UCRAID (Ukrainian Citizen and refugee electronic support in Respiratory diseases, Allergy, Immunology and Dermatology) action plan.

Eight million Ukrainians have taken refuge in the European Union. Many have asthma and/or allergic rhinitis and/or urticaria, and around 100,000 may have a severe disease. Cultural and language barriers are a major obstacle to appropriate management. Two widely available mHealth apps, MASK-air® (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK) for the management of rhinitis and asthma and CRUSE® (Chronic Urticaria Self Evaluation) for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, were updated to include Ukrainian versions that make the documented information available to treating physicians in their own language. The Ukrainian patients fill in the questionnaires and daily symptom-medication scores for asthma, rhinitis (MASK-air) or urticaria (CRUSE) in Ukrainian. Then, following the GDPR, patients grant their physician access to the app by scanning a QR code displayed on the physician's computer enabling the physician to read the app contents in his/her own language. This service is available freely. It takes less than a minute to show patient data to the physician in the physician's web browser. UCRAID-developed by ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) and UCARE (Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence)-is under the auspices of the Ukraine Ministry of Health as well as European (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical immunology, EAACI, European Respiratory Society, ERS, European Society of Dermatologic Research, ESDR) and national societies.

Rediscovering Allergic Rhinitis: The Use of a Novel mHealth Solution to Describe and Monitor Health-Related Quality of Life in Elderly Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease characterized by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses akin to allergic asthma. Although common in children and young adults, AR can be particularly vexing in the elderly: several studies have underlined its impact on the patient's self-perceived health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Available literature data on AR-affected elderly patients remain sparse and often focused on specific characteristics. mHealth solutions such as MASK-air® can be used in assessing salient clinical characteristics and unique shifts in self-perceived HR-QoL in old age people. With this pilot study, we aim to assess these variables in two cohorts of AR-affected elderly patients - one actively involved in the daily use of mHealth applications and the other having never used such a solution - by applying a widespread, validated, and standardized tool. METHODS: AR-affected patients aged ≥65 years accessing the outpatient clinic of the Bari Geriatric Immuno-allergology Unit between March and July 2021 were enrolled and assigned to "mHealth" (MASK-air®) and "non-mHealth" cohorts accordingly. Each participant was given a 19-item questionnaire delivered via a custom software solution, with the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L used to assess HR-QoL. RESULTS: 93 patients (51 mHealth users, 43 non-mHealth users) were enrolled. AR was often either standalone or associated with asthma and conjunctivitis, and 57.4% of the participants reported a negative influence of AR on daily activities. Analysis of HR-QoL showed significantly worse scores in mobility and anxiety/depression dimensions for female patients regardless of app usage, while male non-mHealth users had worse self-care scores. Female mHealth users had worse scores for the self-care and activity dimensions, whereas female non-mHealth users showed worse scores on the pain scale. In general, mHealth users showed a greater degree of anxiety/depression when compared to non-mHealth users, relating to a greater awareness of their health status. CONCLUSION: The use of an mHealth solution, along with a concise, clinically-validated, comprehensive HR-QoL assessment toolset such as the EQ-5D, can prove beneficial in defining the unique characteristics of AR in the elderly. It can enable a detailed exploration of the impact on specific aspects of quality of life in old age. Raising patient awareness towards a health condition can improve compliance to treatment as well as follow-up. A lack of uniformity in approach, along with missing data pertaining to the general population are critical issues that require further studies. A more thorough diffusion of mHealth usage is also necessary among the geriatric population.

Implementation of the MASK-Air® App for Rhinitis and Asthma in Older Adults: MASK@Puglia Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: MASK-air® is an app whose aim is to reduce the global burden of allergic rhinitis and asthma. A transfer of innovative practices was performed to disseminate and implement MASK-air® in European regions. The aim of the study was to examine the implementation of the MASK-air® app in older adults of the Puglia TWINNING in order to investigate (i) the rate of acceptance in this population, (ii) the reasons for refusal and (iii) the evaluation of the app after its use. METHODS: All consecutive geriatric patients aged between 65 and 90 years were included by the outpatient clinic of the Bari Geriatric Immunoallergology Unit. After a 1-h training session, older adults used the app for 6 months. A 6-item questionnaire was developed by our unit to evaluate the impact of the app on the management of the disease and its treatment. RESULTS: Among the 174 recruited patients, 102 accepted to use the app (mean age, SD: 72.4 ± 4.6 years), 6 were lost to follow-up, and 63 had a low education level. The reasons given not to use the app included lack of interest (11%), lack of access to a smartphone or tablet (53%), low computer literacy (28%), and distrust (8%). At follow-up, the overall satisfaction was high (89%), the patient considered MASK-air® "advantageous" (95%), compliance to treatment was improved (81%), and the rate of loss to follow-up had decreased to 6%. CONCLUSION: Older adults with a low level of education can use the MASK-air® app after a short training session.

Anisakiasis: The Importance of Prevention and the Role of Diet Therapy in Allergic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Anisakiasis is a zoonosis of parasitic origin whose diffusion seems to be continuously increasing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a fish-free diet in patients allergic to Anisakis simplex as well as underlining the importance of awareness and prevention. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the critical issues related to the spread of anisakiasis in relation to eating habits. METHODS: Patients were assessed by means of skin prick tests (SPTs) and targeted laboratory testing, with an 18-month-long fish-free diet being recommended in cases of severe sensitization. The degree of awareness about anisakiasis was evaluated from interviews. Patients were subjected to follow-up visits after 18 months. RESULTS: A total of 70 cases of sensitization to A. simplex were evaluated. The Interview answers highlighted a general state of misinformation among patients and healthy subjects along with a remarkable underestimation of anisakiasis-related risks. An overall lack of care regarding eating habits and diet plans also emerged. In 21 patients affected by severe sensitization, clinical and laboratory evaluations were repeated after 18 months of the subjects being on a fish-free diet. There was a remarkable improvement in serum IgE levels and clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Data analysis proved the need to implement new and more effective awareness-raising and prevention campaigns in order to reduce the incidence of anisakiasis. It is crucial to establish an adequate diet therapy for sensitized patients. Evaluation of cytokine patterns suggests how a polyphenol-rich regime can activate regulatory T cell function and possibly reduce the allergic and inflammatory components of the disease.

Acute Hepatic Necrosis Caused by Salmonella enterica Serotype I 4,5,12:-:1,2 in a Dog.

Acute hepatic necrosis was diagnosed in a dog. Gram staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization identified Salmonella enterica in the liver, subsequently confirmed as S. enterica serotype I 4,5,12:-:1,2. This is the first report of acute hepatic necrosis with liver failure caused by Salmonella in a dog.

Checkpoint Inhibitors in Dogs: Are We There Yet?

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionised cancer treatment in people. Immune checkpoints are important regulators of the body's reaction to immunological stimuli. The most studied immune checkpoint molecules are programmed death (PD-1) with its ligand (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) with its ligands CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2). Certain tumours can evade immunosurveillance by activating these immunological checkpoint targets. These proteins are often upregulated in cancer cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, allowing cancer cells to evade immune surveillance and promote tumour growth. By blocking inhibitory checkpoints, ICI can help restore the immune system to effectively fight cancer. Several studies have investigated the expression of these and other immune checkpoints in human cancers and have shown their potential as therapeutic targets. In recent years, there has been growing interest in studying the expression of immune checkpoints in dogs with cancer, and a few small clinical trials with ICI have already been performed on these species. Emerging studies in veterinary oncology are centred around developing and validating canine-targeted antibodies. Among ICIs, anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 treatments stand out as the most promising, mirroring the success in human medicine over the past decade. Nevertheless, the efficacy of caninized antibodies remains suboptimal, especially for canine oral melanoma. To enhance the utilisation of ICIs, the identification of predictive biomarkers for treatment response and the thorough screening of individual tumours are crucial. Such endeavours hold promise for advancing personalised medicine within veterinary practice, thereby improving treatment outcomes. This article aims to review the current research literature about the expression of immune checkpoints in canine cancer and the current results of ICI treatment in dogs.

Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia associated with Candida albicans.

Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a rare and poorly understood disease characterised by the infiltration of eosinophils and the development of fibrous tissue within the gastrointestinal tract of cats. A 2-year-old female neutered Ragdoll was presented for signs consistent with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBO), including jaundice, hyporexia and lethargy. Marked progressive hyperbilirubinemia and mild anaemia were also present. Abdominal ultrasonography suggested a duodenal mass and pancreatitis as the cause of EHBO. Cytopathological results from fine needle aspirates detected mast cells and eosinophils in the duodenal mass and eosinophils in the spleen and the liver, suggestive of a possible mast cell tumour. A cholecystojejunostomy and a duodenotomy were performed to divert the biliary outflow and obtain biopsy samples, respectively. Eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia in the duodenal mass and fungal elements in an abdominal lymph node were reported on histopathological examination. A pan-fungal PCR targeting ITS2 performed on DNA extracted from an abdominal lymph node detected Candida albicans. This report adds to the growing body of evidence that FGESF can occur in association with fungal infections.

Challenges of the Calgary-Cambridge Consultation Guide in Veterinary Multicultural and Multilingual Scenarios and the Role of Veterinary Translators.

The Calgary-Cambridge Guide is a widely recognised framework for teaching communication skills to healthcare professionals that has become a cornerstone of communication training programs in medicine and other healthcare fields. In the context of veterinary medicine, its integration into communication training programs has become an asset improving communication, education, interaction, and quality of service, enhancing the veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). In veterinary medicine, however, a more challenging consultation dynamic involves the veterinarian, the owner, and the animal. The addition of a veterinary assistant that acts as an interpreter or translator is common in Hong Kong where the native language (Cantonese) coexists with English when consultations are led by non-native language speakers. This addition converts this commonly dyadic model into a triadic communication model. The addition of an assistant interpreter influences the way consultations are conducted, how information is conveyed, and how interpersonal cues and empathy are delivered. In this report we depict challenges applying the Calgary-Cambridge Guide in multicultural and multilingual veterinary medical centres in Hong Kong and highlight the role of veterinary supporting staff in these scenarios, specifically veterinary assistant interpreters.

Description and Characterization of Different Types of Lymphoma in Cats in Hong Kong.

This study aimed to characterize and describe the different lymphoma types and anatomical forms in cats in Hong Kong. The clinical and histopathological data of cats diagnosed with lymphoma by cytology and/or histopathology were collected from a large diagnostic laboratory in Hong Kong. In total, 444 cats were diagnosed with lymphoma over four years (2019-2022). Like other countries where there is a low prevalence of FeLV infection, the predominant form of lymphoma was gastrointestinal (abdominal). Nasopharyngeal and peripheral nodal lymphoma were the second and third most common forms of lymphoma. The large cell/high-grade lymphoma type was much more common than the low-grade/small cell lymphoma in the study population. Domestic short hair was the most commonly affected breed in our study (n = 259/444). Among the cats with identified T/B-cell status, B-cell lymphoma (n = 61/81) prevailed as the most common phenotype. This study describes and characterizes the different types of feline lymphoma in cats in Hong Kong, adding valuable information to the body of knowledge.

L-LOP/LOPP for the treatment of canine gastrointestinal/hepatosplenic lymphoma.

Canine gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatosplenic (HS) high-grade (large cell) lymphomas are uncommon forms of canine lymphomas, with a very poor response to chemotherapy and a very poor prognosis. Currently, there are no established effective chemotherapy protocols for canine GI/HS lymphomas. This case series aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of lomustine-based protocols L-LOP (L-asparaginase, lomustine, vincristine, and prednisolone) and L-LOPP (with the addition of procarbazine) for treatment of canine GI/HS lymphomas. Medical records of dogs with cytologically or histologically diagnosed lymphoma at CityU Veterinary Medical Centre from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The L-LOP/LOPP treatment protocol was well tolerated with rare severe adverse events. Median progression-free survival for GI and HS lymphoma was 56 days (range, 10-274 days) and 57 days (range 8-135 days) respectively; while median survival time for GI and HS lymphoma was 93 days (range 10-325 days) and 210 days (range 8-240 days) respectively.

Case report: Complete clinical remission of feline progressive histiocytosis after multimodal treatment including electrochemotherapy.

Feline histiocytic diseases are uncommon and rarely reported. Feline progressive histiocytosis (FPH) is the most common histiocytic disease in cats, predominantly affecting middle-aged animals. The most common presentation is the cutaneous form with solitary or multiple cutaneous nodules. A female, mixed-breed 6-year-old cat was presented with a 9-month history of a nodule in the nasal planum and was diagnosed by histopathology with histiocytic proliferation. At the time of diagnosis, new nodules were discovered on the lower lip, digit, and two lesions in the tail region, with the largest measuring 1.5 cm. Supplementary immunohistochemistry, showed immunolabeling for Iba-1 that in combination with the clinical course of the disease, confirmed the diagnosis of FPH. No response to chemotherapy treatment with lomustine alternated with doxorubicin was achieved. Toceranib phosphate resulted in a transient response and, stable disease for a short period (6 weeks). Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin was initiated and resulted in partial remission. Later on, chlorambucil was also started. Ultimately, the combination of all three treatments led to a complete response and disappearance of all the lesions. FPH is considered a disease resistant to various treatments, and effective treatments have not been reported. In this case report, we describe a successful multimodal therapeutic approach that resulted in complete resolution of the FPH and long-term survival (460 days without external lesions at the time of death). Further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.

Case report: Suspected plasmablastic lymphoma in a dog resembling the clinical presentation in humans.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare form of lymphoma in people. PBL originates from plasmablasts and usually presents with swelling/mass in the mouth/neck. A 7-year-old Mongrel dog was presented for a large oral and neck mass. Cytology and histopathology were suggestive of a round cell tumor that was suspected to be lymphoma. An immunohistochemical (IHC) stain panel showed positive for CD18, thus supporting the diagnosis of round cell tumor, but negative for T- and B-cell lymphomas, CD3, CD20, and PAX-5. Other markers including cytokeratin AE1/3 (for epithelial cell origin), CD31 (for endothelial cells), SOX10 (for melanoma), IBa-1 (for histiocytic sarcoma), and CD117 (for mast cell tumor) were all negative. MUM-1 (for plasma cell differentiation) was strongly positive and CD79a (B cell and plasma cells) was also scantly positive. Based on the histopathology and immunohistochemistry results in combination with the clinical presentation, a suspected diagnosis of PBL was made. As per available literature, this is perhaps the first highly suspected case of PBL in a dog.

Molecular Profile of Canine Hemangiosarcoma and Potential Novel Therapeutic Targets.

Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a relatively common neoplasia, occurring mainly in the skin, spleen, liver and right atrium. Despite the numerous studies investigating the treatment of canine HSA, no significant improvement in survival has been achieved in the last 20 years. Advancements in genetic and molecular profiling presented molecular similarities between canine HSA and human angiosarcoma. It could therefore serve as a valuable model for investigating new and more effective treatments in people and dogs. The most common genetic abnormalities in canine HSA have been found in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) and neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) pathways. Mutations are also found in tumor protein p53 (TP53), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A). Known abnormal protein expression could be exploited to trial new target treatments that could be beneficial for both canine and human patients. Despite the high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR), no correlation with overall survival time has ever been found. In this review, we explore the most recent developments in molecular profiling in canine HSA and discuss their possible applications in the prognosis and treatment of this fatal disease.

Comparison of surgical resection of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Dogs with Mammary Gland Tumors with or without sentinel lymph node visualization with patent blue dye.

Introduction: Dogs' axillary lymph node (ALN) is often difficult to locate before surgical resection. The anatomical location of ALN often discourages Veterinarians from surgical lymphadenectomy. Considering the limited literature available, the actual incidence of metastases and the prognostic relevance are poorly understood. Methods: A non-randomized, prospective clinical study was conducted with female dogs (n = 41) with mammary gland tumor (MGT) in the thoracic or cranial abdominal mammary glands. The study investigated the risks of ALN metastasis based on tumors clinical findings, tumor size, histopathological diagnosis and grade. The main aim of this study was to compare ALN resection with or without patent blue 2.5% (PB) dye injection for sentinel lymph node visualization. A total of 46 mastectomies were performed and five animals underwent two mastectomies. In the first group, 17 patients underwent a mastectomy and lymphadenectomy without PB injection (G1). In contrast, in the second group, 24 patients also received PB injections for sentinel lymph node mapping (G2). The ALN was identified in 38/46 cases (82%). The ALN was identified and excised in only 58% of surgeries in G1(19/46), while in group 2, the lymph node was identified in 92% of the cases and resected in 100% of the cases. The use of PB improves ALN's identification and reduces the surgical resection time in dogs with MGT. Results and discussion: Surgical time differed between the two groups, as it was significantly shorter in the PB injection group compared to group 1 (80 vs. 45 min) (p < 0.0001). The overall frequency of ALN metastasis was 32%. Macroscopic abnormalities in the lymph nodes, tumor size (>3 cm), and diagnosis of anaplastic carcinoma or grade II/III mammary gland tumors were associated with a higher probability of ALN metastasis. Metastases in the ALNs are more common, in dogs presenting with tumors larger than 3 cm and diagnosed with aggressive histological subtypes. The ALNs should be removed for correct staging, prognostic evaluation, and decision for adjuvant therapy.

Comparison of Different Pneumorrhaphy Methods after Partial Pulmonary Lobectomy in Dogs.

Pulmonary loborraphy can be performed using manual sutures and staples, although other methods, such as tissue adhesives, are also cited in the veterinary literature. Although the surgery is well tolerated in the canine species, failure in pulmonary aerostasis is still a reality since all the methods described so far eventually lead to air leakage after the use of the partial lobectomy technique in the lungs. Within this context, the aim of this research was to compare the effectiveness of different hermetic sealing methods after partial lobectomy of the right caudal lung lobe (RCLL) in dogs. 30 cadavers models were divided in 6 groups: G1-cobbler suture associated with simple continuous; G2-overlapping continuous suture associated with simple continuous suture; G3-Ford interlocking suture; G4-Stapling device; G5-Tissue glue (cyanoacrylate). After performing the sealing techniques, the lungs were submerged in water and inflated with oxygen at positive ventilatory pressures at physiological (up to 14.7 mmHg, which is equivalent to up to 20 cmH2O) and supraphysiological levels (above 14.7 mmHg) to evaluate the performance of the sealing methods. At physiological ventilatory pressure levels, there was no difference between groups. Sealing with surgical glue was superior to interlocking sutures and stapling devices at supraphysiological levels of ventilatory pressure.

Extreme lymphocytosis in a dog with T-zone lymphoma.

Background: Canine T-zone lymphoma (TZL) is recognized as an indolent CD45-T cell lymphoma, with low aggressiveness and high overall survival. The diagnosis is obtained by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, but also by cytological examination of the lymph node associated with immunophenotyping. Lymphocytosis is commonly identified as around 10,000 cells/µl and may reach 30,760 cells/µl. Case Description: The present report describes a case of a female Golden Retriever, nine years old, with generalized lymphadenopathy. In the cytological examination of the superficial cervical lymph node, a monomorphic population of small, "clear cells" and "hand mirror" lymphocyte shape was suggestive of TZL. The leukogram showed intense leukocytosis (160,050 cells/µl) due to small clear cell lymphocytosis (152,048 cells/µl). The myelogram showed a myeloid:erythroid ratio of 2:3; with a pyramidal distribution of cell types and the presence of 22.8% of lymphocytes in the differential count. Bone marrow, peripheral blood, and lymph node immunophenotyping resulted in lymphocyte gates with 97.3% to 99.5% CD5+, predominantly CD4-, CD8-, and CD45- confirming the diagnosis of TZL with associated leukemia. Treatment with chlorambucil and prednisolone was started. During the first month, the lymphocytosis remained above 200,000 cells/uL. After four months of treatment, there was a decrease in lymphocytes, which progressively reached a count of 10,800 cells/ul in the eleventh month. Conclusion: In the literature, lymphocytosis above 30,760 cells/µl has not been observed in TZLs. Thus, it is believed that this is the first report of extreme lymphocytosis with a slow response to chemotherapy.

Impairment of EQ-5D-5L Domains According to Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Control: A MASK-air Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: EQ-5D-5L (EuroQOL, 5 Domains, 5 Levels) is a widely used health-related quality-of-life instrument, comprising 5 domains. However, it is not known how each domain is impacted by rhinitis or asthma control. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between rhinitis or asthma control and the different EQ-5D-5L domains using data from the MASK-air mHealth app. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed data from all MASK-air users (2015-2021; 24 countries). For the levels of each EQ-5D-5L domain, we assessed rhinitis and asthma visual analog scales (VASs) and the combined symptom-medication score (CSMS). We built ordinal multivariable models assessing the adjusted association between VAS/CSMS values and the levels of each EQ-5D-5L domain. Finally, we compared EQ-5D-5L data from users with rhinitis and self-reported asthma with data from users with rhinitis alone. RESULTS: We assessed 5354 days from 3092 users. We observed an association between worse control of rhinitis or asthma (higher VASs and CSMS) and worse EQ-5D-5L levels. In multivariable models, all VASs and the CSMS were associated with higher levels of pain/discomfort and daily activities. For anxiety/depression, the association was mostly observed for rhinitis-related tools (VAS nose, VAS global, and CSMS), although the presence of self-reported asthma was also associated with worse anxiety/depression. Worse mobility ("walking around") was particularly associated with VAS asthma and with the presence of asthma. CONCLUSIONS: A worse rhinitis control and a worse asthma control are associated with higher EQ-5D-5L levels, particularly regarding pain/discomfort and activity impairment. Worse rhinitis control is associated with worse anxiety/depression, and poor asthma control with worse mobility.

Retrospective Evaluation of a Combination of Carboplatin and Bleomycin for the Treatment of Canine Carcinomas.

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy agent widely used in veterinary oncology to treat various types of tumors including carcinomas. Carboplatin has previously been used in combination with 5-Fluoro uracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine for the treatment of various carcinomas. Bleomycin is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in humans, but its use has been uncommonly reported in dogs. The combination of carboplatin and bleomycin chemotherapy treatment has never been reported in dogs. Dogs diagnosed with carcinoma and treated with a combination of carboplatin and bleomycin, at a single veterinary referral center, were retrospectively evaluated. Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria. The dose of carboplatin ranged from 200-250 mg/m2 (median 240 mg/m2) and the dose of bleomycin from 15-20 IU/m2 (median 15 IU/m2). The treatment with carboplatin and bleomycin was well tolerated, with sixteen patients (53%) developing side effects. Thirteen patients (46%) developed gastrointestinal signs and nine dogs (30%) developed hematological abnormalities. The most common side effects were grade-1 hyporexia and grade-1 neutropenia. Grade-2 neutropenia was rarely observed, and only one patient developed grade-3 neutropenia. None of the dogs developed grade-4 adverse events, or required hospitalization, or died due to the treatment. No signs of chronic side effects, including pulmonary toxicity, were observed. Objective response was observed in 24% of the cases (six partial responses) and 76% of cases achieved clinical benefit (partial response+ stable disease). Clinical signs improved in 24 of the 30 cases (80%). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of bleomycin and carboplatin in combination for the treatment of various types of carcinomas. The combination of bleomycin and carboplatin appears safe and potentially effective for some types of carcinomas. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of combined carboplatin and bleomycin.

Eosinophilic pulmonary granulomatosis resembling a pulmonary carcinoma in a dog in Hong Kong.

Background: Canine Eosinophilic Pulmonary Granulomatosis (EPG) is a severe form of eosinophilic pulmonary disease that carries a guarded prognosis, responds poorly to therapy and recurs frequently. Most studies have reported a caudal lobar pulmonary distribution and a poorer prognosis in idiopathic cases. Case Description: A 7-year-old dog was presented for persistent cough, hyporexia, and weight loss. Eosinophilia and basophilia were transiently present, and an antigen test for heartworm disease was negative. Radiographic studies, followed by a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed nodular lesions and a large mass in the left cranial lobar region suggestive of neoplasia. Cytological and histopathological evaluation was consistent with EPG. The dog responded positively to corticosteroids and has since remained free of disease. Conclusion: EPG in dogs can resemble primary pulmonary neoplasia with secondary intra-pulmonary metastasis. Contrary to previous reports, idiopathic EPG can present with a cranial pulmonary distribution and respond positively to therapy.

Successful Treatment of Vertebral Osteosarcoma in a Cat Using Marginal Surgical Excision and Chemotherapy.

A three-year-old male neutered Norwegian Forest cat was referred for bilateral ambulatory paraparesis and spinal pain. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a mass involving the right epaxial muscles with vertebral canal invasion and causing marked extradural spinal cord compression was identified. At surgery, the mass was debulked and a right hemilaminectomy was performed. Histopathology was diagnostic of fibroblastic osteosarcoma. Residual osteolytic lesions of the osteosarcoma were present at the level of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. Four cycles of adjuvant doxorubicin chemotherapy were administered followed by oral toceranib phosphate. Neurological signs improved gradually over weeks to months and the lesion in the spinous process was no longer visible on radiographs. At one year from diagnosis, an MRI of the T3-L3 (3rd thoracic vertebra to the 3rd lumbar vertebra) spinal region and a whole-body computer tomography (CT) scan found no evidence of the osteosarcoma in the spine or of any metastasis. All medications were stopped and, at the time of writing 16 months later, the patient is neurologically normal with no signs of cancer recurrence. This is the first case report documenting the complete resolution of vertebral osteosarcoma lesions after treatment with doxorubicin followed by toceranib phosphate. The treatment also prevented tumor recurrence and was associated with an exceptionally long-term survival time.