dois sistemas de amplificação (biotinilado e não biotinilado) para a proteína Ki67 e a técnica de AgNOR (contagem das regiões organizadoras nucleolares argirofílicas). Na etapa retrospectiva, observou-se uma maior concordância entre os patologistas avaliadores quando o sistema Kiupel foi utilizado. A imunomarcação para KIT se manteve eficaz em ambos os estudos, independentemente do tempo de fixação. A imunomarcação para o Ki67 mostrou-se altamente sensível ao tempo de fixação em formol, sendo observada falha na imunomarcação em 56% dos casos do estudo retrospectivo. No estudo prospectivo, constatou-se que amostras fixadas por mais de 24 horas em formol apresentaram redução na quantidade de células imunomarcadas (alterando a determinação da fração de crescimento celular) ou apresentaram ausência de imunomarcação em ambos os sistemas de amplificação. A utilização do método AgNOR, para avaliar a taxa de proliferação celular, pode ser uma alternativa quando o tempo de fixação do neoplasma for desconhecido ou superior a 24 horas.(AU)

A review of neoplastic and non-neoplastic canine skin tumours in Trinidad from 2010-2015

This retrospective study was performed on samples submitted to the Pathology Unit of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, St. Augustine, Trinidad, during the period 2010 to 2015. A total of 471 non-inflammatory cutaneous masses were analyzed, of which 225 (47.8%) were malignant, 202 (42.9%) were benign and 44 (9.3%) were non-neoplastic. The most common malignant tumors were haemangiosarcoma, 50 (22.2%); mast cell tumour, 49 (21.8%); soft tissue sarcoma 35 (15.6%), lymphoma, 20 (8.9%) and melanoma 20 (8.9%). The most common benign tumors were haemangioma, 39 (19.3%); lipoma, 27 (13.4%), trichoblastoma, 26 (12.9%), histiocytoma 25 (12.4%), plasma cell tumor, 23 (11.4%) and papilloma 9 (4.5%). Common non-neoplastic skin lesions included collagen naevi, 26 (59.1%) and follicular cysts, 11 (25.0%). Mixed breed dogs 241 (51.2%), was most frequently represented with neoplasms followed by Rottweilers 50 (10.6%) and Pit bulls 48 (10.1%).

A review of neoplastic and non-neoplastic canine skin tumours in Trinidad from 2010-2015

This retrospective study was performed on samples submitted to the Pathology Unit of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, St. Augustine, Trinidad, during the period 2010 to 2015. A total of 471 non-inflammatory cutaneous masses were analyzed, of which 225 (47.8%) were malignant, 202 (42.9%) were benign and 44 (9.3%) were non-neoplastic. The most common malignant tumors were haemangiosarcoma, 50 (22.2%); mast cell tumour, 49 (21.8%); soft tissue sarcoma 35 (15.6%), lymphoma, 20 (8.9%) and melanoma 20 (8.9%). The most common benign tumors were haemangioma, 39 (19.3%); lipoma, 27 (13.4%), trichoblastoma, 26 (12.9%), histiocytoma 25 (12.4%), plasma cell tumor, 23 (11.4%) and papilloma 9 (4.5%). Common non-neoplastic skin lesions included collagen naevi, 26 (59.1%) and follicular cysts, 11 (25.0%). Mixed breed dogs 241 (51.2%), was most frequently represented with neoplasms followed by Rottweilers 50 (10.6%) and Pit bulls 48 (10.1%).(AU)

Mastocitoma cutâneo canino: estudo retrospectivo dos casos atendidos pelo Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital Veterinário da FCAV-Unesp, Campus Jaboticabal, de 2005 a 2015 / Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: retrospective study of cases attended by the oncology service at the Veterinary Hospital of FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal, from 2005 to 2015

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os casos de mastocitomas cutâneos em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário Governador Laudo Natel da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Unesp Câmpus Jaboticabal, no período de 2005 a 2015, além de avaliar a ocorrência dessa neoplasia em relação à raça, sexo e idade; determinar as regiões corpóreas mais acometidas e as características neoplásicas observadas, assim como, os métodos de diagnóstico mais utilizados no setor, estabelecer os principais graus histológicos diagnosticados e os tratamentos preconizados, verificar alterações de tamanho em relação aos linfonodos, à taxa de recidiva, metástase e possíveis associações entre as variáveis consideradas. Foram avaliados 192 prontuários clínicos de pacientes e observou-se que os cães sem raça definida (SRD) (n=46, 23,96%) foram os mais acometidos, seguidos por cães da raça Boxer (n=40, 20,83%) e Pit bull (n=27, 14,06%). A maioria dos cães eram fêmeas (n=107, 55,7%), e com idade de 7 a 11 anos (n=120, 62,5%). Do total, 32 pacientes apresentaram (16,7%) tumores localizados em membro pélvico, seguidos por nódulos em membro torácico (10,4%, n=20). Sessenta e cinco animais possuíam nódulos ulcerados (33,9%), sendo 96 nódulos de consistência firme (50%). Setenta e seis animais apresentavam múltiplos nódulos (39,6%) e aqueles acima de três centímetros perfaziam 39,1% da amostra (n=75). O método mais utilizado para o diagnóstico foi a punção aspirativa por agulha fina associado à histopatologia (HT), totalizando 39,8% dos nódulos (n=66), seguido pela HT com 37,3% (n=62). Em relação às variáveis histológicas, 18 pacientes apresentaram grau I (11,8%), 112 com grau II (73,7%) e 22 com grau III (14,5%) de acordo com Patnaik et al. (1984). Segundo a classificação de Kiupel et al. (2011), 37 casos foram classificados como de alto grau (35,2%) e 68 como sendo de baixo grau (64,8%).(AU)

This study analyzed the cases of cutaneous mastocytomas in dogs seen at the Governador Laudo Natel Veterinary Hospital of the College of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV), Unesp, in Jaboticabal, from 2005 to 2015. The objective was to determine the occurrence of this neoplasm regarding breed, sex, and age, the most affected body parts and observed neoplastic characteristics; the most widely used diagnosis methods, the main histological grades and recommended treatments, to evaluate size changes in relation to lymph nodes, recurrence rate, metastasis and to verify possible associations between the evaluated variables. The clinical files of 192 patients were evaluated. The most affected dogs were of mixed breed (n=46, 23.96%), followed by Boxer (n=40, 20.83%) and Pitbull (n=27, 14.06%). Most of the dogs were females (n=107, 55.7%), aged between 7 and 11 years old (n=120, 62.5%). Thirty-two patients had (16.7%) tumors located in the pelvic limb, followed by thoracic limbs (10.4% n=20). Sixty-five animals had ulcerated nodules (33.9%), of which 96 had firm consistency (50%). Seventy-six animals had multiple nodules (39.6%), and 39.1% of the sample (n=75) had nodules larger than three centimeters. The most used diagnosis method was fine needle aspiration together with histopathology (HT), totaling 39.8% of nodules (n=66), followed by HT in 37.3% of the patients (n=62). Regarding the histological variables, 18 patients had grade I (11.8%), 112 grade II (73.7%), and 22 grade III (14.5%) classified according to Patnaik et al. (1984).(AU)

Mastocitoma cutâneo canino: estudo retrospectivo dos casos atendidos pelo Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital Veterinário da FCAV-Unesp, Campus Jaboticabal, de 2005 a 2015 / Canine cutaneous mast cell tumors: retrospective study of cases attended by the oncology service at the Veterinary Hospital of FCAV-Unesp, Jaboticabal, from 2005 to 2015

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os casos de mastocitomas cutâneos em cães atendidos no Hospital Veterinário Governador Laudo Natel da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV) Unesp Câmpus Jaboticabal, no período de 2005 a 2015, além de avaliar a ocorrência dessa neoplasia em relação à raça, sexo e idade; determinar as regiões corpóreas mais acometidas e as características neoplásicas observadas, assim como, os métodos de diagnóstico mais utilizados no setor, estabelecer os principais graus histológicos diagnosticados e os tratamentos preconizados, verificar alterações de tamanho em relação aos linfonodos, à taxa de recidiva, metástase e possíveis associações entre as variáveis consideradas. Foram avaliados 192 prontuários clínicos de pacientes e observou-se que os cães sem raça definida (SRD) (n=46, 23,96%) foram os mais acometidos, seguidos por cães da raça Boxer (n=40, 20,83%) e Pit bull (n=27, 14,06%). A maioria dos cães eram fêmeas (n=107, 55,7%), e com idade de 7 a 11 anos (n=120, 62,5%). Do total, 32 pacientes apresentaram (16,7%) tumores localizados em membro pélvico, seguidos por nódulos em membro torácico (10,4%, n=20). Sessenta e cinco animais possuíam nódulos ulcerados (33,9%), sendo 96 nódulos de consistência firme (50%). Setenta e seis animais apresentavam múltiplos nódulos (39,6%) e aqueles acima de três centímetros perfaziam 39,1% da amostra (n=75). O método mais utilizado para o diagnóstico foi a punção aspirativa por agulha fina associado à histopatologia (HT), totalizando 39,8% dos nódulos (n=66), seguido pela HT com 37,3% (n=62). Em relação às variáveis histológicas, 18 pacientes apresentaram grau I (11,8%), 112 com grau II (73,7%) e 22 com grau III (14,5%) de acordo com Patnaik et al. (1984). Segundo a classificação de Kiupel et al. (2011), 37 casos foram classificados como de alto grau (35,2%) e 68 como sendo de baixo grau (64,8%). Foi observada associação estatística quando se avaliou a presença de nódulos solitários/múltiplos e o grau histológico, segundo Patnaik et al. (1984) (p=0,008) e Kiupel et al. (2011) (p=0,004), sendo que nódulos com piores características prognósticas eram mais frequentes nos animais diagnosticados com múltiplos nódulos, independente da classificação histológica empregada. Também foi observada a associação entre a presença de nódulos múltiplos com estadio II ou IV (p<0,001) e com a presença de recidiva (p=0,001). Em relação à classificação histológica de Kiupel et al. (2011) foi possível observar associação estatística entre o grau histológico e o tamanho do tumor (p=0,001), a consistência (p=0,028) e a velocidade de crescimento do nódulo (p<0,001); aumento de linfonodo (p<0,001) e o tratamento empregado (p=0,002). Nódulos com tamanho superior a três centímetros (56,8%, n=21) e de crescimento rápido (52,9%, n=36%), eram mais frequentes nos tumores de alto grau. Aumento de linfonodo (80,6%, n=25) e tratamento quimioterápico (83,3%, n=5) também estavam associados a pacientes com alto grau histológico. Em relação à classificação de Patnaik et al. (1984), as variáveis raça e sexo diferiram proporcionalmente entre os grupos histológicos (p=0,008 e 0,040 respectivamente), sendo que o aumento do linfonodo e o crescimento rápido do tumor também tiveram associação com o grau histológico (p=0,002 e 0,001). Quase a metade dos pacientes (47,4%) foi submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico e quimioterápico (n=91), sendo que em 31,3% (n=60) dos pacientes realizou-se apenas o procedimento cirúrgico. Sessenta e um animais (31,8%) apresentaram aumento de tamanho em linfonodos regionais (31,8%), sendo que 71,9% dos nódulos avaliados tiveram crescimento rápido. O tempo de evolução clínica do tumor foi menor ou igual a um ano, em 158 pacientes (82,3%), seguido por 25 pacientes (13%) com evolução de 1 a 2 anos. Foram observados 66 casos (40,5%) de recidiva e 16 (8,3%) de metástase à distância. Com este estudo, pode-se concluir que cães sem raça definida são os mais acometidos pelo mastocitoma cutâneo, na região de Jaboticabal, seguido por cães da raça Boxer, com idade variando entre 7 e 11 anos, não sendo observada predileção sexual; os nódulos encontrados eram predominantemente não ulcerados, solitários e menores que três centímetros; a maioria dos pacientes apresentou mastocitoma grau II, segundo Patnaik et al. (1984) e baixo grau segundo Kiupel et al. (2011); não se observou recidiva, em sua maioria, nem metástase em linfonodos e/ou a distância; o diagnóstico mais utilizado foi a punção aspirativa por agulha fina associada à histopatologia; a localização dos nódulos era mais prevalente nos membros pélvicos e torácicos, seguido por cabeça e pescoço. A consistência dos nódulos era de apresentação firme ou macia; e a metade dos pacientes foi submetida ao procedimento cirúrgico associado à quimioterapia antineoplásica.(AU)

This study analyzed the cases of cutaneous mastocytomas in dogs seen at the Governador Laudo Natel Veterinary Hospital of the College of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (FCAV), Unesp, in Jaboticabal, from 2005 to 2015. The objective was to determine the occurrence of this neoplasm regarding breed, sex, and age, the most affected body parts and observed neoplastic characteristics; the most widely used diagnosis methods, the main histological grades and recommended treatments, to evaluate size changes in relation to lymph nodes, recurrence rate, metastasis and to verify possible associations between the evaluated variables. The clinical files of 192 patients were evaluated. The most affected dogs were of mixed breed (n=46, 23.96%), followed by Boxer (n=40, 20.83%) and Pitbull (n=27, 14.06%). Most of the dogs were females (n=107, 55.7%), aged between 7 and 11 years old (n=120, 62.5%). Thirty-two patients had (16.7%) tumors located in the pelvic limb, followed by thoracic limbs (10.4% n=20). Sixty-five animals had ulcerated nodules (33.9%), of which 96 had firm consistency (50%). Seventy-six animals had multiple nodules (39.6%), and 39.1% of the sample (n=75) had nodules larger than three centimeters. The most used diagnosis method was fine needle aspiration together with histopathology (HT), totaling 39.8% of nodules (n=66), followed by HT in 37.3% of the patients (n=62). Regarding the histological variables, 18 patients had grade I (11.8%), 112 grade II (73.7%), and 22 grade III (14.5%) classified according to Patnaik et al. (1984). According to the classification of Kiupel et al. (2011) 37 cases were classified as high grade (35.2%) and 68 as low grade (64.8%). Statistical association was observed when the presence of solitary/multiple nodules and the histological grade were evaluated according to Patnaik et al. (1984) (P=0.008) and Kiupel et al. (2011) (P=0.004). The nodules with worse prognostic feature were more frequent in animals diagnosed with multiple nodules, regardless of the histological classification used. The presence of multiple nodules in stage II or IV (p<0.001) and recurrence of the disease (p=0.001) was also observed. Regarding the histological classification of Kiupel et al. (2011), there was a statistical association between histological grade and tumor size (p=0.001), consistency (p=0.028) and nodule growth rate (p<0.001), lymph node enlargement (p<0.001) and the treatment used (p=0.002). Nodules larger than three centimeters (56.8% n=21) and fast growing (52.9% n=36%) were more frequent in high-grade tumors. Lymph node enlargement (80.6% n=25) and chemotherapeutic treatment (83.3% n=5) were also associated with patients with this histological grade. According to the classification of Patnaik et al. (1984), breed and sex differed proportionally between the histological groups (p=0.008 and 0.040 respectively), and lymph node enlargement and rapid tumor growth were also associated with histological grade (p=0.002 and 0.001). Almost half of the patients (47.4%) underwent surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment (n=91) while only surgical procedure was performed in 31.3% (n=60) of the patients. Sixty-one animals (31.8%) had enlarged regional lymph nodes (31.8%), and 71.9% of the nodes evaluated had rapid growth. The clinical evolution time of the tumor was less than or equal to one year in 158 patients (82.3%), followed by 1 to 2 years in 25 patients (13%). There were 66 cases (40.5%) of recurrence and 16 (8.3%) of distant metastasis. With this study, it can be concluded that dogs with mixed breed are the most affected by cutaneous mastocytoma in Jaboticabal city, followed by Boxer dogs, with ages varying between 7 and 11 years, with no sexual predisposition observed. It was also concluded that nodules were predominantly non-ulcerated, solitary and smaller than 3 centimeters, that the majority of patients presented grade II mastocytoma according to Patnaik et al. (1984) and low grade according to Kiupel et al. (2011), not being observed in most of them recurrence, lymph node or distance metastasis. The most commonly used diagnosis was fine-needle aspiration associated with histopathology, and in relation to location, nodules were found predominantly in pelvic and thoracic limbs, followed by head and neck. The consistency of the nodules was both firm and soft, and half of the patients underwent the associated surgical procedure of antineoplastic chemotherapy.(AU)

Evaluation of hemostatic parameters in tumor-bearing dogs

Background: Hemostatic alterations are commonly detected in canine cancer patients. However, few studies have described hemostatic dysfunction in dogs with different tumor subtypes. In Veterinary Medicine, the state of hypercoagulability is hardly diagnosed alive, since laboratory exams for evaluate hemostatic function are not always requested. Due to importance of homeostatic disorders in cancer patients, this study aimed to evaluate hemostatic alterations such as platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen in tumor-bearing dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: From the 55 dogs evaluated, 30 had mammary carcinoma, 6 visceral hemangiosarcoma, 9 high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumor and 10 multicentric lymphoma. The results were compared to a control group composed by 10 Beagle dogs. Thrombocytosis was observed in 26.6% (8/30) of mammary carcinoma group and thrombocytopenia in 10% (3/30). The patients with hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor did not reveal thrombocytosis, however, thrombocytopenia was present in 16.6% (1/6) and 33% (3/9), respectively. Three dogs with multicentric lymphoma showed thrombocytopenia and other three showed thrombocytosis. From patients with thrombocytosis, one was classified as severe thrombocytosis (1077 x 10³/µL). Therefore, there were no statistically significant associations between neoplasia group with control group (P > 0.05). Regarding the aPTT and PT evaluation, mammary carcinoma (P = 0.0005), hemangiosarcoma (P = 0.033) and mast cell tumor (P = 0.012) patients showed statistical difference for aPTT, while the evaluation for PT was not significant (P > 0.05). We grouped all patients as a “tumor group” and compared to the control group. It was possible to observe increased aPTT and PT in 89% (49/55) and 50.90% (28/55) respectively, in tumor group compared to normal.[...]

Evaluation of hemostatic parameters in tumor-bearing dogs

Background: Hemostatic alterations are commonly detected in canine cancer patients. However, few studies have described hemostatic dysfunction in dogs with different tumor subtypes. In Veterinary Medicine, the state of hypercoagulability is hardly diagnosed alive, since laboratory exams for evaluate hemostatic function are not always requested. Due to importance of homeostatic disorders in cancer patients, this study aimed to evaluate hemostatic alterations such as platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen in tumor-bearing dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: From the 55 dogs evaluated, 30 had mammary carcinoma, 6 visceral hemangiosarcoma, 9 high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumor and 10 multicentric lymphoma. The results were compared to a control group composed by 10 Beagle dogs. Thrombocytosis was observed in 26.6% (8/30) of mammary carcinoma group and thrombocytopenia in 10% (3/30). The patients with hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor did not reveal thrombocytosis, however, thrombocytopenia was present in 16.6% (1/6) and 33% (3/9), respectively. Three dogs with multicentric lymphoma showed thrombocytopenia and other three showed thrombocytosis. From patients with thrombocytosis, one was classified as severe thrombocytosis (1077 x 10³/µL). Therefore, there were no statistically significant associations between neoplasia group with control group (P > 0.05). Regarding the aPTT and PT evaluation, mammary carcinoma (P = 0.0005), hemangiosarcoma (P = 0.033) and mast cell tumor (P = 0.012) patients showed statistical difference for aPTT, while the evaluation for PT was not significant (P > 0.05). We grouped all patients as a “tumor group” and compared to the control group. It was possible to observe increased aPTT and PT in 89% (49/55) and 50.90% (28/55) respectively, in tumor group compared to normal.[...](AU)

Comparação de duas classificações histopatológicas com o padrão de imuno-marcação para KIT, a avaliação da proliferação celular e com a presença de mutações no c-KIT de mastocitomas cutâneos caninos

ABSTRACT: Histopathological classification is the method of choice to predict the biological behavior of mast cell tumor. Currently, the methods of Patnaik and Kiupel are used to divide them into degrees of malignancy. The objective of this study was to compare the two histological grades with clinical, immunohistochemical markers and the presence of mutations to evaluate the characteristics that are more related to each other and with the worst prognosis. Sixty-one dogs were evaluated, taking into account sex, race, age, tumor location, tumor grade by grades Patnaik and Kiupel, infiltration of eosinophils, pattern KIT, Ki-67 and the presence of mutation . The variables were correlated using the chi-square test, Fishers exact test, verisimilitude test and relative risk test. The older dogas were the most affected, while animals mixed breed, Boxer breeds, Labrador and Pinscher were those with greater predisposition to tumor development. The tumor location and age are associated with tumor grade. The tumors in the head, neck and genital area are 10 times more likely to be classified as high-grade (RR=10,667; 95% CI 1.909 to 59.615, p=0.004) grau and old-aged eight times more likely (RR=8.00, 95% CI 0.955 to 67.009, p=0.029). The grade II tumors and the low degree were the most frequent and the two histological scores showed very significant correlation (p 0.001). The concentration of eosinophilic infiltration showed no significant correlation with any of the histological scores. The standard KIT was dependent on tumor location (p=0.015), genital tumors, head and neck had 18 times more likely to have cytoplasmic pattern (RR=18.571, 95% CI 1.954 to 176.490, p=0.003), and Patnaik (p=0.001) and Kiupel (p 0.001) ratings. The high grade tumors are 36 times more likely to have cytoplasmic pattern (RR 36.00, 95% CI 4.35-297.948 p 0.001). The marking of the Ki-67 showed a dependence on the location (p=0.024). The presence of mutation in exon 11 of the juxtamembrane domain showed no association with any of the clinical variables of the histological scores, the concentration of eosinophils and KIT standard. The presence of the mutation was significantly correlated only to the Ki-67 (p=0, 010). The results suggest that the location is the clinical variable most related to prognosis and that only Kiupel classification associated with immunohistochemistry are efficient to assess tumor behavior.

RESUMO: A graduação histopatológica é o método de eleição para prever o comportamento biológico do mastocitoma e, atualmente, são utilizados os métodos de Patnaik e de Kiupel para dividi-los em graus de malignidade. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi comparar as duas classificações histológicas com as variáveis clínicas, os marcadores imuno-histoquímicos e com a presença de mutações para verificar as características que estão mais relacionadas entre si e com os piores prognósticos. Foram avaliados 61 animais, levando em consideração o sexo, a raça, a idade, a localização tumoral, o grau tumoral pelas classificações de Patnaik e Kiupel, a infiltração de eosinófilos, a marcação do KIT e do Ki-67 e a presença de mutação. As variáveis foram correlacionadas utilizando os testes de qui-quadrado, teste de Fisher, teste de verossimilhança e o teste de risco relativo. Os animais idosos foram os mais acometidos, enquanto os animais sem raça definida e os das raças Boxer, Labrador e Pinscher foram aqueles com maior predisposição ao desenvolvimento tumoral. A localização e a idade estão associadas ao grau tumoral. Os tumores em cabeça, pescoço e região genital têm 10 vezes mais chance de serem classificados como de alto grau (RR=10,667; IC95% 1,909-59,615, p=0,004) e os idosos oito vezes mais chance (RR=8,00; IC95% 0,955-67,009; p=0,029). Os tumores de grau II e os de baixo grau foram os mais encontrados e as duas classificações histológicas demonstram correlação muito significativa entre si (p 0,001). A concentração do infiltrado eosinofílico não demonstrou correlação significativa com nenhuma das classificações histológicas. O padrão KIT foi dependente da localização tumoral (p=0,015), já que os tumores genitais, na cabeça e no pescoço possuíam 18 vezes mais chance de apresentarem padrão citoplasmático (RR=18,571; IC95% 1,954-176,490; p=0,003), e das classificações de Patnaik (p=0,001) e Kiupel (p 0,001), sendo que os tumores de alto grau têm 36 vezes mais chance de apresentarem padrão citoplasmático (RR=36,00, IC95% 4,35-297,948; p 0,001). A marcação do Ki-67 demonstrou dependência da localização (p=0,024). A presença de mutação no exon 11 do domínio justamembrana não demonstrou associação com nenhuma das variáveis clínicas, das classificações histológicas, da concentração de eosinófilos e do padrão KIT. A presença da mutação foi correlacionada significativamente apenas ao Ki-67 (p=0,010). Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a localização é a variável clínica mais relacionada ao prognóstico e que apenas a classificação de Kiupel associada à imuno-histoquímica são eficientes para avaliar o comportamento tumoral.