Clinical Utility of Cytology from Preoperative Percutaneous Fine Needle Aspirates of Solitary Liver Masses in 220 Dogs: A Retrospective Study (2009-2019).

When a solitary liver mass is identified in a dog, a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) is commonly employed to attempt to obtain a diagnosis. Little information is provided in the literature evaluating the sensitivity/specificity of FNA cytology for solitary liver masses. We hypothesized that liver lesion size nor the presence of cavitation would impact the success of cytological diagnosis. Medical records were obtained for 220 client-owned dogs. Inclusion criteria included preoperative abdominal imaging, percutaneous FNA of a solitary hepatic mass with cytologic interpretation by a board-certified pathologist, and a surgical biopsy or mass excision yielding a histopathological diagnosis. Six dogs (2.7%) experienced a complication after FNA, none considered severe. The agreement rate for correct cytologic diagnosis was 22.9% (49/220). Of the neoplastic masses 18.9% (35/185) were correctly diagnosed via cytology. The overall sensitivity was 60%, and the specificity was 68.6%. Neither institution (P = 0.16), lesion size (P = 0.88), cavitation (P = 0.34), or needle gauge (P = 0.20) had an association with correct diagnosis. This study demonstrates that, although there is a low risk of complications following FNA of a hepatic mass, overall success rate for correct cytologic diagnosis based on FNA was low compared to histopathologic diagnosis.

Variability in tumor margin reporting for soft tissue sarcoma and cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which classification systems have been used for tumor margin reporting and to determine whether factors (publication year, tumor type, and specialty of the contributing authors) influenced trends in margin reporting within literature describing canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCT). STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS: Eligible articles were identified through electronic database searches performed for STS and MCT. Data abstracted from relevant studies included publication year, author list, specialty of contributing authors, criteria used to report the planned surgical margins, and the status of histologic margins. Categorization of papers was based on the classification systems used to report surgical and histologic tumor margins. RESULTS: Fifty-three articles were included, 11 on STS, 37 on MCT, and five that included both tumor types. Criteria for classifying the planned surgical margins were described in only 50.9% of studies. Articles that listed a veterinary surgeon as a contributing author (P = .01) and STS articles compared to MCT papers (P = .01) were more likely to report surgical margins. Most (56.6%) studies reported the status of histologic margins dichotomously as "complete" or "incomplete." Although a previously published consensus statement recommended that quantitative criteria be used to report histologic margins, only 7.5% of articles used quantitative methods. CONCLUSION: Classification systems used for reporting tumor margins were highly variable among studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this review provide evidence that a standardized classification system for reporting surgical and histologic tumor margins is required in veterinary medicine. A universal system may support more consistent reporting of neoplastic biopsy specimens and allow for more meaningful comparisons across research studies.

Diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography for assessing surgical margins of canine soft tissue sarcomas in observers of different specialties.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess surgical margins of canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and determine the influence of observer specialty and training. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded clinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-five dogs undergoing surgical excision of STS. METHODS: In vivo and ex vivo surgical margins were imaged with OCT after tumor resection. Representative images and videos were used to generate a training presentation and data sets. These were completed by 16 observers of four specialties (surgery, radiology, pathology, and OCT researchers). Images and videos from data sets were classified as cancerous or noncancerous. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity were 88.2% and 92.8%, respectively, for in vivo tissues and 82.5% and 93.3%, respectively, for ex vivo specimens. The overall accurate classification for all specimens was 91.4% in vivo and 89.5% ex vivo. There was no difference in accuracy of interpretation of OCT imaging by observers of different specialties or experience levels. CONCLUSION: Use of OCT to accurately assess surgical margins after STS excision was associated with a high sensitivity and specificity among various specialties. Personnel of all specialties and experience levels could effectively be trained to interpret OCT imaging. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Optical coherence tomography can be used by personnel of different specialty experience levels and from various specialties to accurately identify canine STS in vivo and ex vivo after a short training session. These encouraging results provide evidence to justify further research to assess the ability of OCT to provide real-time assessments of surgical margins and its applicability to other neoplasms.

Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis in two greyhounds with calcaneal malunion.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of two greyhounds with calcaneal malunions that were treated with corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. ANIMALS: Two adult racing greyhounds. METHODS: Varus and recurvatum deformity of the calcaneus was ascribed to malunion of prior calcaneal fracture with concomitant central bone fracture that had been sustained during racing in both dogs. Both dogs exhibited severe, weight-bearing lameness and had radiographic evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the proximal intertarsal joint. A closing wedge corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis were performed with a 2.7-mm locking compression plate and cancellous autograft. RESULTS: Calcaneal morphology and alignment of the common calcaneal tendon seemed restored postoperatively. The implant was removed in one dog, while the other dog experienced no postoperative complications. Lameness improved in both dogs, although residual intermittent lameness after heavy exercise was reported by owners of both dogs 1 year after surgery. Overall, owner satisfaction and outcome were considered good-to-excellent in both dogs. CONCLUSION: Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis for treatment of malunited calcaneal fractures may be considered in dogs with clinical signs related to calcaneal malunion.

Outcomes of 43 small breed dogs treated for splenic hemangiosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome and prognostic factors in small breed dogs in which hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed and whether outcomes differed between small and large breed dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma. STUDY DESIGN: Bi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-three small breed (<20 kg) and 94 large breed client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs treated with splenectomy for splenic hemangiosarcoma. Data acquired included signalment, preoperative staging, bloodwork results, surgical findings, histopathologic findings, administration of chemotherapy, presence/absence of metastatic disease, and survival time (ST). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors associated with survival. RESULTS: The overall median ST was 116 days and 97 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. The ST for dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy was 207 and 139 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. The disease-free interval (DFI) was 446 and 80 days for small and large breed dogs, respectively. Dog size was associated with DFI (P = .02) but not with ST (P = .09). The presence of metastasis at diagnosis was associated with decreased ST in small (P = .03) and large (P = .0009) breed dogs. Administration of chemotherapy (P = .02) was associated with increased ST (P = .02) in small breed dogs. CONCLUSION: The ST was not different in small and large breed dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with splenectomy and chemotherapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prognosis remains poor despite aggressive therapies in small and large breed dogs.

Outcomes associated with vaginectomy and vulvovaginectomy in 21 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of dogs with lesions of the genitourinary tract treated by vaginectomy or vulvovaginectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Female dogs that underwent vulvovaginectomy, complete vaginectomy, or subtotal vaginectomy from 2003 to 2018 with complete medical records and a minimum of 60 days follow-up. METHODS: Data collected from medical records included preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data, such as the occurrence of urinary incontinence (UIC), disease recurrence, and death/euthanasia. RESULTS: This study included 21 dogs. Four dogs had vulvovaginectomy, six had complete vaginectomy, and 11 had a subtotal vaginectomy performed. The mean age at surgery was 9.2 years (SD, 3.3). Thirteen dogs were intact at presentation. Smooth muscle tumors were diagnosed most commonly (10 leiomyomata, three leiomyosarcomas, two leiomyofibromas). The median duration of follow-up was 520 days (range, 71-1955). Major complications requiring revision surgery were recorded in two dogs. Postoperative UIC occurred in six of 21 dogs, resolving spontaneously within 60 days in three dogs. Dogs with malignant tumors (n = 6) survived at least 71 days (median, 626; 95% CI, 71-1245), and recurrence of disease occurred in two dogs. In dogs with benign tumors (n = 15), the median survival time was not reached. These dogs survived at least 104 days and had no recurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION: Vaginectomy and vulvovaginectomy resulted in prolonged survival and low rates of major complications and UIC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence to recommend that the risks of this procedure and expectations should be discussed with clients.

Perioperative complications and outcome after surgery for treatment of gastric carcinoma in dogs: A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology retrospective study of 40 cases (2004-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics, perioperative complications, and outcomes in dogs surgically treated for gastric carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned dogs with histologically confirmed gastric carcinoma. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for preoperative diagnostics, surgery, histopathology, postoperative complications, adjuvant chemotherapy, disease progression, and survival. Variables were assessed for associations with outcome by using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: Surgical treatment included partial gastrectomy (28 dogs), Billroth I (9 dogs), subtotal gastrectomy (2 dogs), and submucosal resection (1 dog). Major postoperative complications occurred in 8 of 40 dogs, including septic peritonitis secondary to dehiscence in 4 dogs. The median progression free interval was 54 days, and the median survival time (MST) was 178 days (range, 1-1902). According to multivariable analysis results, experiencing an intraoperative complication was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 3.5, 95% CI 1.1-9.8, P = .005), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy correlated with an improved survival (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9, P = .03). CONCLUSION: In this population of dogs, MST exceeded historically reported data, major postoperative complication rates were comparable to established literature, and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results from this study may be used to counsel owners more accurately regarding prognosis for dogs undergoing surgical excision for gastric carcinoma.

Segmental mandibulectomy as a novel adjunct management strategy for the treatment of an advanced cholesteatoma in a dog.

A 6-year-old spayed female Labrador retriever dog was evaluated for trismus and peripheral vestibular syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass arising from the tympanic bulla consistent with a cholesteatoma. A total ear canal ablation, bulla osteotomy, and adjunct segmental mandibulectomy were performed. Re-evaluation 2 weeks after surgery revealed no neurologic abnormalities, normal jaw range of motion, and no discomfort. Despite concern for recurrence of cholesteatoma based on CT imaging performed 33 months after surgery, repeat surgical intervention was not pursued as the owner considered the dog's comfort level to be satisfactory. The patient continued to do well for the 42-month follow-up period.

Mandibulectomie segmentaire comme nouvelle stratégie de gestion complémentaire pour le traitement d'un cholestéatome avancé chez un chien. Une femelle Labrador retriever de 6 ans stérilisée a été évaluée pour du trismus et un syndrome vestibulaire périphérique. La tomodensitométrie a révélé une masse issue de la bulle tympanique, compatible avec un cholestéatome. Une ablation totale du conduit auditif, une ostéotomie de la bulle et une mandibulectomie segmentaire complémentaire ont été réalisées. La réévaluation deux semaines après l'opération n'a révélé aucune anomalie neurologique, une amplitude de mouvement normale de la mâchoire et aucun inconfort. Malgré l'inquiétude suscitée par la récurrence du cholestéatome sur la base d'une tomodensitométrie réalisée 33 mois après la chirurgie, aucune nouvelle intervention chirurgicale n'a été envisagée, le propriétaire ayant estimé que le niveau de confort du chien était satisfaisant. La patiente a continué à bien se porter pendant la période de suivi de 42 mois.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Resolution of paraneoplastic hypoglycemia following nephroureterectomy for treatment of canine renal cell carcinoma: Case report.

Objectives: To describe the clinicopathologic findings, imaging results, surgical treatment, and outcome of a dog with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and paraneoplastic hypoglycemia. Animals: A 13-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog that was presented for facial twitching and neurologic decline and diagnosed with a renal mass and paraneoplastic hypoglycemia. Study design: Case report. Methods: Serum chemistry revealed severe hypoglycemia and normal renal values. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a large, heterogeneous, cavitated mass associated with the left kidney and no evidence of abdominal metastatic disease. Thoracic radiographs revealed no evidence of pulmonary metastatic disease. Fasted serum insulin was low concurrently with severe hypoglycemia. No other causes of hypoglycemia were detected, and paraneoplastic hypoglycemia was suspected. Results: After initial medical management of the dog's hypoglycemia, left nephroureterectomy was performed. Histopathology was consistent with RCC. Postoperatively, the dog's hypoglycemia resolved, and supplementation was discontinued. The dog remained stable and was discharged from the hospital 3 days after surgery. At 2-week, 3-month, and 5-month follow up evaluations, the dog remained euglycemic, and no definitive evidence of disease progression was detected. Eight months postoperatively, the dog was euthanized due to decline in mobility. Necropsy and histopathology revealed cerebral and spinal cord multifocal myelin sheath dilation and two primary pulmonary carcinomas with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis of the RCC. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of RCC with subsequent resolution of paraneoplastic hypoglycemia has not previously been reported in veterinary medicine. In this dog, nephroureterectomy for RCC resulted in immediate and sustained resolution of paraneoplastic hypoglycemia.

Risk factors influencing death prior to discharge in 302 dogs undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy for treatment of primary adrenal gland tumours.

Adrenalectomies for canine adrenal tumours are associated with peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Objectives of this study included assessing the prognostic value of tumour- or surgery-related variables in predicting peri-operative mortality and overall survival in dogs undergoing adrenalectomies for primary adrenal tumours as well as pre-treatment with phenoxybenzamine on survival to discharge with pheochromocytomas specifically. A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was performed across nine institutions. Electronic medical record searches identified 302 dogs which met the inclusion criteria. Data collected included dog-related, tumour-related, treatment-related, surgery-related, and outcome variables. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression and cox proportional hazards models were used to identify variables associated with death prior to discharge and tumour-related survival. Overall, 87% of dogs survived to discharge with a tumour-related survival time of 3.96 years. Post-operative complications were reported in 25%. Increased surgical time (p = 0.002) and pre-surgical medical treatment other than phenoxybenzamine (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with increased peri-operative mortality while ureteronephrectomy (p = 0.021), post-operative pancreatitis (p = 0.025), and post-operative aspiration pneumonia (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with decreased overall survival. Phenoxybenzamine pretreatment had no effect on peri-operative mortality. Thirty-seven of 45 (82%) dogs with pheochromocytomas not pretreated survived to discharge, and 50 of 59 (85%) dogs with pheochromocytomas pretreated with phenoxybenzamine survived to discharge (p = 0.730). This study provides information on risk factors for death prior to discharge and tumour-related survival that may help guide clinical management and owner expectations. In addition, the study findings challenge the previously reported benefit of phenoxybenzamine for pretreatment of dogs undergoing adrenalectomies for pheochromocytomas.

Clinical presentation and outcome in cats with aural squamous cell carcinoma: a review of 25 cases (2010-2021).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Ear canal neoplasia is uncommon in cats. Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma is the most frequently reported malignant neoplasm of the feline ear canal, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm diagnosed in the feline middle ear. However, limited information exists on the outcome of cats diagnosed with SCC of the ear canal, middle or inner ear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the outcome of cats diagnosed with SCC affecting these locations. Medical records were reviewed at multiple institutions to identify cats with a definitive diagnosis of SCC. Twenty-five cats were identified. Eleven cats were treated with surgery, eight with medical management, two with coarse fractionated radiation therapy, two with a combination of coarse fractionated radiation therapy and chemotherapy, one with a combination of surgery and coarse fractionated radiation therapy, one cat with systemic chemotherapy and one cat received no treatment following diagnosis. The median survival time of cats treated with surgery was 168 days vs 85 days (P = 0.28) for those treated palliatively with either medical management, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This case series documented that SCC of the ear canal, middle and/or internal ear is a locally aggressive tumor that carries an overall poor prognosis. The median survival time for cats treated with surgery was longer than that with any other modality, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Analysis of risk factors associated with complications following mandibulectomy and maxillectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information about complication rates and the risk factors for complications with mandibulectomy and maxillectomy procedures in dogs. ANIMALS: 459 client-owned dogs that underwent a mandibulectomy or maxillectomy between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2018. PROCEDURES: Inclusion criteria included a complete medical record that contained an anesthesia record, surgical report, available histopathology results, and results of CBC and serum biochemical analysis before surgery. A minimum follow-up of 90 days after surgery was required. RESULTS: 271 complications occurred in 171 of 459 (37.3%) dogs. Eighteen complications were not given a severity description. Of the remaining 253 complications, most were considered minor (157/253 [62.1%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only increased surgical time had a significant (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.54) association with the occurrence of ≥ 1 complication. For each additional hour of surgery, the odds of complications increased by 36%. Preoperative radiation therapy or chemotherapy increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 7.2). Additionally, undergoing maxillectomy, compared with mandibulectomy, increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1). Two hundred forty-four of 271 (90.0%) complications occurred in the perioperative period (0 to 3 months after surgery). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with mandibulectomy, performing maxillectomy increased the risk for incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy had a moderate risk for a complication.

Randomized controlled trial to evaluate a novel two-catheter technique for urethral catheterization in anesthetized healthy female cats and small dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel 2-catheter technique for urethral catheterization in female cats and small dogs and compare the time required for and success rates achieved by use of the novel technique versus traditional methods (blind technique in cats and digital palpation in dogs) as performed by personnel (catheter placers [CPs]) with different levels of experience in urinary catheter placement. ANIMALS: 39 healthy sexually intact female animals (24 cats and 15 dogs weighing < 10 kg). PROCEDURES: 2 CPs were board certified in veterinary surgery, 1 of whom had experience with the novel technique, and the other did not. The third CP was a veterinary surgical intern who was unfamiliar with the novel technique. For each animal enrolled in the study, 1 CP performed catheterization with the novel technique and traditional methods. Data recorded included the time required for successful catheterization and whether a successful catheterization was achieved within a 3-minute time limit. RESULTS: The overall success rates were 79.5% (31/39 animals) with the novel technique and 43.6% (17/39 animals) with traditional methods. Median times for successful catheter placement were 48 seconds for the novel technique and 41 seconds for traditional methods. Among CPs, success rates or times to successful catheter placement did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Study results suggested that the novel 2-catheter technique for urethral catheterization may be a more efficient option than traditional methods for gaining access to the urinary bladder in cats and small dogs, particularly when patient size limits use of instrumentation or digital palpation.

Characteristics and long-term outcomes of dogs with gastroesophageal intussusception.

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcomes and factors associated with those outcomes in dogs with gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI). ANIMALS: 36 dogs with GEI evaluated at 16 veterinary hospitals from January 2000 through January 2018. PROCEDURES: Medical records of included dogs were reviewed to collect information regarding signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, blood work and diagnostic imaging results, surgical findings, and outcome. Factors were evaluated for associations with various outcomes. RESULTS: Median age of dogs with GEI was 13.2 months, and males (72% [26/36]) and German Shepherd Dogs (33% [12/36]) were most common. Vomiting (67% [24/36]) and regurgitation (33% [12/36]) were the most common clinical signs. Ten of 36 (28%) dogs were euthanized without treatment, and 26 (72%) underwent treatment (25 surgically and 1 endoscopically). Twenty-three of the 26 (88%) treated dogs survived to discharge; median survival time was 995 days. At last follow-up, 15 of the 23 (65%) surviving dogs remained alive and 8 (35%) had died for reasons related to persistent regurgitation (n = 6) or reasons unrelated to GEI (2). Of the 10 dogs for which owners were contacted, 7 had persistent regurgitation, the severity of which was reduced through managed feedings. Dogs with acute (≤ 7 days) clinical signs or a previous diagnosis of megaesophagus were more likely to have persistent regurgitation than were dogs without these factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment should be considered for dogs with GEI given the high rate of survival to discharge and median survival time. Although persistent regurgitation was common after treatment, a satisfactory outcome was possible with medical management, including managed feedings and medications.

Effects of two fractions of inspired oxygen during anesthesia on early postanesthesia oxygenation in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of 2 fractions of inspired oxygen (Fio2s) during anesthesia on postanesthesia Pao2 and other measures of oxygen exchange. ANIMALS 22 healthy adult sexually intact female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy by ventral midline celiotomy. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either oxygen (Fio2 > 0.9 [100% oxygen]; n = 11; control group) or a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen (Fio2 = 0.4; 11; 40% oxygen group) as the carrier gas for isoflurane while anesthetized. All dogs were allowed to breathe spontaneously while anesthetized. For each dog, the Pao2, Paco2, other indices of oxygenation, and extent of sedation were monitored at predetermined times during and for 1 hour after anesthesia. Measured variables were compared between the 2 treatment groups and over time within each treatment group. RESULTS None of the measured variables differed significantly between the control and 40% oxygen groups at any time during the postanesthesia period. Within each treatment group, the Paco2 and extent of sedation decreased over time during the postanesthesia period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that indices of oxygenation did not differ significantly between healthy dogs in which the Fio2 was maintained at > 0.9 and those in which the Fio2 was maintained at 0.4 while anesthetized for ovariohysterectomy. Thus, the addition of nitrogen to the carrier gas for an inhalant anesthetic conferred neither an advantage nor disadvantage in regard to oxygenation during the first hour of anesthesia recovery.