Clinical signs associated with prostatic disorders in canines: Retrospective study in Uruguay (2011-2019).

Background: Prostate disease represents about 0.7% of diseases in canines. The main diagnosed pathology is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the reports that study the association of a certain clinical sign with a specific prostate disease are scarce. Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the most commonly observed clinical signs associated with the different prostatic disorders in canines admitted to the hospital of the Facultad de Veterinaria-Universidad de la República between 2011 and 2019. Methods: This retrospective study included 7,729 male canines treated at the hospital de la Facultad de Veterinaria-Universidad de la República (Montevideo, Uruguay) between 2011 and 2019. 289 canines with a presumptive/definitive diagnosis of prostate diseases were selected, recording the presence/absence of associated clinical signs. Results were reported in terms of odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: The five most frequently reported clinical signs were tenesmus (34%), anorexia (32%), lethargy (27%), prostatomegaly or pain during rectal examination (25%), and abdominal pain from palpation (22%). Diarrhea (3.39 vs. 0.33 OR), anorexia (2.07 vs. 0.39 OR), weight loss (2.27 vs. 0.27 OR), hematuria (3.25 vs. 0.44 OR), and urinary incontinence (2.96 vs. 0.33 OR) indicated a highest predictive value (p < 0.05) with prostatitis versus BPH, respectively. Being weight loss, the clinical sign is more frequently associated with neoplasia (20.2 OR, p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study shows that there are clinical signs with a higher degree of association for certain canine prostatic disorders than others.

Two cases of bloodstream infections associated with opportunistic bacterial species (Enterococcus hirae and Enterobacter xiangfangensis) in companion animals.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections are a matter of concern in small animal veterinary practice. Few reports are avaiable, especially regarding the role of opportunistic bacteria in becoming infectious. This report aims to add to the current veterinary literature on two opportunistic bacterial species (Enterococcus hirae and Enterobacter xiangfangensis) associated with bloodstream infections in small animals admitted to the Bologna University Veterinary Hospital. CASE PRESENTATION: In the first case, a 15-year-old, immunocompromised, cardiopathic dog was admitted to the hospital for anorexia and diarrhea. The patient had a history of previous surgery and hospitalization. After three days, hyperthermia, leukopenia and hyperlactatemia were recorded, and blood culture revealed positivity for Enterococcus hirae, identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The patient's general conditions progressively worsened, and the patient was euthanized. In the second case, a 2-year-old cat with chronic ocular herpesvirus infection and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was admitted to the hospital for anorexia and hyperthermia. The cat was hospitalized one week before and received antimicrobial treatment for urinary tract infection by Staphylococcus felis. Hypokalemia and lymphopenia were also diagnosed. The patient progressively improved and was discharged after three days. On the same day, blood culture taken at admission revealed positivity for Enterobacter xiangfangensis, identified using MALDI-TOF MS. After five days, the patient returned with neurological symptoms, hypothermia and bradycardia, and was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS: In small animal veterinary practice, the impact of opportunistic bacterial agents (such as E.hirae and E.xiangfangensis) on bloodstream infections remains unclear. As in human medicine, they can be contracted in every healthcare setting and considered hospital-acquired infections. In this report, we highlighted the threat they pose especially in patients with multiple risk factors. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools (such as MALDI-TOF MS) could be particularly important for reducing the severity of the infections.

Idiopathic anomalous congenital band causing small intestinal obstruction in a 5-month-old dog.

A 5-month-old, intact male, yellow Labrador retriever was presented with a 24-hour history of anorexia and vomiting. Abdominal imaging revealed the presence of a mechanical obstruction in the jejunum and peritoneal effusion. Cytologic evaluation and culture of the effusion prior to surgery identified a suppurative exudate with bacteria consistent with septic peritonitis and suspected to be related to the intestinal lesion. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a segment of jejunum was circumferentially severely constricted by an off-white, fibrous band of tissue. Resection and anastomosis of the strangulated segment of jejunum and excision of the constricting band provided resolution of the clinical signs. The dog made a complete recovery. Histologic evaluation revealed the band to be composed of fibrovascular and smooth muscle tissue, consistent with an idiopathic anomalous congenital band. No other gastrointestinal lesions were observed, either grossly at surgery or histologically in the resected segment of intestine. To our knowledge, a similar structure has not been reported in the veterinary literature. Key clinical message: Developmental abnormalities should be included in the differential list for younger patients with signs suggestive of gastrointestinal obstruction.

Anneau congénital anormal idiopathique provoquant une occlusion de l'intestin grêle chez un chien de 5 mois. Un Labrador retriever intact mâle âgé de 5 mois a été présenté avec une histoire de 24 heures d'anorexie et de vomissements. L'imagerie abdominale a révélé la présence d'une obstruction mécanique du jéjunum et d'un épanchement péritonéal. L'évaluation cytologique et la culture de l'épanchement avant la chirurgie ont identifié un exsudat suppuré avec des bactéries compatibles avec une péritonite septique et suspectées d'être liées à la lésion intestinale. Une laparotomie exploratoire a été réalisée et un segment de jéjunum était sévèrement resserré sur toute sa circonférence par une bande de tissu fibreux de couleur blanc-cassé. La résection et l'anastomose du segment étranglé du jéjunum et l'excision de la bande constrictive ont permis la résolution des signes cliniques. Le chien s'est complètement rétabli. L'évaluation histologique a révélé que la bande était composée de tissu musculaire fibrovasculaire et lisse, compatible avec une bande congénitale anormale idiopathique. Aucune autre lésion gastro-intestinale n'a été observée, ni grossièrement à la chirurgie ni histologiquement dans le segment réséqué de l'intestin. A notre connaissance, une structure similaire n'a pas été rapportée dans la littérature vétérinaire.Message clinique clé :Les anomalies du développement doivent être incluses dans la liste différentielle des patients plus jeunes présentant des signes évoquant une occlusion gastro-intestinale.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

A feline case of multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an uncommon neoplasm in cats. There is no established standard of treatment due to the rare occurrence of this disease in cats. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that serves as the first-line drug for MM in humans, but its effectiveness currently is unknown in feline MM. We present here the case report of a feline MM that exhibited a favorable response to bortezomib. CASE PRESENTATION: The case was an 11-year-old non-castrated male domestic cat with light-chain MM presenting with clinical symptoms (anorexia, fatigue, and vomiting), mild azotemia, and pancytopenia. The cat failed on melphalan with prednisolone (MP), so bortezomib (Velcade) was initiated on Day 88. A total of 6 cycles of the treatment was performed, with each treatment cycle consisting of twice-weekly subcutaneous administration for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week rest. The dose of bortezomib was 0.7 mg/m2 for first week and 1.0 mg/m2 for second week in the first cycle. A dose of 0.7 mg/m2 was used for subsequent cycles. Prednisolone was used concomitantly in the first 2 cycles. Following treatment with bortezomib, clinical symptoms disappeared and a decrease in serum globulin and recovery of pancytopenia were noted. A monoclonal gammopathy, overproduction of serum immunoglobulin light chain, and Bence-Jones proteinuria that existed at diagnosis were undetectable on Day 123. A monoclonal gammopathy also was not detectable at the end of the bortezomib treatment (Day 213). Anorexia, fatigue, and marked bone marrow toxicity were experienced when bortezomib was administrated at a dose of 1.0 mg/m2, while no recognizable toxicity was observed at a dose of 0.7 mg/m2 throughout the treatment period. The case was placed on follow-up and there was no evidence of relapse as of Day 243. CONCLUSIONS: Bortezomib was effective and durable for the treatment of this case of feline MM after failure with MP. Bortezomib was well-tolerated in this cat at a dose of 0.7 mg/m2, but not at 1.0 mg/m2. Bortezomib appears to be a drug worthy of further study for the treatment of feline MM.

Gastric diverticula in six cats: a case series (2011-2020).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Gastric diverticulum (GD) is a rare condition that is described adequately in humans but has not been reported in cats. This case series describes six cats with GD, including three that were published in a previous abstract. All cats presented for a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic vomiting, weight loss and anorexia, and underwent negative contrast radiography to diagnose GD. All but one cat underwent surgical resection of the GD via partial gastrectomy, while the remaining cat was euthanized. Resection of the GD was associated with reduction of reported clinical signs. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Gastric diverticula have never been reported in the cat. Negative contrast radiography appears to be a superior imaging technique in the diagnosis of feline GD. In cats with a vague chronic history, including vomiting, anorexia and weight loss, GD should be considered among the differential diagnoses. Further study and more cases need to be identified to better assess clinical problems referable to GD in the absence of other comorbidities. Maine Coon cats with GD appear to be over-represented.

Evaluación de algunos factores de riesgo para la presentación de síndrome de úlcera gástrica (SUGE) en el caballo criollo colombiano en el Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia (Colombia) / Evaluation of some risk factors for the presentation of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in colombian creole horse in Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia (Colombia)

RESUMEN Las úlceras gástricas se definen como la pérdida de continuidad de la mucosa gástrica. Se originan principalmente por desequilibrio entre factores injuriantes y de protección del estómago. Generalmente se manifiestan con signos como pérdida de peso, cólico, bruxismo e inapetencia, conllevando al bajo rendimiento del animal y pérdidas económicas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y factores de riesgo para la presentación de SUGE en CCC del Valle de Aburra. Se realizó gastroscopia a 100 animales de diferentes pesebreras, entre dos y 25 años de edad; cada estómago se caracterizó macro y microscópicamente. Las lesiones macroscópicas se valoraron de acuerdo con el grado de lesión según el Equine Gastric Ulcer Council, y la clasificación microscopica se basó en una adaptación hecha por patrones de descripción de lesiones más utilizados como: The sidney system y Equine gastritis grading system (EGGS). Para el análisis de los resultados, se tuvieron en cuenta variables como la intensidad del ejercicio, alojamiento, tipo y frecuencia de alimentación, transporte y frecuencia del mismo. El 65% de los equinos evaluados presentaron lesiones compatibles con SUGE. Macroscópicamente el grado 2 de severidad fue el más común (38%), con mayor presentación en la región aglandular. Microscópicamente el edema en la región fundica y pilórica fue la lesión más frecuente (35,2% y 30,7%, respectivamente). Los principales factores de riesgo asociados a la presentación de las lesiones fueron el transporte de los animales y la intensidad del ejercicio.

ABSTRACT Gastric ulcers are defined as the loss of continuity of the gastric mucosal. They are mainly caused by an imbalance between harmful and protective factors of the stomach. It generally manifests itself with signs such as weight loss, colic, bruxism and inappetence, which can lead to low performance and economic losses. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for the presentation of SUGE in CCC of the Valle del Aburra. Gastroscopy was made to 100 animals from different stables, between two and 25 years of age; each stomach characterized, macro and microscopically. Lesions are evaluate depending on the degree of injury to the "Equine Gastric Ulcer Council". Microscopic lesions classification was based on an adaptation by patterns most commonly used description of injuries such as: the Sidney System and the equine gastritis grading system (EGGS). For the analysis of the results, variables such as exercise intensity, accommodation, type and frequency of feeding, transportation and its frequency were taken into account. 65% of the equines evaluated presented SUGE-compatible lesions, of which the most common degree of severity macroscopically was grade 2 (38%), with grater presentation in the non-glandular region. Microscopically, edema in the fundic and pyloric region was the most frequent (35.2% and 30.7%, respectively). The main risk factors associated with the presentation of the lesions were the transport of the animals and the intensity of the exercise.

[Contrast-enhanced ultrasound at a rare bilateral renal carcinoma with secondary inflammation and necrosis in a cat]. / Kontrastmittelsonografie bei einem seltenen bilateralen renalen Karzinom mit sekundärer Entzündung und Nekrose bei einer Katze.

A 17-year-old male neutered domestic short hair cat was presented because of anorexia. The clinical examination revealed no abnormalities. Using sonography, mainly hypoechoic mass lesions at the level of the cortex and capsule were detected in both kidneys. The severity of the renal lesions could be clearly demonstrated using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Under general anesthesia, fine needle aspirations of the lesions were taken. Part of the lesions were sampled from dorsal, an unusual practice for small animal medicine. Cytology revealed a bilateral renal carcinoma with secondary inflammation and necrosis. The cat improved under medical symptomatic treatment, but was euthanized 2 weeks later.

Anorexia and the Cancer Patient.

Appetite influences perceived quality of life for a dog or cat with cancer. Inappetence often is multifactorial, complicating treatment. Cancer-related anorexia/cachexia syndrome is a metabolic, paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by decreased food intake, involuntary weight loss, and loss of fat and muscle. If weight loss/cachexia has an impact on canine and feline cancer patients as in humans, management may improve survival times and quality of life. The challenge is having effective, proved therapies available for clinical use. Recent Food and Drug Administration approvals for appetite stimulation have renewed interest and discussion and has the potential to alter the course of case management.

Hepatic lipidosis: Clinical review drawn from collective effort.

Practical relevance: Hepatic lipidosis (HL) is the most common form of liver dysfunction in cats. If recognized early and treated appropriately, the prognosis is good; if not, the prognosis is grave. Clinical challenges: Distinguishing HL as idiopathic or secondary is critical since the presence of a concurrent disease affects the therapeutic plan and the prognosis. AUDIENCE: Despite the unique and severe nature of a cat's response to anorexia and the complexity of the metabolic changes underlying this condition, the clinical acumen and technical ability to effectively diagnose and treat HL are readily available to all small animal practitioners. Patient group: Although many species develop a 'fatty liver', the cat is one of relatively few species that suffer from HL. The classic presentation is that of an overweight cat that stops eating for days to weeks, losing weight in the process. Equipment: Abdominal ultrasound is frequently employed in the diagnostic work-up of an anorectic cat; ultrasonographic findings often support a presumptive diagnosis, provide samples for cytology and, perhaps most importantly, help identify concurrent conditions that must be addressed for therapeutic success. All of the equipment necessary for essential nutritional intervention in an anorectic cat is readily available and easily affordable. Evidence base: The material for this review draws heavily on a relatively large number of original studies, excellent reviews by recognized experts, and informative communication with experienced clinicians, hence the term 'collective effort'.

Tutores de cães consideram a dieta caseira como adequada, mas alteram as fórmulas prescritas / Dog owners consider homemade diet as adequate, but change the prescribed formulas

O estudo objetivou avaliar a adesão e a percepção dos proprietários de cães, residentes na cidade de São Paulo/SP, quanto ao emprego de dieta caseira no manejo nutricional de seu animal de estimação. Foram entrevistados por contato telefônico 55 proprietários que forneciam dieta caseira no manejo nutricional do seu cão. O questionário contemplou perguntas relacionadas ao preparo e eficiência das dietas, bem como o manejo dos animais. Verificou-se que considerável número (parcela) de prescrições (45,9%) esteve associado a pacientes com hiporexia. Dentre os proprietários que relataram dificuldade no preparo (10,9%), o tempo dispendido (33,3%) foi a maior problemática. Quando questionados em relação às modificações nas fórmulas prescritas, 60% admitiram que a realizaram sem prévia recomendação. Na opinião dos entrevistados, a dieta caseira não causou alterações nas fezes (50%) e na pelagem (62,7%) dos animais em comparação ao emprego de um alimento comercial e foi considerada adequada pela maioria (79,0%). As dietas caseiras podem ser amplamente utilizadas, mostrando-se especialmente importantes em cães doentes e/ou hiporéticos por apresentarem maior aceite em relação à dieta comercial, no entanto, nem todos os tutores estão aptos a utilizá-la.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion and perception of dog owners from the city of São Paulo, Brazil, on the employment of homemade diet for the nutritional management of their pet. The participants were 55 owners that provided homemade diet for their dog. The interviews were conducted by telephone and the questionnaire included points related with the preparation and effectiveness of diets, as well as the handling of animals. It was found that a considerable number of prescriptions (45.9%) was associated with patients with hyporexia. Among the owners who reported difficulty in the preparation (10.9%), time spent (33.3%) was the most problematic topic. When questioned in relation to changes in the prescribed formulas, 60% admitted that conducted it without recommendation. In the opinion of interviewed owners, the homemade diet did not cause changes in feces (50%) and coat (62.7%) of the animals compared to the use of a commercial food and was considered appropriate by the majority (79.0%). The homemade diets can be widely used, being especially important in dogs with diseases and/or dogs with hyporexia, since they are more easily accepted than the commercial diet; however, not all owners are able for its right use.(AU)

Tumor estromal gastrointestinal em cães: estudo clínico-anatomopatológico / Gastrointestinal stromal tumors in dogs: a clinicopathologic study

Os tumores estromais gastrointestinais (GIST) são incomuns e apresentam elevada similaridade histológica com as neoplasias de músculo liso e de nervo periférico. Este trabalho relata e caracteriza GIST em cães do ponto de vista epidemiológico, clínico-laboratorial, anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímico, com base na análise retrospectiva de três cães, machos, com média de idade de 10 anos, variando de porte médio a grande e peso médio de 18.5±6kg. As alterações clínicas foram progressivas e inespecíficas de quadro gastrointestinal crônico, tais como prostração, anorexia, perda de peso e melena. Anemia não regenerativa e leucocitose foram os principais achados laboratoriais. Macroscopicamente, os tumores apresentavam média de 19cm no eixo maior, localizados em jejuno e ceco, com a superfície ulcerada, e exibiam áreas de necrose. Na avaliação microscópica, os casos apresentaram proliferação de células fusiformes, arranjadas em feixes longos densamente celulares, que foram vimentina e CD117 positivas, com diferenciação neural (S100 positivo), muscular (actina e desmina positivas) e anaplásica, cuja morfologia caracteriza neoplasias malignas com sobrevida de um dia a 12 meses. O GIST deve ser um dos diagnósticos diferenciais a serem considerados entre as neoplasias mesenquimais do trato gastrointestinal que acometem cães, e o diagnóstico final necessita de imuno-histoquímica.(AU)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are uncommon and show high histological similarity with smooth muscle and peripheral neuron tumors. This paper reported three cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) showing its clinical and laboratorial presentation, and gross, microscopical and immunohistochemical features. Clinical signs and symptoms of the animals studied were progressive and characterized by nonspecific chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as depression, anorexia, weight loss and melena. Non regenerative anemia and leukocytosis were the main laboratory findings. Grossly, tumors were 19cm big, ulcerated and with necrotic areas. Microscopically, the tumors were malignant spindle cell proliferation with positivity to vimentine and CD117, with neural (S100+), myogenic (desmine + and smooth muscle actine+) and anaplasic differentiation. GIST should be one of the differential diagnoses to be considered among the mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs.(AU)

Left lateral liver lobe torsion in a cat with moderate pectus excavatum.

A 6-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat weighing 3.1 kg was referred to the clinic owing to a 2 day history of anorexia. On physical examination, a pectus excavatum (PE) was apparent, and a cranial abdominal mass was palpated. Serum biochemical analysis showed severely elevated liver enzymes. On radiography, the PE was graded as moderate, and a 5 × 3 cm soft tissue density mass was detected in the cranial abdomen. Using duplex ultrasonography, the mass was identified as an enlarged liver lobe with vascular thrombosis. The diagnosis of liver lobe torsion (LLT) was confirmed surgically, and the affected left lateral lobe was resected. On follow-up, performed 1 and 6 months postoperatively, no further abnormalities were found on clinical examination or serum biochemical analysis. At follow-up examination, the PE did not appear to cause any additional clinical signs, indicating that treatment of moderate PE in older animals is not obligatory. This is the first reported case of LLT with concurrent PE, and the second feline case of LLT treated surgically. Animals with anatomical malformation of the diaphragm caused by PE may be at higher risk of developing LLT. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention of LLT can produce a good clinical outcome without further repercussions.

Comparison of high-dose intermittent and low-dose continuous oral artemisinin in dogs with naturally occurring tumors.

To evaluate the clinical toxicity and activity of orally administered artemisinin in dogs with spontaneous tumors, 24 client-owned dogs were randomly divided into two groups and received either low-continuous dose (3 mg/kg q 24 hr) or high-dose intermittent (three doses of 45 mg/kg q 6 hr repeated q 1 wk) of artemisinin per os. Treatment was continued for 21 days. Dogs were evaluated weekly for clinical effect and at the end of the treatment for hematologic and biochemical adverse events. Whole blood concentrations of artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry after the first dose of artemisinin in three dogs in each group. Blood concentrations of artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin were <0.1 µM at all time points, and there was no difference in blood concentration between the two dosing groups. The most frequent adverse event was anorexia, which was observed in 11% of the low-dose group and 29% of the high-dose group. Oral artemisinin, both in low-dose continuous and high-dose intermittent, is well tolerated in dogs but results in low bioavailability. Parenteral administration should be considered for future studies.

Pharmacological appetite stimulation: rational choices in the inappetent cat.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Inappetence is a commonly encountered problem in feline medicine. Primary goals in managing the inappetent or anorectic cat are to diagnose and treat the underlying disease and reinstate adequate nutrition. RATIONALE: As cats are intolerant of prolonged periods of inadequate nutritional intake, especially given their propensity to develop hepatic lipidosis, their increased requirements for amino acids, and inability to slow their rate of gluconeogenesis, symptomatic therapy and nutritional support is often required during diagnostic investigations. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Most cats presenting with reduced food intake will be suffering from an underlying systemic disease, and so the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and contraindications of appetite-stimulating medications will need to be considered in each case to ensure rational use of these agents. Pharmacological appetite stimulation should never replace monitoring and ensuring adequate caloric intake, and may not be appropriate in some cases, such as critically ill or severely malnourished patients. EVIDENCE BASE: While there are no medications approved specifically for the treatment of anorexia in cats, some drugs have proven efficacious in the clinical field. Although several agents have been used historically for appetite stimulation, due to potential side effects and/or lack of efficacy or predictability only cyproheptadine and mirtazapine can currently be recommended for use.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a cat with a putative Rathke's cleft cyst.

An 11-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for anorexia, lethargy and weight loss of 6 days' duration. Bilateral mydriasis, absent menace response, slow-to-absent pupillary light reflexes, bilateral retinal detachment, intermittent horizontal nystagmus, intermittent ventral strabismus and systemic hypertension were present. Biochemical analysis revealed severe hyponatremia, severe hypochloremia and mild hypokalemia. Multifocal central nervous system disease was suspected based on optic, trigeminal sensory (ophthalmic branch), vestibulocochlear and possible oculomotor nerve dysfunction. Thoracic radiographs showed mild cardiomegaly without evidence of congestive heart failure. Ultrasound revealed mild pleural and peritoneal effusion. A cause of the severe hyponatremia was not identified, and it persisted despite fluid therapy. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) was suspected as the cause of hyponatremia. Humane euthanasia was elected owing to continued clinical decline. Serum hyposmolality, urine hyperosmolality, natriuresis and lack of confirmed renal, thyroid and pulmonary disease aided in the presumed diagnosis of SIADH. Post-mortem histopathology of the brain revealed degeneration of the hypothalamus and optic tracts, along with a prominent fluid-filled craniopharyngeal duct (putative Rathke's cleft cyst) separating the pars distalis and the pars intermedius. The hypothalamic degeneration, possibly secondary to a Rathke's cleft cyst, was hypothesized to be the cause of presumptive SIADH in the patient. Although rare in occurrence, Rathke's cleft cyst should be included as a differential diagnosis in dogs and cats with signs of pituitary dysfunction.

Vincristine chemotherapy trials and pharmacokinetics in tasmanian devils with tasmanian devil facial tumor disease.

Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer threatening to cause the extinction of Tasmanian Devils in the wild. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of the DFTD to vincristine. Escalating dosage rates of vincristine (0.05 to 0.136 mg/kg) were given to Tasmanian devils in the early stages of DFTD (n = 8). None of these dosage rates impacted the outcome of the disease. A dosage rate of 0.105 mg/kg, a rate significantly higher than that given in humans or domestic animals, was found to the highest dosage rate that could be administered safely. Signs of toxicity included anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and neutropenia. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that, as with other species, there was a rapid drop in blood concentration following a rapid intravenous infusion with a high volume of distribution (1.96 L/kg) and a relatively long elimination half life (11 h). Plasma clearance (1.8 ml/min/kg) was slower in the Tasmanian devil than in humans, suggesting that pharmacodynamics and not pharmacokinetics explain the Tasmanian devil's ability to tolerate high dosage rates of vincristine. While providing base-line data for the use of vincristine in Tasmanian devils and possibly other marsupials with vincristine susceptible cancers, these findings strongly suggest that vincristine will not be effective in the treatment of DFTD.