Work, life, and the gender effect: Perspectives of ACVIM Diplomates in 2017. Part 2-The intersection of personal life and professional career.

BACKGROUND: In the field of veterinary surgery, women neither marry nor have children at the same rate as men, and those who do may experience more career disruption as a result. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is 1 of the few areas of specialized medicine that is predominantly female; it is unknown if such a demographic shift would produce a different environment for individuals cultivating their personal life. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To report data regarding subjective and objective aspects of the intersection of the personal and professional lives of Diplomates of the ACVIM. SAMPLE: Eight hundred ninety-six surveys (781 completed) of ACVIM Diplomates, including cardiology, large and small animal internal medicine, neurology, and oncology. METHODS: An 82-item online survey was distributed to ACVIM Diplomates via Diplomate college listservs. Participation was voluntary. RESULTS: Men were more likely to be married and have children than were women. Women had or adopted their first child at a later career stage compared with men, and agreed more strongly that career stage was an influential factor in family planning. Those with children worked fewer hours compared with those without, and this effect was greater among women. Women were more likely to require external childcare, but most men and women shared childcare responsibilities equally outside of working hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The intersection of personal and professional life differs between men and women in the ACVIM, which may create different needs, preferences, or barriers to work-life balance in the workforce.

Work, life, and the gender effect: Perspectives of ACVIM Diplomates in 2017. Part 1-Specialty demographics and measures of professional achievement.

BACKGROUND: Barriers to achieving work-life balance, as well as gender-based differences, exist in the male-dominated surgical specialty in veterinary medicine. Similar information does not exist for the more feminized American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To provide data on the professional and personal lives of Diplomates of the ACVIM so as to help define the state of the specialty, including gender-related differences, and identify areas requiring intervention to improve work-life balance. SAMPLE: A total of 896 surveys (781 completed) of Diplomates of the ACVIM, including cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, oncology, and small animal internal medicine. METHODS: An 82-item online survey was distributed in February 2017 to ACVIM Diplomates via their respective ACVIM listserv. Participation was voluntary. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the total ACVIM registered membership responded and 26% completed surveys; 25% were men and 75% were women. Specialists in academia worked significantly more hours, with larger numbers of diplomates per specialty section, and made less money compared with those in private practice. Women were less likely to report full-time employment, practice ownership, or higher academic rank, and reported 20% lower income overall (after adjustment for relevant factors) as compared with men. Men and women differed in their subjective assessment of the effect of gender in the workplace. Eighty-three percent of respondents were somewhat satisfied or better with their career. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Specialization in the ACVIM is a satisfying and potentially profitable career. However, despite a highly feminized workforce, significant gender-related imbalances are evident.

Glutathione S-transferase theta genotypes and environmental exposures in the risk of canine transitional cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in humans is associated with environmental exposures and variants in glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. Scottish Terriers have a high breed risk for TCC, but the relationship between genetic and environmental risk in dogs is not fully understood. HYPOTHESES: Scottish Terriers have a higher frequency of GST-theta variants compared to lower risk breeds. Dogs with TCC of any breed have a higher frequency of GST-theta variants along with higher environmental exposures, compared to controls. ANIMALS: One hundred and five Scottish Terriers and 68 controls from lower risk breeds; 69 dogs of various breeds with TCC, and 72 breed- and sex-matched unaffected geriatric dogs. METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, dogs were genotyped for 3 canine GST-theta variants: GSTT1 I2+28 G>A, a GSTT1 3'UTR haplotype, and GSTT5 Asp129_Gln130del. Owners of dogs with TCC and unaffected geriatric controls completed a household environmental questionnaire. RESULTS: The GSTT1 3'UTR haplotype and GSTT5 Asp129_Gln130del variants were significantly underrepresented in Scottish Terriers (minor allele frequency [MAF] = 0.000 for both), compared to dogs from lower risk breeds (MAF = 0.108 and 0.100; P ≤ .0002). Dogs with TCC did not differ from unaffected geriatric controls across the 3 investigated loci. Transitional cell carcinoma was associated with household insecticide use (odds ratio [OR] = 4.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44-12.33, P = .02), and was negatively associated with proximity to a farm (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.99, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Low-activity GST-theta loci are unlikely contributors to TCC risk in dogs. Increased risk is associated with household insecticide use, and possibly with less rural households.

Postsurgical Outcome in Cats with Exocrine Pancreatic Carcinoma: Nine Cases (2007-2016).

Feline exocrine pancreatic carcinoma has been reported to be an aggressive tumor with a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Studies reporting long-term outcome of cats after surgical removal of solitary pancreatic carcinomas are rare, due to the uncommon diagnosis and paucity of cats who undergo treatment. In this study, nine cases of feline exocrine pancreatic carcinoma from seven academic and private practice veterinary hospitals were reviewed to examine the outcome in cats undergoing surgical removal of the mass. The median postsurgical survival time for the nine cats was 316.5 days (range, 25-964 days), with three cats alive at a median follow-up time of 309 days. This study demonstrates that surgical removal of pancreatic exocrine tumors in cats with localized disease can result in survival times of over 300 days.

Clinical features, treatment options, and outcome in dogs with thymoma: 116 cases (1999-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical signs, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome and determine factors associated with survival time for dogs with thymoma. DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 116 dogs with thymoma. PROCEDURES: Medical records were searched for information regarding signalment, physical examination findings, results of laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging, medical and surgical treatment, and survival data. RESULTS: Of the 116 dogs with thymoma, 44 (38%) were Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. Twenty of 116 (17%) dogs had signs of myasthenia gravis (diagnosis was confirmed for 13 dogs). At the time of thymoma diagnosis, 40 (34%) dogs had hypercalcemia, 8 (7%) dogs had a concurrent immune-mediated disease, and 31 (27%) dogs had another tumor; 16 (14%) dogs developed a second nonthymic tumor at a later date. Tumor excision was performed for 84 dogs, after which 14 (17%) had tumor recurrence; prognosis was good for dogs undergoing a second surgery. Median survival time with and without surgical treatment was 635 and 76 days, respectively. Presence of another tumor at the time of thymoma diagnosis, lack of surgical excision, and higher pathological stage were significantly associated with shorter survival time. Hypercalcemia and presence of myasthenia gravis or megaesophagus at the time of thymoma diagnosis, histopathologic subtype of thymoma, or tumor development at a later date was not associated with survival time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with thymoma, even those with a large tumor burden or a paraneoplastic syndrome, had a good prognosis following surgery. Surgical treatment, tumor stage, and the presence of a second tumor at diagnosis influenced survival time.

Clinical, histologic, and computed tomographic features of oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma in dogs: 9 cases (2008- 2011).

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma between December 2008 and April 2011 were reviewed. Information abstracted included signalment, tumor location, tumor size, computed tomographic (CT) features, evidence of metastatic disease based on cytologic examination of lymph node aspirates and thoracic radiography, treatment, surgical margins, histologic features, and treatment outcome. Dogs included in the study were all sexually altered, predominantly large breed dogs with a mean age of 3.9-years (range, 0.5 to 9.0-years). The most common location was the rostral maxilla. Invasion of underlying bone and lymphadenopathy were evident on CT imaging in most dogs. No evidence of metastasis was found on mandibular lymph node cytology and thoracic radiography. Histologic analysis revealed similar morphologic findings for all surgically resected tumors. Surgical excision with 1-2 cm margins was complete in all cases, with a mean tumor-free interval of 12.1-months.

Comparison of three-view thoracic radiography and computed tomography for detection of pulmonary nodules in dogs with neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the detection of pulmonary nodules by use of 3-view thoracic radiography and CT in dogs with confirmed neoplasia. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 33 dogs of various breeds. PROCEDURES: 3 interpreters independently evaluated 3-view thoracic radiography images. The location and size of pulmonary nodules were recorded. Computed tomographic scans of the thorax were obtained and evaluated by a single interpreter. The location, size, margin, internal architecture, and density of pulmonary nodules were recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for thoracic radiography (with CT as the gold standard). RESULTS: 21 of 33 (64%) dogs had pulmonary nodules or masses detected on CT. Of the dogs that had positive CT findings, 17 of 21 (81%) had pulmonary nodules or masses detected on radiographs by at least 1 interpreter. Sensitivity of radiography ranged from 71% to 95%, and specificity ranged from 67% to 92%. Radiography had a positive predictive value of 83% to 94% and a negative predictive value of 65% to 89%. The 4 dogs that were negative for nodules on thoracic radiography but positive on CT were all large-breed to giant-breed dogs with osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CT was more sensitive than radiography for detection of pulmonary nodules. This was particularly evident in large-breed to giant-breed dogs. Thoracic CT is recommended in large-breed to giant-breed dogs with osteosarcoma if the detection of pulmonary nodules will change treatment.

Predictors of outcome in dogs with subcutaneous or intramuscular hemangiosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic factors in a large group of dogs with subcutaneous or intramuscular hemangiosarcoma (HSA) or both. Design-Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. Animals-71 dogs with subcutaneous or intramuscular HSA. PROCEDURES: Medical records of affected dogs were reviewed. The following factors were evaluated for an association with outcome: dog age and sex, clinical signs, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, tumor stage at diagnosis, achievement of complete excision, intramuscular involvement, presence of gross disease, tumor recurrence, and treatment. RESULTS: Of the 71 cases identified, 16 (29%) had intramuscular tumor involvement. For all dogs, median time to tumor progression and overall survival time (OST) were 116 and 172 days, respectively; 25% survived to 1 year. Univariate analysis identified presence of clinical signs or metastasis at diagnosis, dog age, tumor size, use of any surgery, and presence of gross disease as predictors of time to tumor progression and OST. There was no significant difference in survival time between dogs with respect to type of HSA. Multivariate analysis confirmed that adequate local tumor control, tumor diameter ≤ 4 cm, presence of metastasis at diagnosis, and presence of gross disease were significantly associated with OST. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subcutaneous and intramuscular HSA remains a heterogeneous group of tumors that generally carries a poor prognosis. Adequate local control of smaller tumors with no associated clinical signs or metastasis may provide the best chance of long-term survival.

Predictors of outcome in dogs treated with adjuvant carboplatin for appendicular osteosarcoma: 65 cases (1996-2006).

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcomes and prognostic factors for those outcomes in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated with curative-intent surgery and adjuvant carboplatin. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 65 client-owned dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma and no evidence of gross metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent limb amputation or distal ulnectomy and adjuvant carboplatin treatment for appendicular osteosarcoma were reviewed. Adverse effects of chemotherapy and findings regarding preoperative biopsy specimens and postoperative diagnostic imaging were recorded. Signalment, clinical history, and chemotherapy variables were evaluated for associations with outcome. Histologic grade and other variables were evaluated for association with outcome for 38 tumors that were retrospectively graded. RESULTS: The median disease-free interval was 137 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 112 to 177 days). Median survival time was 277 days (95% CI, 203 to 355 days). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 36%, 22%, and 19%, respectively. None of the chemotherapy variables were associated with outcome. Preoperative proteinuria was the only clinical variable associated with poor outcome. Histologic features of tumors associated with a poor outcome were intravascular invasion, mitotic index > 5 in 3 microscopic hpfs, and grade III classification. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carboplatin administration was well tolerated and resulted in a disease-free interval and median survival time similar to those of other published protocols.

Treatment of feline gastrointestinal small-cell lymphoma with chlorambucil and glucocorticoids.

Gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of lymphoma in the cat and is categorized into two distinct forms based on the size of neoplastic lymphocytes. Treatments for both large- and small-cell GI lymphoma have been described previously; however, multiple chemotherapy protocols were used, a minimal amount of histopathological characterization was provided, and, in most studies, the majority of diagnoses were obtained via endoscopic pinch biopsies. Twenty-eight cats (24 with full-thickness intestinal biopsies) were diagnosed with small-cell GI lymphoma and treated with a combination of chlorambucil and glucocorticoids. The majority of cases were strongly CD3+, and many displayed epitheliotropism. The overall clinical response rate was 96%, with a median clinical remission duration of 786 days. Follow-up identified seven cats with relapsed disease-all of which were treated with a rescue protocol of cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids; the response rate was 100%, and four of the 28 cats were diagnosed with a second malignancy.

Comparison of plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations among dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma, noncardiac hemangiosarcoma, other neoplasms, and pericardial effusion of nonhemangiosarcoma origin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnl) concentrations can be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma, exclude cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with noncardiac hemangiosarcoma, and identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardial effusion. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 57 dogs (18 with confirmed [5 dogs] or suspected [13] cardiac hemangiosarcoma, 14 with confirmed hemangiosarcoma involving sites other than the heart [noncardiac hemangiosarcoma], 10 with pericardial effusion not caused by hemangiosarcoma, and 15 with noncardiac nonhemangiosarcoma neoplasms). PROCEDURES: Plasma cTnl concentration was measured, and thoracic radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and echocardiography were performed in each dog. The cTnl concentration was compared among groups. RESULTS: Median plasma cTnl concentration in dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma was significantly higher than the concentration in each of the other groups. A plasma cTnl concentration > 0.25 ng/mL could be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma at any site (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 71 %). A plasma cTnl concentration > 0.25 ng/mL could be used to identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardia effusion (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 100%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The median plasma cTnl concentration was higher in dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma, compared with the median concentration in dogs with hemangiosarcoma at other sites, dogs with other neoplasms, and dogs with pericardial effusion not caused by hemangiosarcoma. The plasma cTnl concentration may be used to identify cardiac involvement in dogs with hemangiosarcoma and to identify cardiac hemangiosarcoma in dogs with pericardial effusion.

Lymphoma: which chemotherapy protocol and why?

Lymphoma is the most common hematologic neoplasm of dogs. Although the order of drug administration and duration of the maintenance portion of the protocol vary considerably, most oncologists agree that a doxorubicin-based (eg, CHOP) combination chemotherapy protocol provides the longest period of disease control and overall survival. The use of a prolonged maintenance phase is no longer recommended, but consolidation therapy may prove to be of benefit. Further, combination of chemotherapy with half- or whole-body radiation therapy or even bone marrow transplant is advocated by some institutions. The goal of this article is to summarize the current literature regarding chemotherapy for dogs with high-grade lymphoma and provide recommendations for therapy in a variety of different scenarios.

Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the biological behavior and prognostic factors associated with hemangiosarcoma in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma. PROCEDURES: Data were retrieved from a state veterinary diagnostic laboratory, 3 veterinary colleges, and a private practice. RESULTS: Cutaneous and subcutaneous tumor locations were more common than visceral (abdominal and thoracic) and oral locations. Surgical excision was the primary treatment in 47 cats. Tumor-free surgical margins were more likely in cutaneous than subcutaneous lesions and were associated with longer survival times. Local recurrence was observed in 6 of 12 cats with subcutaneous lesions for which follow-up was available. Metastatic disease was detected in 5 of 13 cats with adequate staging at initial diagnosis. A sixth cat had pulmonary metastases at the time of euthanasia. In 4 of 10 cats with visceral hemangiosarcoma, the diagnosis was made at necropsy or they were euthanized at the time of diagnosis. Adjuvant therapy was uncommonly used. Eighteen of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias were tumor-related. Higher mitotic counts (> 3 in 10 hpfs) were associated with shorter survival times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more biologically aggressive than the cutaneous form and was more likely to recur locally and result in euthanasia or death of the cat. Metastatic potential of the cutaneous and subcutaneous forms may be greater than previously reported. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.

Evaluation of buffy coat smears for circulating mast cells in healthy cats and ill cats without mast cell tumor-related disease.

OBJECTIVE: To examine buffy coat smears for circulating mast cells in clinically normal cats and cats with illnesses unrelated to mast cell tumors and identify whether conditions other than mast cell tumors are associated with mastocytemia in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 40 clinically normal cats and 40 cats with diseases unrelated to mast cell tumors (all cats were client owned). PROCEDURES: A blood sample for a CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and buffy coat evaluation was obtained from each cat. Ill cats underwent other testing on the basis of their disease process. RESULTS: No mast cells were detected in any sample. Eosinophilia was evident in 11 (27.5%) and 12 (30%) clinically normal and ill cats, respectively. Basophilia was identified in 4 (10%) and 8 (20%) clinically normal and ill cats, respectively. Eight of the 40 (20%) ill cats had neutrophilia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circulating mast cells were not identified in clinically normal cats or ill cats without mast cell tumor-related disease. Ill cats did have conditions that caused eosinophilia, basophilia, or neutrophilia. The absence of mast cells in buffy coats obtained from clinically normal and ill cats lends support to the current practice of buffy coat evaluation for tumor staging and follow-up examinations in cats with mast cell tumors. Further studies of buffy coat analysis in cats with different forms of mast cell tumors are indicated to specifically elucidate the test's prognostic value for those patients.

Communicating with oncology clients.

Empathic, honest, and consistent communications that establish realistic goals and focus on quality of life (during and after therapy) for pets with cancer provide the basis of an excellent client-veterinarian relationship. From this foundation, a client can team up with his or her veterinarian to make the best possible decisions for the pet and for himself or herself regarding care for the companion animal.

Clinical signs, treatments, and outcome in cats with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: 20 cases (1990-2004).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize demographics and clinical signs and evaluate outcomes of treatments in cats with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 20 cats with TCC. PROCEDURES: Medical records of 20 cats with a bladder mass identified as a TCC that were examined at 2 veterinary institutions between 1990 and 2004 were evaluated. Signalment, treatments, and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Breeds included domestic short hair (n=14), long hair (2), and medium hair (2) cats, Siamese (1), and Abyssinian (1). All cats had been neutered at an early age (< 1 year old; 13 neutered males and 7 spayed females). The median age at diagnosis of TCC was 15.2 years. The trigone region was affected in 9 cats. Treatments included piroxicam administration, chemotherapy, or surgery as single interventions or in combination; 6 cats were not treated. At the time of diagnosis, 3 cats had pulmonary metastasis and 1 cat had metastasis to local lymph nodes. Median survival time for all 20 cats was 261 days. Nearly all deaths were attributable to progressive disease in the urinary tract. Five cats were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats, TCC of the urinary bladder appears to be a rare and aggressive disease that is more prevalent in male cats and frequently develops at sites distant from the trigone (unlike TCC in dogs). Nevertheless, initial clinical signs of TCC in cats in this study were similar to those reported for affected dogs.

Evaluation of factors associated with survival in dogs with untreated nasal carcinomas: 139 cases (1993-2003).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with survival in dogs with nasal carcinomas that did not receive treatment or received only palliative treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 139 dogs with histologically confirmed nasal carcinomas. PROCEDURES: Medical records, computed tomography images, and biopsy specimens of nasal carcinomas were reviewed. Only dogs that were not treated with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy and that survived > or = 7 days from the date of diagnosis were included. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival time. Factors potentially associated with survival were compared by use of log-rank and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariable survival analysis was performed by use of the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Overall median survival time was 95 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 73 to 113 days; range, 7 to 1,114 days). In dogs with epistaxis, the hazard of dying was 2.3 times that of dogs that did not have epistaxis. Median survival time of 107 dogs with epistaxis was 88 days (95% CI, 65 to 106 days) and that of 32 dogs without epistaxis was 224 days (95% CI, 54 to 467 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prognosis of dogs with untreated nasal carcinomas is poor. Treatment strategies to improve outcome should be pursued.

Toxicity and efficacy of cisplatin and doxorubicin combination chemotherapy for the treatment of canine osteosarcoma.

Thirty-five dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma underwent amputation and chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin every 21 days for up to four cycles. Sixteen dogs completed all four cycles. Two dogs had therapy discontinued because of metastases. The remaining 17 dogs experienced toxicities necessitating protocol alteration or discontinuation. The median survival time of 300 days was not improved over previously reported single-agent protocols, but the 10 dogs that survived to a year lived a median of 510 days.

Common malignant musculoskeletal neoplasms of dogs and cats.

Malignancies of the musculoskeletal system in dogs and cats can be categorized as either primary or metastatic within the bony or soft structures that comprise the musculoskeletal system. By far, the most common tumor that affects the musculoskeletal system in dogs is osteosarcoma. The most common tumors that affect the musculoskeletal system in cats are injection site sarcomas. These tumors are locally infiltrative; whereas up to 25% metastasize, most animals die from our inability to control local disease. The aim of this article is to provide a brief review of the biologic behavior of and treatment recommendations for common tumors of the musculoskeletal system, excluding the oral and nasal cavities.

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veterinary version of the bladder tumor antigen (V-BTA) test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract of dogs. ANIMALS: 229 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Urine samples from dogs were shipped overnight to a single laboratory to facilitate testing within 48 hours of collection by use of the V-BTA rapid latex agglutination urine dipstick test. Groups of dogs included the following: 1) dogs with TCC of the lower urinary tract, 2) healthy control dogs, 3) unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and 4) unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease. Test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by use of standard methods. Logistic models were developed to assess the effect of disease status, test conditions, urine composition, and signalment on the performance of the V-BTA test. RESULTS: A total of 229 urine samples were analyzed, including 48 from dogs with suspected (n = 3) or confirmed (45) TCC. Test sensitivities were 88, 87, and 85% for all dogs with (suspected and confirmed) TCC, dogs with confirmed TCC at any site, and dogs with confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder, respectively. Test specificities were 84, 41, and 86% for healthy control dogs, unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease, respectively. The test performed slightly better on centrifuged urine samples than on uncentrifuged urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that the V-BTA test is useful in screening for urinary tract TCC in dogs.