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.

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.

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.

Mutations of the c-KIT gene in canine mast cell tumors and respective nodal metastases classified according to mast cell infiltration / Mutações no gene c-KIT em mastocitomas caninos e respectivas metástases nodais classificados segundo a infiltração de mastócitos

The molecular background of canine mast cell tumors (MCT) has been extensively investigated; however, the dynamic molecular changes that occur during carcinogenesis and metastasis are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of mutations in the c-KIT proto-oncogene in canine MCTs and relative draining regional lymph nodes. Suspected or confirmed lymph node metastasis was classified accordingly to the HN Weishaar classification. The study included 34 dogs diagnosed with MCT; 19 patients were enrolled prospectively. These dogs had the primary MCT and regional lymph node resected and analyzed simultaneously. The second group was evaluated retrospectively and included fifteen patients resectioning the primary MCT without evaluation of regional lymph node. Analyzes of c-KIT mutation were performed for all primary MCTs and, in the first group, compared between primary MCT and HN-classified metastasis. Internal tandem duplications (ITD) in exon 11 of the c-KIT gene were detected in 20% of patients. Ten of the nineteen patients (52%) in the first group presented mast cell infiltration in the regional lymph node, and ITD in exon 11 of the c-KIT gene was detected in five and two dogs from Groups 1 and 2, respectively. ITD c-KIT mutations are common in canine MCT and may be found in the draining lymph node metastases/mast cell infiltrates in the absence of mutation of the primary tumor. Evaluation of c-KIT mutation in the primary tumor and metastases may be informative for defining both prognosis and therapeutic options in MCT cases.

O perfil molecular do mastocitoma (MCT) tem sido bastante investigado, no entanto as dinâmicas moleculares que ocorrem durante a carcinogênese e metástase desta neoplasia não estão bem esclarecidas. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a incidência de mutações no proto-oncogene c-KIT em MCTs caninos e respectivos linfonodos regionais. Os casos suspeitos ou confirmados de metástase para os linfonodos, foram classificados de acordo com a classificação HN de Weishaar. O estudo incluiu 34 cães diagnosticados com MCT e, desses, 19 pacientes foram avaliados de maneira prospectiva, em que o tumor primário e o linfonodo regional foram ressecados e analisados simultaneamente. O segundo grupo foi avaliado retrospectivamente e incluiu quinze pacientes que tiveram ressecção do MCT primário sem avaliação de linfonodo regional. A análise da mutação c-KIT foi realizada para todos os MCTs primários e, no primeiro grupo, comparados entre MCT primário e metástase classificada pelo sistema HN. Duplicações internas em tandem (DIT), no exon 11 do gene c-KIT, foram detectadas em um total de 20% dos pacientes. Dez dos dezenove pacientes (52%) do primeiro grupo apresentavam infiltração de mastócitos no linfonodo regional, e DIT no exon 11 do gene c-KIT foram identificadas em cinco e dois cães dos Grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Mutações do tipo DIT no gene c-KIT são comuns no MCT canino e podem estar presentes nas metástases/infiltrados de mastócitos na ausência de mutação do tumor primário. A avaliação da mutação no gene c-KIT no tumor primário e metástases pode ser informativa para definir tanto o prognóstico quanto as opções terapêuticas em casos de MCT.

Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...(AU)

Physiological responses of dogs to different housing systems

Background: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis undergoes adaptations throughout housing system that mightcontribute to the avoidance of adverse effects of welfare status in dogs housed in a shelter. Nevertheless, the influence ofhousing systems and stabling time on glucose and PCV changes is little known. The purpose of the present study was toevaluate the patterns of cortisol, glucose and PCV in dogs housed in a kennel and normal environments, evaluating thedifferences between housing systems, by taking into account the different stabling time and sex.Materials, Methods & Results: The study comprised 98 cross-breed dogs, aged 4 ± 1.5 years, lodged in a kennel (observational group I: N=61, 29 females and 27 males), in paired household dogs (control group II: N=25, 13 females and 12males) and in unpaired household dogs (control group III: N=12, 6 females and 6 males). Females of both groups werespayed. The subjects were studied on the basis of different stabling times, ranged among <1 year, 2 years and 4 years, anddifferent sex.Discussion: This observational study showed that kennelled males lodged for 2 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.001) years showedlower cortisol concentrations than males lodged <1 year; males lodged for <1 year (P < 0.001) showed higher cortisol concentrations than females; males lodged for 4 year showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than females. Kennelledfemales lodged for 4 year showed higher PCV values (P < 0.001) than females lodged for <1 year. Paired and unpairedhousehold females and males lodged for 4 years showed lower cortisol concentrations (P < 0.01) than 2 years and <1 year.Paired and unpaired household females and males lodged for short-, medium- and long-term times showed higher glucoseconcentrations (P < 0.001) than kennelled dogs. This study showed significant changes of circulating cortisol, glucoseand PCV...

Clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and genetic factors associated with measurable response of high-risk canine mast cell tumours to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

The aim of the present prospective-retrospective study was to evaluate the response of high-risk canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and to correlate this with prognostic factors. A total of 24 dogs presented with macroscopic cutaneous MCTs at disease stage II or III, and therefore, at high-risk of associated mortality, were included in the study and treated with masitinib (n=20) or toceranib (n=4). A total of 12/24 dogs achieved an objective response and the overall survival (OS) for all subjects was 113 days. Dogs responding to treatment had a significant increase in OS compared to non-responders (146.5 days vs. 47 days, P=0.02). Internal tandem duplications in exon 11 of the c-kit gene were identified in 6/24 cases. Ki67, KIT immunolabelling and c-kit mutation did not provide information regarding prognosis or prediction of response to TKIs in this population. Initial response to TKIs appears to be the most reliable prognostic factor for survival duration.

[ABO hemolytic disease and developing of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns: early predictive factors]. / Enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO y desarrollo de ictericia grave en recién nacidos de término: factores predictivos precoces.

UNLABELLED: Early hospital discharge has increased the risk of severe jaundice in term neonates with ABO incompatibility and hemolytic disease. AIMS: a) To identify predictive factors of severe hyperbilirubinemia (requiring phototherapy) in the first week of life; b) to determine the serum unconjugated bilirubin (UB) level cutoff at 24-36 hours that better predicts severe hyperbilirubinemia. METHOD: After parental consent was obtained, lab tests were measured at 24-36 hours, 3rd, 4-5th, 6-7th days of life. Predictive capacity of the serum UB level was assessed through the ROC curve analysis and estimation of the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of different serum UB level cut-offs. RESULTS: ABO incompatibility was identified in 172 (13.6%) of 1.263 healthy term newborns; 126 babies were included, 28 of them (22%) developed severe hyperbilirubinemia; 46 were excluded (33 did not grant consent, 11 were lost to follow up and 2 received NICU's care). These last had higher UB level at 24-36 hours than those that did not develop the condition during the first week of life. A serum UB value of 8.75 mg% at 24-36 hours showed the best performance: sensitivity 78%, specificity 83%, positive predicted value 45% and negative 95%. CONCLUSIONS: Serum UB at 24-36 hours of life might contribute to identify those term newborns with ABO incompatibility that have the highest risk of developing severe jaundice.

Enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO y desarrollo de ictericia grave en recién nacidos detérmino: factores predictivos precoces / ABO hemolytic disease and developing of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns: early predictive factors

Introducción. El alta hospitalaria precoz ha incrementado el riesgo de desarrollar ictericia grave en recién nacidos de término (RNT) con enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO. Objetivos. a) Identificar factores que permitan predecir el desarrollo de ictericia grave (que requiere fototerapia), en la primera semana de vida; b) analizar la capacidad predictiva de la bilirrubina indirecta(BI) determinada entre las 24 y 36 h para predecir el desarrollo de ictericia grave entre el 2º y el 7º días de vida. Material y métodos. Posterior al consentimiento informado, se realizaron determinaciones de laboratorio entre las 24 y 36 h, 3º, 4º-5º y 6º-7º días de vida. La capacidad predictiva de la BI entre las 24 y 36 h se evaluó mediante el análisis de la curva de eficacia diagnóstica (ROC) y la determinación de la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN) de distintos valores límite de BI. Resultados. Ciento setenta y dos (172) de 1.263 RNT (13,6 pr ciento) presentaron incompatibilidad ABO. Se incluyeron 126 niños, de los cuales 28 (22 por ciento) presentaron ictericia grave. Estos últimos presentaron valores de BI entre las 24 y 36 h más elevados que aquellos RNT que no desarrollaron ictericia grave. Se excluyeron 46 niños (33 sin consentimiento, 11 controles incompletos y 2 por razones clínicas). Un valor de BI ≥8,75 mg por ciento entre las 24 y 36 h fue el punto de corte que presentó la menor tasa de clasificación incorrecta: sensibilidad 78 por ciento, especificidad 83%, VPP45% y VPN 95%. Conclusiones. La BI entre las 24 y 36 h de vida, contribuiría a identificar a los recién nacidos a término con incompatibilidad ABO que presentan un riesgo mayor de presentar ictericia grave entre el 2º y el 7º días de vida.

Enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO y desarrollo de ictericia grave en recién nacidos detérmino: factores predictivos precoces / ABO hemolytic disease and developing of significant hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns: early predictive factors

Introducción. El alta hospitalaria precoz ha incrementado el riesgo de desarrollar ictericia grave en recién nacidos de término (RNT) con enfermedad hemolítica por incompatibilidad ABO. Objetivos. a) Identificar factores que permitan predecir el desarrollo de ictericia grave (que requiere fototerapia), en la primera semana de vida; b) analizar la capacidad predictiva de la bilirrubina indirecta(BI) determinada entre las 24 y 36 h para predecir el desarrollo de ictericia grave entre el 2º y el 7º días de vida. Material y métodos. Posterior al consentimiento informado, se realizaron determinaciones de laboratorio entre las 24 y 36 h, 3º, 4º-5º y 6º-7º días de vida. La capacidad predictiva de la BI entre las 24 y 36 h se evaluó mediante el