Angularis oris axial pattern flap as a reliable and versatile option for rostral facial reconstruction in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes associated with the use of an angularis oris axial pattern flap (AOAPF) for rostral facial reconstruction in cats. ANIMALS: Nine adult client-owned cats. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Ten AOAPF were performed in nine cats after resection of a tumor. Wounds were located at the nose, infraorbital, supraorbital, frontal, eye, and ear canal region. Orbital exenteration (n = 3), pinnectomy (n = 2), nasal planum resection, total ear canal ablation (n = 2), and partial eyelid reconstruction (n = 3) were performed. RESULTS: Short-term postoperative complications included flap edema (n = 10), suture dehiscence (n = 3), and distal tip necrosis (n = 3). All wounds resulting from minor complications healed by second intention in 5-15 days. Long-term complications included epiphora (n = 2), frequent grooming around the eyes (n = 2), and enucleation due to corneal ulcer secondary to impaired postoperative eyelid function (n = 1). Tumor recurrence occurred in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: The AOAPF was a versatile and reliable option for rostral facial reconstruction in cats with acceptable long-term outcomes.

Thermographic assessment of skin and soft tissue tumors in cats.

OBJECTIVES: This study set out to determine the average temperature of skin and soft tissue tumors in cats using infrared thermography and to investigate correlations between thermographic findings and tumor type. Correlations between thermographic findings, histologic subtype and tumor grade were also investigated in cases of feline injection site sarcoma (FISS). METHODS: Thermographic images of normal skin and skin overlying neoplastic lesions were prospectively obtained. Following thermographic assessment, tumors were resected and submitted to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Mean temperatures detected in tumoral areas were compared between different tumor types and between FISSs of different histologic subtypes and grades. RESULTS: Thermograms obtained from 11 healthy cats and 31 cats presenting with skin and soft tissue tumors (eight benign and 23 malignant tumors, including 21 FISSs) were evaluated in this study. Thermal behavior varied widely in normal skin, as well as in skin overlying neoplastic lesions. Mean temperatures were significantly higher in malignant compared with benign tumors (35.4 ± 1.8ºC and 34.5 ± 1.7ºC respectively; P = 0.01), with a temperature above 34.7ºC being associated with malignancy (sensitivity 76%, specificity 80%; P = 0.01). Temperatures detected in FISS did not differ significantly according to histologic subtype (P = 0.91) or tumor grade (P = 0.46), or between primary and recurring tumors (P = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Infrared thermography proved to be a sensitive and effective method for detection of temperature differences between malignant and benign skin and soft tissue tumors in cats. Thermographic assessment may contribute to diagnosis and prognostic estimation in feline oncologic patients.

Lipoma infiltrativo em membro torácico esquerdo e parte do tórax de um Shin Tzu / Infiltrative lipoma covering the left thoracic member and part of the chest in Shih Tzu

O lipoma infiltrativo é uma neoplasia benigna rara que acomete os adipócitos. Apresenta etiologia desconhecida, sem raça predisponente. É altamente agressivo, não metastático e com índices de recidivas significativos. Um cão da raça Shih Tzu, macho, castrado e com 7 anos e 7 meses foi atendido na clínica veterinária da Universidade Salvador, com queixa de tumoração em membro torácico esquerdo, presente já há 5 anos. Exames de imagem, histopatológico e cirurgia confirmaram o diagnóstico de lipoma infiltrativo em tórax e membro torácico esquerdo. O tratamento preconizado foi amputação do membro devido a magnitude da infiltração. Para o pós-operatório foi realizada fisioterapia e acompanhamento. A recidiva, em região dorsal, se deu após 82 dias de cirurgia e novamente se optou pelo procedimento cirúrgico.

Infiltrative lipoma is a rare benign neoplasm that affects adipocytes. It has unknown etiology, with no predisposing race. It is highly aggressive, non-metastatic and with significant relapse rates. A Shih Tzu dog, male, neutered, 7 years and 7 months old, was seen at the veterinary clinic of Salvador University, complaining of tumor in the left thoracic limb. Imaging, surgery and histopathological exams to confirm the diagnosis of infiltrative lipoma in the chest and left thoracic limb presente for 5 years. The recommended treatment was amputation of the limb due to the magnitude of the infiltration. In the postoperative period, physiotherapy and follow-up were performed, recurrence in the dorsal region occurred 82 days after the surgery and the surgical procedure was again chosen.

Treating the locoregional lymph nodes with radiation and/or surgery significantly improves outcome in dogs with high-grade mast cell tumours.

High-grade canine mast cell tumours (HG-MCT) have a high rate of locoregional relapse. In this study, dogs with HG-MCT treated with radiation therapy (RT) were retrospectively evaluated to determine the benefit associated with treating the locoregional lymph nodes (LNs). Forty-two dogs were included. Variables assessed for association with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) included WHO stage, tumour location and size, LN irradiation (prophylactic, therapeutic or none), LN treatment (yes or no), LN status at RT (metastatic or nonmetastatic) and RT intent (definitive vs palliative). Lower-stage disease at irradiation was significantly associated with prolonged median PFS (425 vs 125 days for stage 0 vs 1-4), and OS (615 vs 314 days for stage 0 vs 1-4). Having any LN treatment and definitive RT were both significantly associated with prolonged OS. In order to evaluate the role of LN irradiation, dogs were divided into subgroups: (a) stage 0 at irradiation with no LN treatment (n = 14), (b) stage 0 at irradiation with prophylactic LN irradiation (n = 6), (c) stage 0 at irradiation but previously stage 2 (n = 5) and (d) stage >0 at irradiation (n = 17). Prophylactic LN irradiation significantly prolonged PFS (>2381 vs 197 days; group B vs A). Interestingly, dogs that were stage 2 and had LN treatment (C) had prolonged OS vs dogs with negative LNs and no LN treatment (A) (1908 vs 284 days; P = .012). This study confirms that prophylactic and therapeutic LN irradiation in dogs with HG-MCT is beneficial and improves outcome.

Trepanação para ressecção de hemangiossarcoma na cavidade nasal de cão: relato de caso / Trepanation for hemangiosarcoma in the nasal dog cavity: case report / Trepanación para la resección de hemangiossarcoma em la cavidade nasal del perro: relato de caso

O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de um Golden Retriever que apresentou epistaxe unilateral devido ao desenvolvimento de hemangiossarcoma na cavidade nasal direita. O paciente foi submetido ao procedimento de trepanação nasal como tratamento, não houve complicações no período pós-operatório imediato. No entanto, 90 dias após o procedimento ocorreu recidiva da neoplasia. Diversas doenças podem acometer a região nasal dos cães. As neoplasias, embora raras, são em sua maioria de origem epitelial como carcinomas, condrossarcomas, osteossarcomas, fibrossarcomas, e uma pequena porcentagem, o hemangiossarcoma. O prognóstico pode variar entre reservado à ruim, em virtude da sua alta capacidade metastática e invasão tecidual.

The objective of this study is to report a case of a Golden Retriever that presented unilateral epistaxis in consequence of hemangiosarcoma in the right nasal cavity. The patient was submitted to a nasal trepanation as treatment and presented a satisfactory result in the immediate postoperative. However, 90 days after the procedure, it was observed tumor recurrence. Various diseases can affect the nasal region of dogs. Although neoplasms are rare, the most common lesions in this region are those of epithelial origin such as carcinomas, chondrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and in a small percentage hemangiosarcoma. The prognosis may vary from poor to fair due its high metastatic capacity and tissue invasion.

El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar un caso de un Golden Retriever que present epistaxe unilateral debido al desarrollo de hemangiosarcoma en la cavidad nasal derecha. El paciente fue sometido al procedimiento de trepanación nasal como tratamiento, ho hubo complicaciones en el período postoperatorio inmediato. Sin embargo, 90 días después del procedimiento se produjo recidiva de la neoplasia. Dinersas enfermedade pueden acometer la region nasal de los perros. Las neoplasias, aunque raras. Son en su mayoría de origen epithelial como carcinomas, condrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, y un pequeno porcentaje, el hemangiosarcoma. El pronóstico puede variar entre reservado a malo, debido a su alta capacidad metastática e invasion del tejido.

Trepanação para ressecção de hemangiossarcoma na cavidade nasal de cão: relato de caso / Trepanation for hemangiosarcoma in the nasal dog cavity: case report / Trepanación para la resección de hemangiossarcoma em la cavidade nasal del perro: relato de caso

O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de um Golden Retriever que apresentou epistaxe unilateral devido ao desenvolvimento de hemangiossarcoma na cavidade nasal direita. O paciente foi submetido ao procedimento de trepanação nasal como tratamento, não houve complicações no período pós-operatório imediato. No entanto, 90 dias após o procedimento ocorreu recidiva da neoplasia. Diversas doenças podem acometer a região nasal dos cães. As neoplasias, embora raras, são em sua maioria de origem epitelial como carcinomas, condrossarcomas, osteossarcomas, fibrossarcomas, e uma pequena porcentagem, o hemangiossarcoma. O prognóstico pode variar entre reservado à ruim, em virtude da sua alta capacidade metastática e invasão tecidual.(AU)

The objective of this study is to report a case of a Golden Retriever that presented unilateral epistaxis in consequence of hemangiosarcoma in the right nasal cavity. The patient was submitted to a nasal trepanation as treatment and presented a satisfactory result in the immediate postoperative. However, 90 days after the procedure, it was observed tumor recurrence. Various diseases can affect the nasal region of dogs. Although neoplasms are rare, the most common lesions in this region are those of epithelial origin such as carcinomas, chondrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, and in a small percentage hemangiosarcoma. The prognosis may vary from poor to fair due its high metastatic capacity and tissue invasion.(AU)

El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar un caso de un Golden Retriever que present epistaxe unilateral debido al desarrollo de hemangiosarcoma en la cavidad nasal derecha. El paciente fue sometido al procedimiento de trepanación nasal como tratamiento, ho hubo complicaciones en el período postoperatorio inmediato. Sin embargo, 90 días después del procedimiento se produjo recidiva de la neoplasia. Dinersas enfermedade pueden acometer la region nasal de los perros. Las neoplasias, aunque raras. Son en su mayoría de origen epithelial como carcinomas, condrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, fibrosarcomas, y un pequeno porcentaje, el hemangiosarcoma. El pronóstico puede variar entre reservado a malo, debido a su alta capacidad metastática e invasion del tejido.(AU)

Recurrent and non-recurrent feline injection-site sarcoma: computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the sonographic and computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of primary and recurrent feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs). METHODS: Between 2005 and 2013, 32 cats were selected for prospective and retrospective studies. Tumor shape and margins, presence of thickening of the adipose tissue, muscular and bone involvement, pre- and postcontrast attenuation, blurring of fat planes, calcification and liquefactive necrosis, intratumoral areas and skip metastasis were analyzed in CT scans. Echogenicity, echotexture, tumor margins and peritumoral tissue characteristics were analyzed by ultrasound (US). RESULTS: Irregular shape (62.5%) with digitiform projections (100.0%), mixed (peripheral and intratumoral) contrast enhancement (67.7%), blurring of fat planes (68.8%) and signs of liquefactive intratumoral necrosis (68.8%) were the prevailing CT findings. Ultrasonography revealed irregular tumor margins, peripheral hyperechoic capsule-like rim, heterogeneous echotexture, and hyperechoic tissue contiguous with the formations and thickening of adjacent subcutaneous tissues in all cases. Mixed echogenicity with areas suggestive of tumor liquefactive necrosis was documented in 83.3% of cases. Skip metastases were highly correlated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.001). The incidence of muscular involvement tended to be higher (P = 0.003) in tumors presenting with thickening of adjacent adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: CT and US features common to FISS lesions were highlighted in this study. The imaging modalities employed allowed assessment of peritumoral inflammation, particularly adipose tissue inflammation. Imaging data may contribute to FISS diagnosis, therapeutic planning and patient follow-up.

Hematoporphyrin-based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a haematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem, General Physics Institute and clustes Ltda) as photosensitizer and light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source was evaluated in 12 cats with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were illuminated with LEDs, (300 J/cm for 30 min) 24 h after the administration of the photosensitizer. Clinical responses were classified as complete disappearance of the tumour with total re-epithelialization; partial response (a reduction greater than 50%); and no response (less than 50% reduction). Tumours localized to the pinna treated with one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) applications of PDT yielded no response. Highly invasive tumours of the nose and nasal planum also showed no response, after two treatments (n = 2). A combination of PDT and surgery was performed in three cases. Two cats showed partial response and one complete response with one application of therapy 30 days after nasal surgery. Small and noninfiltrative lesions (n = 3) of the nasal planum showed a PR with one application (n = 2) and a CR with two applications (n = 1). This study shows that PDT using Photogem and LEDs can provide local control of low-grade feline squamous cell carcinoma. The addition of PDT to surgery in more invasive cases may help prevent recurrence.

Clinical study of cryosurgery efficacy in the treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cryosurgery for treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=20), cats (10). METHODS: Cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors were treated by liquid nitrogen cryosurgical spray (1 cm from target tissue at 90 degrees until a 5-mm halo of frozen tissue was achieved) for 15-60 seconds. Malignant lesions had 3 freeze-thaw cycles benign tumors, 2 cycles. The second or third freeze cycle was performed after complete thaw of the preceding freeze. Wounds healed by second intention. Follow-up was weekly for 1 month and then twice monthly until wounds healed, and final outcome was determined by telephone interview of owners. RESULTS: Tumor size ranged from 0.3 to 11 cm diameter with 28 (60%) being 0.3-1 cm; 8 (17%) 1.1-3 cm, and 11 (23%) >3.4 cm. Complications included edema, erythema and for extremity lesions, pain and lameness. Treated lesions (n=47) had an overall remission of 98% (mean follow-up, 345+/-172.02 days [range, 150-750 days]). One malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor recurred 7 months after cryosurgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Cryosurgery is an efficient method for treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cryosurgical ablation is an effective means of treating small cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats, especially in older animals where wound closure or cosmetic outcome might limit surgical excision alone.

Evaluation of a modified hemimandibulectomy for treatment of oral neoplasms in dogs.

A modified hemimandibulectomy was performed for treatment of oral neoplasms in 21 dogs. Intra- and postoperative evaluations included assessment of procedure difficulty, complications, mastication, cosmesis, and the time interval between surgery and recurrence of the neoplasm or clinical evidence of metastasis. Malignant melanoma was the most common neoplasm treated using this technique. The modified hemimandibulectomy was uncomplicated with minimal intraoperative hemorrhage. Three dogs had difficult mastication at 24-hours following surgery, while 5 dogs had partial wound dehiscence. Wound infection was diagnosed in 1 dog. All owners considered the postoperative outcome to provide acceptable cosmesis. Local neoplasm recurrence was documented in 5 dogs and distant (pulmonary) metastasis was diagnosed in 5 different dogs following surgery. The technical modification described in this study seemed to provide for improved mastication during the acute postoperative period compared with other hemimandibulectomy techniques performed by the authors.

Secretory carcinoma of the canine mammary gland.

Secretory carcinoma is an uncommon variant of breast cancer, characterized by the presence of intracellular and extracellular eosinophilic secretion. Here, we report the cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings of a secretory carcinoma diagnosed in the left inguinal mammary gland of a 3-year-old female German Shepherd Dog. The fine-needle aspiration cytology showed numerous large branching sheets of neoplastic cells and isolated cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles. Histologically, the tumor was composed of cells with clear cytoplasm and prominent vacuoles that pushed the nuclei to the periphery, resembling signet ring cells. These cells were arranged in solid or tubular structures with lumenal spaces filled with eosinophilic secretion. Immunohistochemical reactions to cytokeratin (CAM 5.2) and alpha-lactalbumin were strongly positive in all neoplastic cells, and staining for vimentin and S100 protein was negative. The cytomorphologic and immunohistochemical features of this tumor are similar to those seen in tumors in women, hence enabling the diagnosis of a rare case of primary secretory carcinoma of the canine mammary gland.