Ki67 Index in Patnaik Grade 2/Kiupel Low-Grade Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors with Early Lymph Node Metastasis: A Descriptive Study.

Several studies evaluating Ki67 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) have reported its prognostic value when tumors of all histological grades are included. This study aims to evaluate whether the Ki67 index has a predictive value in a homogeneous cohort of G2/LG cMCTs with HN2 lymph nodes (LNs) and to describe the clinical outcome. The second goal was to explore the correlation between the Ki67 index and MC. The medical databases of three institutions were retrospectively searched for dogs undergoing surgical treatment for cMCT and LN extirpation, with a histological diagnosis of G2/LG with HN2 LNs. Information about histological margins, MC, Ki67 index, local recurrence, nodal relapse, distant metastasis, de novo cMCT occurrence and date and cause of death were included. A total of 39 cases were identified. None of these developed local and nodal relapse or metastatic distant disease. Median MC was 1 (0-2). Median Ki67 index was 3.5 (0.7-14.3). Ki67 and MC were not significantly correlated. At the end of the study, 32 (82%) dogs were alive, 7 (18%) dogs were dead from unrelated causes and 4 (10.2%) dogs were lost to follow-up. The median ST was not reached, and the mean was 893 days (104-2241 days). Considering the strict inclusion criteria, dogs affected by G2/LG with HN2 LNs treated with surgery alone may have a good oncologic outcome; the Ki67 index does not have prognostic impact.

The Effect of Different Opioids on Acid-Base Balance and Blood Gas Analysis in Hospitalized Dogs.

Pain management is central to veterinary practice, contributing to successful case outcomes and enhancement of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Analgesic drugs represent one of the pillars of the multimodal approach to acute and chronic pain management. In dogs, the most used opioids are methadone, buprenorphine and tramadol. Several episodes of hypoglycemia in people treated with tramadol and methadone have recently been described. The aim of this work is to evaluate the changes in the glycemic and acid-base balance induced by tramadol, methadone and buprenorphine in hospitalized dogs. A retrospective review of the medical records of dogs hospitalized for both medical and surgical reasons was performed. During 2018-2020, a total of 876 canine patients were treated with opioids, including 228 with tramadol, 273 with methadone and 375 with buprenorphine. Of all these dogs, only a small percentage met the inclusion criteria presented in the initial design. All the hospitalized animals were monitored daily through clinical examination and blood sampling. Blood samples were obtained before opioid administration (T0), and 24 h (T1) and 48 h (T2) after °pioid administration. The following parameters were evaluated: blood gas value (pH, pCO2), acid-base state (cHCO3), oxymetric values (ctHb, haematocrit), electrolyte values (K+, Na+, iCa, Cl-) and metabolic values (glucose, lactate, anion GAP K+c). The glycemic value in enrolled dogs showed a decrease over time, regardless of the type of opioid used, but remained within the physiological range. The highest average glycemic drop was recorded for methadone, between T0 and T1, followed by tramadol between T1 and T2, while buprenorphine recorded the highest overall glycemic drop between T0-T2 when compared to the other two opioids. Female dogs showed the greatest drop in glycemic value. Lactate concentration always presented values beyond the physiological range at an early stage, which then normalized quickly. Measurement of electrolyte concentrations showed a consistent increase in the values of iCa, Na and Cl. In hospitalized dogs treated with opioids monitoring of gas analytic parameters is important and more attention should be paid to patients hospitalized with certain metabolic and endocrine diseases.

Suspected Drinking Water Poisoning in a Domestic Kitten with Methemoglobinemia.

A 4-month-old male indoor cat was referred for dyspnea, mental dullness and weakness, which appeared two days earlier. The cat had been adopted at 3 months of age. Physical exam showed cyanosis, dyspnea and mild hypothermia. The "spot test" was supportive of methemoglobinemia. Co-oximetry blood gas analysis revealed severe methemoglobinemia (81.40%), severe hyperchloremia and mild hyponatremia. CBC, biochemistry and urinalysis were within normal limits, blood smear showed the presence of Heinz bodies. Treatment was instituted with oxygen therapy, methylene blue 1% solution, ascorbic acid, intravenous fluid therapy. The clinical course was favorable with rapid improvement of cyanosis and methemoglobinemia (4.2%). Acquired methemoglobinemia was hypothesized. Two weeks after discharge the cat was asymptomatic but mild methemoglobinemia (15.60%) and hyperchloremia were evident. Exposure to oxidants contained in drinking water was suspected so the owners were instructed to use bottled water only. One month later the cat was asymptomatic, and methemoglobinemia and chloremia were within normal limits. Even if a congenital form due to cytochrome b5 reductase deficiency cannot be ruled out, drinking water intoxication is the most likely cause of methemoglobinemia in this cat.