Weishaar's classification system for nodal metastasis in sentinel lymph nodes: Clinical outcome in 94 dogs with mast cell tumor.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic role and prognostic relevance of lymphadenectomy in mast cell tumor (MCT) has historically been evaluated on regional rather than sentinel lymph nodes. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To update information about the association of histological nodal (HN) classes with clinical outcome in dogs with MCT after tumor excision and extirpation of normal-sized sentinel nodes (SLN) guided by radiopharmaceutical. ANIMALS: Ninety-four dogs with histologically-confirmed treatment-naïve MCT (71 cutaneous, 22 subcutaneous and 1 conjunctival MCT) were included if without: distant metastases, lymphadenomegaly, concurrent mixed cutaneous, and subcutaneous MCT. METHODS: This was a monoistitutional cohort study. Tumors characteristics were retrieved and SLNs were classified according to Weishaar's system. Incidence of MCT-related events (local, nodal, distant relapse), de novo MCT or other tumors and death (MCT-related and non-MCT-related), were recorded. Incidence curves were compared among the HN classes. RESULTS: Twenty-seven dogs had HN0, 19 HN1, 37 HN2, and 11 HN3 SLN. Thirteen (2 HN0, 4 HN2, and 7 HN3) received adjuvant chemotherapies. Kiupel high grade, increasing number of SLN and lymphocentrums were associated with higher HN classes. Five dogs died for MCT-related causes: 1 low-grade (HN0) and 1 subcutaneous (HN3) had a local relapse, 2 high-grade had distant relapse (HN3-HN0) and 1 dog developed disease progression from a de novo subcutaneous MCT. No nodal relapse was registered. Fourteen dogs developed de novo MCTs. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: Low grade/low-risk MCT with nonpalpable and normal sized SLN have a favorable outcome independently from the HN. Result should be considered strictly related to the successful SLN detection guided pre- and intraoperative by radiopharmaceutical markers.

Geometric, landmark-guided technique reduces tissue trauma, surgery time, and subjective difficulty for canine peripheral lymphadenectomies: an educational crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a geometric, landmark-guided lymphadenectomy (LL) approach to peripheral lymph nodes (LNs) on successful LN identification, surgical time, tissue trauma, and ease of LN identification compared to standard lymphadenectomy (SL) and methylene blue-guided lymphadenectomy (MBL). SAMPLE: 18 adult, mixed-breed canine cadavers operated on by 7 veterinarians and 5 fourth-year veterinary students between July 23 and October 12, 2022. METHODS: Participants were provided standardized, publicly available materials regarding the anatomy and surgical techniques for SL of 3 peripheral lymphocentrums: superficial cervical, axillary (ALN), and superficial inguinal (SILN). Participants performed the 3 SLs unilaterally on canine cadavers. Thereafter, they were randomly assigned to 2 crossover groups: MBL and LL. All dissections were separated by at least 2 weeks for each participant. Primary outcome measures included successful LN identification, surgical time, tissue trauma scores, and subjective difficulty. RESULTS: Successful LN identification was highest with LL (86%) compared to SL (69%) and MBL (67%). Subjective difficulty scores were reduced with LL for SILN dissections. Tissue trauma scores were reduced when using LL for ALN and SILN compared to MBL and SL. Time to LN identification was reduced for ALN with LL. No significant differences were observed between MBL and SL, or for the superficial cervical dissections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral lymphadenectomies are time consuming and difficult for veterinarians in early stages of surgical training. Little surgical guidance is provided within current literature. Geometric, landmark-guided lymphadenectomies may improve LN identification success and reduce surgical time, tissue trauma, and procedure difficulty, which could encourage their clinical application.

Development of a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and describe a minimally invasive technique for excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cadaver and clinical case series. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and three clinical patients. METHODS: A 3D computed tomographic reconstruction of the canine axilla was used to identify an optimal avenue of approach to the lymph nodes. This approach was refined using endoscopic techniques in four cadavers (six procedures) and potential surgical hazards, landmarks, and the surgical time required for excisional biopsy of the nodes was recorded. The procedure was then performed in three clinical cases. RESULTS: Axillary lymph node removal was achieved using an endoscopic technique with surgical times of 58 and 35 minutes in two of three clinical cases. The third case required conversion to an open approach after endoscopic identification of the node. No major complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes can be performed successfully using a minimally invasive technique in the dog. Further investigation in clinical cases is needed to determine the risks and complications of this procedure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive excisional biopsy of the axillary lymph nodes in dogs can be performed and may have a role in assisting with staging and local disease control in oncologic cases.

Complications associated with iliosacral lymphadenectomy in dogs with metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma.

Objective: To report intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications associated with removal of metastatic iliosacral lymph nodes in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma. Animals: There were 136 client-owned dogs in the study. Procedure: Retrospective multi-institutional study. The database of collaborating institutions was searched for dogs with metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma that underwent lymphadenectomy for removal of one or more iliosacral lymph nodes. Information of signalment, hematological abnormalities, abdominal computed tomography or ultrasound findings, number and size of enlarged lymph nodes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, treatment and outcome were collected. Results: The overall complication rate associated with metastatic iliosacral lymphadenectomy was 26.1%. The only intraoperative complication recorded was hemorrhage and was reported in 24 (17.6%) surgeries, 11 (45.8%) of which received a blood transfusion. Postoperative complications were reported in 10.4% of surgeries, and included edema formation (n = 4, 2.6%), unilateral or bilateral paraparesis (n = 4, 2.6%), hypotension (n = 3, 2.0%), surgical site infection (n = 2, 1.3%), abdominal incision dehiscence (n = 1, 0.6%), urinary incontinence (n = 1, 0.6%), and death (n = 1, 0.6%). The size of the iliosacral lymph nodes was significantly associated with a greater risk of complications, hemorrhage, and the need of transfusion during lymphadenectomy for metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Complications associated with iliosacral lymphadenectomy for metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma are relatively common and mostly relate to hemorrhage. These complications are significantly associated with the size of the extirpated metastatic lymph nodes. Clinical relevance: This retrospective study provides information for the clinician regarding the potential surgical complications for extirpation of metastatic iliosacral lymph nodes. These complications, although not common, can be severe and should be discussed with owners before surgery.

Objectif: Rapporter les complications peropératoires et postopératoires immédiates associées à l'ablation des ganglions lymphatiques ilio-sacrés métastatiques chez les chiens atteints d'un adénocarcinome des glandes apocrines des sacs anaux. Animaux: Il y avait 136 chiens appartenant à des clients dans l'étude. Procédure: Étude multi-institutionnelle rétrospective. La base de données des institutions collaboratrices a été recherchée pour les chiens atteints d'un adénocarcinome métastatique des glandes apocrines des sacs anaux qui ont subi une lymphadénectomie pour l'ablation d'un ou plusieurs ganglions lymphatiques ilio-sacrés. Des informations sur le signalement, les anomalies hématologiques, les résultats de la tomodensitométrie abdominale ou de l'échographie, le nombre et la taille des ganglions élargis, les complications peropératoires et postopératoires, le traitement et les résultats ont été recueillis. Résultats: Le taux global de complications associées à la lymphadénectomie ilio-sacrée métastatique était de 26,1 %. La seule complication peropératoire enregistrée était une hémorragie et a été rapportée dans 24 (17,6 %) chirurgies, dont 11 (45,8 %) ont reçu une transfusion sanguine. Des complications postopératoires ont été signalées dans 10,4 % des interventions chirurgicales et comprenaient la formation d'oedème (n = 4, 2,6 %), la paraparésie unilatérale ou bilatérale (n = 4, 2,6 %), l'hypotension (n = 3, 2,0 %), l'infection du site opératoire (n = 2, 1,3 %), la déhiscence de l'incision abdominale (n = 1, 0,6 %), l'incontinence urinaire (n = 1, 0,6 %) et le décès (n = 1, 0,6 %). La taille des ganglions ilio-sacrés était significativement associée à un risque accru de complications, d'hémorragie et à la nécessité d'une transfusion lors d'une lymphadénectomie pour un adénocarcinome métastatique des glandes apocrines des sacs anaux. Conclusion: Les complications associées à la lymphadénectomie ilio-sacrée pour l'adénocarcinome métastatique des glandes apocrines des sacs anaux sont relativement fréquentes et concernent principalement l'hémorragie. Ces complications sont significativement associées à la taille des ganglions lymphatiques métastatiques retirés. Pertinence clinique: Cette étude rétrospective fournit des informations au clinicien concernant les complications chirurgicales potentielles pour le retrait des ganglions lymphatiques ilio-sacrés métastatiques. Ces complications, bien que rares, peuvent être graves et doivent être discutées avec les propriétaires avant la chirurgie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection compared with locoregional lymphadenectomies in dogs with mast cell tumours.

OBJECTIVES: Near-infrared fluorescent imaging has been described for intraoperative mapping of the draining lymph nodes in human cancer and canine oral tumours. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the results of lymphadenectomies in dogs with mast cell tumours treated either by standard unguided locoregional lymph node dissection or near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection. METHODS: Medical records between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed for dogs that were presented for surgical resection of mast cell tumours with concurrent lymphadenectomy either with (near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection) or without near-infrared fluorescence image guidance (lymph node dissection). The number and location of lymph nodes planned for surgical dissection and actually dissected nodes, presence of metastases and perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection, and 43 lymph node dissections. The number of nodes preoperatively planned for resection were 70 and 68, respectively. Fifty-eight of those (83%) were identified during near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection procedures, compared with 50 (74%) during lymph node dissection. near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection resulted in resection of additional fluorescent nodes not corresponding to locoregional nodes in 15 of 35 dogs. Using near-infrared fluorescent image-guided lymph node dissection, we identified at least one metastatic node in 68% of dogs (24 of 35) compared with 33% (14 of 43) when lymph node dissection was used without imaging. No complications related to near-infrared fluorescent imaging were reported. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present study suggests that near-infrared imaging is a promising technique for intraoperative detection of the draining lymph nodes in dogs with mast cell tumours. Further validation of the technique is required to assess if near-infrared fluorescent imaging can detect the true sentinel lymph node.

Lymphadenectomy improves outcome in dogs with resected Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours and overtly metastatic regional lymph nodes.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, the prognosis for dogs with stage II Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours has been considered poor. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of lymphadenectomy on outcome in dogs with Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours and overt regional lymph node metastasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from dogs with completely staged Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours with overt and/or certain regional lymph node metastasis undergoing excision of the primary tumours and adjuvant medical treatment were extracted. Dogs with a cytological diagnosis of regional lymph node metastasis that did not undergo lymphadenectomy were compared with dogs that underwent lymphadenectomy and had a histological diagnosis of overt lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Forty-nine dogs were included, 18 did not undergo lymphadenectomy while 31 underwent lymphadenectomy. Median time to progression was significantly shorter in dogs that did not undergo lymphadenectomy (150 days, 95% confidence interval: 129 to 170) compared to the other dogs (229 days, 95% confidence interval: 191 to 266). Median survival time was also shorter in dogs that did not undergo lymphadenectomy (250 days, 95% confidence interval: 191 to 308) compared to dogs that underwent lymphadenectomy (371 days, 95% confidence interval: 311 to 430). On multivariable analysis, lack of lymphadenectomy was associated with higher risk of overall tumour progression (hazard ratio: 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 4.13), nodal progression (hazard ratio: 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.65 to 7.02) and tumour-related death (hazard ratio 3.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.72 to 7.66), whereas tumour size was associated with higher risk of local recurrence (hazard ratio: 3.61, 95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 13). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Regional lymphadenectomy may improve outcome in dogs with biologically aggressive cutaneous mast cell tumours.

Longitudinal lymph node step-sectioning for the identification of metastatic disease in canine mast cell tumor.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis in canine mast cell tumor (MCT) can affect prognosis and postsurgical treatment recommendations; however, routine histological single-section examination may underestimate the incidence of metastases. This prospective study aimed at determining whether longitudinal step-sectioning of the entire LN allows for a more reliable detection of metastases. Dogs with MCT undergoing resection of the primary tumor and regional lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Formalin-fixed LNs were bisected longitudinally, both halves were embedded in paraffin and histological sections prepared at 200 µm steps. The nodal mast cells were classified according to the Weishaar classification. First-section evaluation (FSE; ie, examination of the first section obtained from the blocks) and whole LN step-section evaluation (SSE) were compared. Fifty-eight LNs were included. The median number of sections per LN was 6 (range, 3-28). FSE with toluidine blue (TB) revealed 27 (47%) nonmetastatic (HN0), 14 (24%) premetastatic (HN1), 9 (15%) early metastatic (HN2), and 8 (14%) overtly metastatic (HN3) LNs. SSE with TB resulted in upgrading the LN status in 2 cases (HN2 to HN3; HN0 to HN1). Evaluation of the first section plus an additional step-section resulted in 100% accuracy. Compared with SSE with TB, the accuracy of FSE with HE was 98% for HN3 LNs and 74% for HN2 LNs. FSE appears to reliably allow for the detection of LN metastasis in MCT, although examination of a further parallel section at a 200 µm step may increase the accuracy. A metachromatic stain is recommended for the identification of early metastases.

Axillary lymphadenectomy in dogs: A description of surgical technique.

The axillary lymph center drains a large area; however, axillary lymphadenectomy is rarely reported in series detailing lymph node extirpation in dogs. No surgical technique has yet been described for axillary and superficial axillary lymphadenectomy. This study describes a technique for excision of nodes in the axillary lymph center of the dog. Two male neutered and two male intact cadavers weighing between 6.3 and 36.1 kg were used. With cadavers in dorsal recumbency and the shoulder extended, an incision was made in the caudal axillary region. Blunt dissection was used to separate the pectoralis profundus and latissimus dorsi muscles and loose connective tissue was dissected until the axillary lymph node was identified caudal to the brachial vein. The axillary lymphatic trunk was followed caudad from the axillary lymph node to identify the accessory axillary lymph node, deep to the lateral border of the pectoralis profundus muscle, for subsequent extirpation. Axillary lymph nodes were successfully removed in all axillae, and accessory axillary lymph nodes were located in 6/7 axillae and could not be visualized within the axillary lymphatic trunk in the remaining axilla. The described surgical technique allowed consistent identification of the axillary lymph node and the lymphatic trunk associated with the accessory axillary lymph node. This technique description provides a guide for surgeons to facilitate axillary and accessory axillary lymphadenectomy in the dog. While anatomic variation must be considered, the use of the axillary lymphatic trunk as a landmark may simplify identification of the small and inconsistent accessory axillary lymph node.

Canine anal sac gland carcinoma with regional lymph node metastases treated with sacculectomy and lymphadenectomy: Outcome and possible prognostic factors.

The staging system commonly used in canine anal sac gland carcinoma (ASGC) is a revised Tumour-Node-Metastasis (TNM) system published in 2007. This staging system consists in four stages and, for dogs with nodal metastases, the size of the metastatic lymph node (mLN) defines the N stage. However, we hypothesise that (1) the mLN size has no prognostic significance when the mLN can be excised, (2) a high number of mLNs is associated with poorer prognosis and (3) the measurement of the mLN on imaging is not reproducible. To investigate these hypotheses, medical records and diagnostic images of dogs with ASGC and mLN, treated with sacculectomy and lymphadenectomy, with or without chemotherapy, were reviewed. Interobserver variability for mLN measurement was assessed. Prognostic factors including mLN size and number were investigated. Time to documented progression (TDP) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated. Progression-free interval (PFI) was analysed with interval-censored data analysis. Fifty-seven dogs were included. The median PFI, TDP and DSS were 110 (95%CI 61.5-185.5), 196 (95%CI 162-283) and 340 days (95%CI 321-471), respectively. For measurement of the largest mLN, interobserver agreement was excellent but limits of agreement reached 39.7%. Neither the size of the largest mLN nor the use of adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with outcome. The number of mLNs was associated with outcome and having more than four mLNs was associated with shorter PFI (p < .001), TDP (p = .004) and DSS (p < .001). While mLN size measurement was not consistently reproducible and did not influence outcome in our cohort, number of mLNs did. Further studies are required for development of a revised staging system.

A retrospective study on prophylactic regional lymphadenectomy versus nodal observation only in the management of dogs with stage I, completely resected, low-grade cutaneous mast cell tumors.

BACKGROUND: While lymphadenectomy of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) has been associated with improved outcome, the clinical utility of prophylactic lymphadenectomy in dogs with stage I cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) remains a controversial topic. To assess the therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy of uninvolved regional LNs, the long-term outcome of cMCT-bearing dogs with cytologically negative and surgically unresected regional LNs (observation only, OO) was compared with that of dogs with surgically resected and histologically negative regional LNs (prophylactic regional lymphadenectomy, PRL). RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of 64 dogs with a low-grade, completely resected stage I cMCT was performed: 35 (54.7%) dogs were subjected to OO and 29 (45.3%) underwent PRL. Dogs were monitored for a median of 813 and 763 days in the OO group and PRL group, respectively. The number of dogs undergoing MCT progression was significantly higher in the OO group (P = 0.028) and curve comparison revealed a tendency to a better time to progression in the PRL group (P = 0.058). No significant difference in survival time (P = 0.294) was observed between dogs in the OO and PRL groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that lack of immediate lymphadenectomy was associated with a higher risk for tumor progression. This preliminary judgement, reinforced by the findings that lymphadenectomy was well tolerated in all cases, and that histopathology provides the definitive assessment of the nodal pathological status, may suggest that prophylactic lymphadenectomy is indicated in the management of stage I MCTs. Larger prospective studies are warranted for generating clinical evidence of this latter hypothesis.

Near-infrared imaging and optical coherence tomography for intraoperative visualization of tumors.

Surgical excision is the foundation of treatment for early-stage solid tumors in man and companion animals. Complete excision with appropriate margins of surrounding tumor-free tissue is crucial to survival. Intraoperative imaging allows real-time visualization of tumors, assessment of surgical margins, and, potentially, lymph nodes and satellite metastatic lesions, allowing surgeons to perform complete tumor resections while sparing surrounding vital anatomic structures. This Review will focus on the use of near-infrared imaging and optical coherence tomography for intraoperative tumor visualization.

Nonselective Lymph Node Dissection and Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy.

Clinical staging is important for determining the extent of disease in animals with malignant cancers. The status of the lymph node will help determine whether adjuvant treatment is indicated. Historically, the regional anatomic lymph node has been sampled to determine the presence or absence of metastatic disease, but there is increasing evidence that the regional anatomic lymph node is often different to the sentinel lymph node. As a result, several sentinel lymph node mapping techniques have been described for more accurate clinical staging of oncologic patients.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C treatment for mouse hind limb lymphatic revascularization.

Spontaneous lymphatic revascularization is a challenge and the establishment of new therapeutic strategies may improve life quality for patients suffering from lymphatic disorders. This study was designed to verify if VEGFC treatment improves lymphatic vascularization in a time-dependent manner in mouse hindlimb (HL) after resection of the inguinal lymph node. Lymphatic vascular density (Vv) and length (Lv) were evaluated by stereology after immunohistochemistry. The control Group (CG) was not manipulated but received saline instead of VEGFC treatment. The surgery Group (SG) had the left inguinal lymph node resected but did not received VEGFC treatment. VEGFC Treated Group (TG) had the node resected and received VEGFC treatment. VEGFC and VEGFR3 local expression were assessed by qPCR. There was an effect of time over Vv and Lv in the SG and significant difference between CG and SG in the regions studied (proximal, medium and distal regions) of the left HL (LHL). The Lv showed significant difference between CG and SG only in the medium region. The Vv and the Lv for TG were higher than the other groups. VEGFC and VEGFR3 gene expression presented time effect in all regions of the LHL for SG and TG. Both VEGFC and VEGFR3 gene expression presented significant difference between CG and SG, between SG and TG and between CG and TG. This study showed significant decrease in lymphatic vascularization in the left hindlimb of mice after surgical removal of the inguinal lymph node and adjacent lymphatic vessels. Exogenous VEGFC could recover lymphatic vascularization through stimulating neolymphangiogenesis.

Therapeutic impact of regional lymphadenectomy in canine stage II cutaneous mast cell tumours.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (cMCTs) is a well-known negative prognostic factor. The role of lymphadenectomy in the treatment of stage II disease remains controversial because of its uncertain therapeutic benefit. Aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the impact of lymphadenectomy on tumour control and survival for dogs with stage II cMCTs. Dogs with firstly occurring, histologically confirmed cMCT with LN metastasis undergoing resection of the primary tumour and medical treatment thereafter were retrospectively enrolled. Dogs were classified into two groups: LN sampling (LNS; diagnosis of metastasis obtained by cytology) and regional LN dissection (LND; diagnosis obtained by histopathology). To determine the therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy, the characteristics of recurrence (local, nodal and distant) and survival were compared between groups. Evaluated outcome variables included signalment, anatomic location, diameter, ulceration, substage, surgical margins, Patnaik grading, Kiupel grading and medical treatment. Overall, 152 dogs were included: 81 underwent LND as part of primary surgery and 71 LNS. The median follow-up time was 409 days for LND group and 620 days for LNS group. On univariable analysis, the risk of developing local, nodal or distant relapse was significantly higher in the LNS group compared with LND (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, the risk of tumour progression and tumour-related death were 5.47 and 3.61 times higher in the LNS group, respectively (P < 0.001). Regional lymphadenectomy may have therapeutic value and improve prognosis in dogs with stage II cMCTs undergoing surgical removal of the primary tumour and medical treatment.

The impact of extirpation of non-palpable/normal-sized regional lymph nodes on staging of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours: A multicentric retrospective study.

Metastasis to regional lymph nodes (RLNs) in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumour (cMCT) has been correlated with shortened survival time and higher risk of spread to distant sites. In the present study, extirpation of non-palpable or normal-sized RLNs was included in the surgical management of cMCT in dogs. Correlations between histological nodal status (HN0-3) and tumour variables were analysed. Ninety-three dogs with single cMCT without distant metastasis that underwent wide surgical excision of the primary tumour and extirpation of non-palpable or normal-sized RLN were included. The association between HN (HN0 vs HN > 0; HN0-1 vs HN2-3) and tumour variables (site, longest diameter, ulceration, 3-tier and 2-tier histological grades) was analysed by a generalized linear model with multinomial error. Then, 33 (35.5%) RLNs were HN0, 14 (15%) were HN1, 26 (28%) were HN2 and 20 (21.5%) were HN3. The presence of positive (HN > 0) RLN was significantly associated with cMCT larger than 3 cm. No other association was statistically significant. Non-palpable/normal-sized RLN in dogs with cMCT can harbour histologically detectable metastatic disease in nearly half of the cases. Extirpation of the RLN should always perfomed to obtain a correct staging of the disease, even in the absence of clinical suspicion of metastasis. Further studies should evaluate the possible therapeutical effect of the tumour burden reduction obtained by exrtipartion of a positive RLN.

Bilateral medial iliac lymph node excision by a ventral laparoscopic approach: technique description.

The aim of this study was to describe a ventral laparoscopic technique for bilateral medial iliac lymphadenectomy in dogs. Twelve intact male purpose-bred research dogs, weighing less than 15 kg, were positioned in dorsal recumbency, and a 3-portal technique was used. Bilateral dissection was performed with vessel-sealing devices while tilting the surgical table by up to 30° towards the contralateral side of the target medial iliac lymph node (MILN) without changing the surgeon's position. Using a ventral laparoscopic approach, bilateral MILNs were identified and excised in all dogs. The mean times for unilateral and bilateral MILN dissections were 9.7 ± 3.8 and 21.0 ± 6.0 min, respectively. The mean times for the right and left MILN dissections were 10.8 ± 4.3 and 9.8 ± 2.5 min, respectively. The mean total surgery time was 43.7 ± 7.7 min. In total, 26 MILNs were dissected. Several complications, including mild to moderate capillary hemorrhage from perinodal fat and vessels (controlled laparoscopically), mild spleen trauma caused by the first trocar insertion and capsular damage of MILNs, were observed. However, there were no other major complications. All MILN samples were evaluated and deemed suitable for histopathologic diagnosis. Laparoscopic excision of MILNs is a useful method of excisional biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis. Using this ventral laparoscopic approach with the 3-portal technique, bilateral MILN dissection suitable for obtaining histopathologic samples could be achieved in a short time in dogs weighing less than 15 kg.

Patterns of lymph node metastasis identified following bilateral mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy in 31 dogs with malignancies of the head.

Variable pathways of lymphatic drainage have been described in the dog head and neck. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the patterns of lymph node metastasis in dogs with malignancies of the head following bilateral mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy. Thirty-one dogs were included. Median age at surgery was 10 years (range: 5 months to 14 years) and mean bodyweight was 21.4 ± 11.9 kg. Lymph node metastasis occurred in 14 dogs (45%), with spread to mandibular lymph nodes in 14 dogs and medial retropharyngeal metastasis in 11 dogs. Eight of 13 dogs (62%) with lymphatic metastasis and a lateralised lesion showed contralateral dissemination, while 12/13 (92%) showed ipsilateral metastasis. Of 13 dogs with oral malignant melanoma, four showed metastasis to all four lymph centres. Contralateral metastasis may occur in dogs with malignancies of the head and should be considered during staging and management.

Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Para-Colonic, Left Colic, and Inferior Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques.

Unlike peripheral lymph nodes (PLN), the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) draining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are exposed to microbes and microbial products from the intestines and as such, are immunologically distinct. GI draining (MLN) have also been shown to be sites of early viral replication and likely impact early events that determine the course of HIV infection. They also are important reservoir sites that harbor latently-infected cells and from which the virus can emerge even after prolonged combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Changes in the microbial flora and increased permeability of the GI epithelium associated with lentiviral infection can impact the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and induce changes to secondary lymphoid organs limiting immune reconstitution with cART. Nonhuman primate models for AIDS closely model HIV infection in humans and serial sampling of the GALT and associated secondary lymphoid organs in this model is crucial to gain a better understanding of the critical early events in infection, pathogenesis, and the role of immune responses or drugs in controlling virus at these sites. However, current techniques to sample GI draining (MLN) involve major surgery and/or necropsy, which have, to date, limited the ability to investigate mechanisms mediating the initiation, persistence and control of infection in this compartment. Here, we describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique for serial sampling of these sites that can be used with increased sampling frequency, yields greater cell numbers and immune cell subsets than current non-invasive techniques of the GALT and reduces the potential for surgical complications that could complicate interpretation of the results. This procedure has potential to facilitate studies of pathogenesis and evaluation of preventive and treatment interventions, reducing sampling variables that can influence experimental results, and improving animal welfare.

Resection of mast cell tumor of the lip in a dog.

A 10-year-old Boston terrier dog was presented for treatment of a 2-cm mast cell tumor of the left upper lip and nasal planum immediately adjacent to the philtrum and ventral to the nares. CO2 laser was used for resection of the lesion. Wound reconstruction was performed using bilateral labial advancement flaps.

67Gallium citrate scintigraphy to assess metastatic spread in a dog with an oral melanoma.

Gallium scintigraphy was used to evaluate therapeutic response in a 10-year-old, male, Dutch sheepdog, suffering from an oral melanoma. Treatment was performed with a combination of carboplatin and hypofractionated radiation. Nineteen weeks after radiation therapy, the left submandibular lymph node was surgically removed because of metastatic disease. Thirty weeks after radiation therapy, 67Gallium scintigraphy was performed to assess for residual disease and metastasis. Increased uptake in the right submandibular lymph node area was noted and identified as a melanoma metastasis on cytology. Surgical excision was performed. Twenty-one weeks later, the dog was euthanased because of advanced pulmonary metastases. This report of a case of oral melanoma illustrates the advantages of 67Gallium scintigraphy in monitoring for the presence of metastatic disease and effectiveness of therapy.