Infectious Causes of Neoplasia in the Domestic Cat.

In recent years, growing attention has been paid to the influence/role of infectious diseases in tumour development and progression. Investigations have demonstrated that some infectious organisms can have a direct role in the development of neoplasia, whereas others can predispose to neoplasia by alterations in the immune response, or by creating a pro-inflammatory environment. Feline leukaemia virus was one of the first infectious agents recognised as an oncogenic organism, and along with feline immunodeficiency virus has received the most attention. Since the discovery of this retrovirus, several other organisms have been associated with neoplastic processes in cats, these include gammaherpes virus, mouse mammary tumour virus, papillomaviruses, hepadnavirus, Helicobacter species, and the parasitic infections Platynosomum fastosum and Opisthorchis viverrini. This review summarises the findings to date.

Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma in cats: 30 cases (1994-2015).

OBJECTIVE To describe the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, and outcome for cats with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) that underwent surgical excision. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 30 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES Databases of 13 Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology member-affiliated institutions were searched for records of cats with a histologic diagnosis of AGASACA that underwent tumor excision. For each cat, information regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome was extracted from the medical record. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine median time to local recurrence (TLR), disease-free interval (DFI), and survival time. Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with TLR, DFI, and survival time. RESULTS Perineal ulceration or discharge was the most common clinical sign in affected cats. Eleven cats developed local recurrence at a median of 96 days after AGASACA excision. Incomplete tumor margins and a high nuclear pleomorphic score were risk factors for local recurrence. Nuclear pleomorphic score was negatively associated with DFI. Local recurrence and a high nuclear pleomorphic score were risk factors for death. Median DFI and survival time were 234 and 260 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that, in cats, perineal ulceration or discharge should raise suspicion of AGASACA and prompt rectal and anal sac examinations. Local recurrence was the most common life-limiting event in cats that underwent surgery for treatment of AGASACA, suggesting that wide margins should be obtained whenever possible during AGASACA excision. Efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treatment of cats with AGASACA requires further investigation. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019;254:716-722).

Splenomegaly in small-breed dogs: 45 cases(2005-2011).

OBJECTIVE To assess causes of splenomegaly and postsurgical outcomes in small-breed (ie, < 16-kg [< 35.2-lb]) dogs that underwent splenectomy and evaluate associations among malignant disease, hemoperitoneum, and survival time in these patients. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 45 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records of 2 veterinary facilities were reviewed to identify small-breed dogs that underwent splenectomy and had a histologic diagnosis recorded. Data analyzed included signalment, diagnosis, presence or absence of hemoperitoneum, and survival time. RESULTS 21 dogs had malignant neoplasia and 24 had benign splenic diseases. Hemangiosarcoma was the most common malignancy (14/21 [67%] dogs) and lymphoid nodular hyperplasia, hematoma, or extramedullary hematopoiesis (alone or in combination) was most commonly diagnosed in dogs with benign disease (17/24 [71%]). Wheaton Terriers were significantly more likely to have malignant splenic disease than were dogs of other breeds. Malignant splenic disease and the presence of hemoperitoneum had significant negative associations with survival time. Malignant disease was not significantly associated with the presence of hemoperitoneum. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Causes for splenomegaly and survival times were similar to those previously reported for populations that primarily included large-breed dogs. There were approximately equal numbers of benign and malignant causes for splenomegaly in this population. Results suggested that Wheaton Terriers with splenomegaly had a higher likelihood of malignant neoplasia than other breeds and that hemoperitoneum may not be a significant predictor of malignancy in small-breed dogs. However, further research including a larger number of dogs is needed to confirm these findings. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017;250:1148-1154).

Lateral caudal axial pattern flap in 13 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and extent of complications associated with lateral caudal axial pattern flaps used to cover large traumatic or excision skin defects on the dorsum, gluteal, and perineal region in 13 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Thirteen client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records from 8 institutions were reviewed for dogs treated with a lateral caudal axial pattern flap, including cases in which the procedure was combined with other reconstructive techniques. The flap length relative to the tail length, location of tail skin incision, size and cause of the defect, and short- and long-term complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen dogs were included, 11 with tumors and 2 with traumatic skin loss. The mean estimated length of the flap relative to tail length was 51% (range 33-70%). Four dogs had wound complications. This included 2 dogs with minor postoperative wound complications (mild distal dehiscence) that did not require surgical revision and 2 dogs with major complications that required surgical revision. Two of these 4 dogs had distal flap necrosis, one was revised surgically and one was managed conservatively. In these 2 dogs, the flap length was estimated as 80% and 65% of the tail length, respectively. At 30 days, flaps in all dogs were completely healed. No long-term complications were recorded in any dog. For some dogs, the reconstruction was not obvious, with only the change in hair direction and color noticeable. CONCLUSION: Lateral caudal axial pattern flap is a reconstructive option for gluteal, dorsal, and perineal skin defects in dogs. Distal flap necrosis and dehiscence due to wound infection occurred in 4 dogs that required additional wound care but not always surgical revision.

Stereotactic radiosurgery and fracture fixation in 6 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcome of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and subsequent internal fixation of a pathologic fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with spontaneous-occurring appendicular OSA (n = 6). METHODS: Medical records (May 2002-January 2008) of dogs that had SRS for appendicular OSA were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a pathologic fracture either before or after SRS and were treated with internal fixation. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, biopsy results, surgical complications, number of surgeries, adjuvant therapy, development of metastatic disease and cause of death were recorded. RESULTS: Six dogs met the inclusion criteria. Two dogs had a pathologic fracture at admission and 4 dogs developed a fracture after SRS with a mean ± SD time to fracture development of 6.25 ± 1.65 months. The first 3 fractures were repaired using an open approach and the latter three using minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO). Infection occurred in 5 dogs and implant failure in 3. Limb function was subjectively assessed as good in all dogs when the implants were stable and infections were subclinical. Survival times ranged from 364-897 days; 1 dog was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture repair using internal fixation should be considered a viable limb-sparing alternative for pathologic fractures that have been treated with SRS.

Prolonged remission of advanced bronchoalveolar adenocarcinoma in a dog treated with autologous, tumour-derived chaperone-rich cell lysate (CRCL) vaccine.

PURPOSE: This paper presents the treatment of a 12-year-old female spayed Great Dane who presented with vestibular signs (ataxia, nystagmus, hind end collapse). Thoracic radiographs revealed a discrete pulmonary nodule in the right cranial lung lobe. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirate detected primary bronchoalveolar adenocarcinoma, verified via computed tomography, with a second smaller nodule discovered in the right cranial lung lobe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A lateral thoracotomy with right cranial lung lobectomy was performed. Histopathological analysis of the nodules and an excised lymph node identified grade III bronchoalveolar adenocarcinoma with vascular infiltration and lymph node metastasis - a grim diagnosis with a reported median survival time of 6-27 days. A 10-g sample of the tumour was processed into a chaperone-rich cell lysate (CRCL) vaccine, which was administered weekly to the patient. Imiquimod - a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist - was applied topically for the first 12 treatments to stimulate local Langerhans cells. A single injection of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) was administered for additional immune stimulation at week 30 of treatment. RESULTS: The dog remained stable and in otherwise good health until diffuse relapse occurred 44 weeks after the initial treatment; following gastrointestinal bleeding, the dog was euthanised 50+ weeks post diagnosis. CONCLUSION: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of significantly prolonged survival following a diagnosis of grade III/stage III bronchoalveolar adenocarcinoma in a canine patient. This case report suggests that CRCL vaccine combined with topical imiquimod is a safe, effective treatment for canine tumours.

Oronasal fistula repair utilizing a temporalis muscle flap in a dog with severe trismus.

A 9 yr old spayed female cocker spaniel presented for evaluation of an invasive maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. Curative intent surgery and radiation therapy allowed for local control of the neoplasm; however, the development of a persistent oronasal fistula prevented a complete recovery. A temporalis myofascial rotation flap allowed for successful resolution of the maxillary defect. Implementation of the flap was relatively simple and was associated with few complications.

Outcome after repair of a sarcoma-related pathologic fracture in dogs: a Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcome in dogs after internal fixation of a sarcoma-related pathologic fracture of the appendicular skeleton. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=16). METHODS: Medical records of participating VSSO members were reviewed for dogs with pathologic fracture associated with a confirmed bone sarcoma of the appendicular skeleton repaired by external or internal fixation. Dogs were included if they had a histological diagnosis of osteosarcoma or sarcoma and excluded if they had radiation before fracture. Data collected were analyzed for signalment, fracture location, staging performed, method of fracture fixation, histopathology, adjunctive treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Signalment and fracture location of 16 dogs that met the inclusion criteria was similar to dogs with appendicular OSA without fracture. One of 14 dogs had pulmonary metastasis and 3 of 5 dogs had bone metastasis. Bone plate or interlocking nail were used for repair in 12 dogs. Limb use immediately after surgery in 13 dogs was good (4), weight-bearing but lame (7) and non-weight bearing (2). Adjunctive therapy was administered in 5 dogs (chemotherapy, 3; radiation, 4; pamidronate, 3). Survival time ranged from 18 to 897 days; median survival was 166 days. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of pathologic fracture can result in palliation and prolonged survival.

Evaluation of surgically placed gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes in critically ill dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications and outcomes associated with surgical placement of gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes in dogs with naturally occurring disease. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 26 dogs. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were evaluated. Daily postoperative abdominal radiographic examinations were performed to determine the presence of the following mechanical tube complications: kinking, coiling, knotting, and migration. Tube stoma abnormalities (erythema, cellulitis, and discharge) were observed daily and recorded by use of a standardized visual analog grading scale. Additionally, presence of complications was compared with median survival times. RESULTS: The most common indication for gastrojejunostomy tube placement was gastrointestinal disease (n = 11), with confirmed septic peritonitis in 8 of 11 dogs. Other indications for gastrojejunostomy tube placement included extrahepatic biliary surgery (n = 6) and pancreatic disease (9). Mean +/- SD surgical time required for tube placement was 26 +/- 14 minutes. Overall, mechanical tube complication rate was 46% (12/26), including coiling (7), migration (4), and kinking (2). Overall minor tube stoma complication rate was 77% (20/26) and included erythema (16), cellulitis (13), and discharge (17). Dislodgement or self-induced tube trauma resulted in accidental tube removal in 2 of 26 dogs, and inadvertent tube damage necessitated premature removal by the clinician in 1 of 26 dogs. Kaplan-Meier median survival time was 39 days with 13 of 26 dogs still alive. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gastrojejunostomy tube placement affords flexibility in the postoperative nutritional regimen by allowing for postgastric feeding with simultaneous access to the stomach.