Computed tomographic staging of dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the CT appearance of anal sac adenocarcinoma lesions in a population of dogs including the relations between primary tumour, and locoregional and distant metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of dogs with confirmed anal sac adenocarcinoma and available CT images of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. RESULTS: A population of 70 dogs were included in the study. No association was found between anal sac mass size and presence or absence of iliosacral lymph node enlargement. The prevalence of local metastatic disease characterised by iliosacral lymphadenomegaly in this study was 71%, with pulmonary metastases identified in 11% of cases. There were no cases of distant pulmonary metastasis without concurrent locoregional lymphadenomegaly. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In our population of dogs local metastatic spread of anal sac adenocarcinoma was common, with a relatively low prevalence of pulmonary metastasis. The study demonstrates the importance of thorough rectal examination and/or imaging to assess the iliosacral lymph centre in this disease irrespective of the size of the anal sac mass.

A retrospective study of feline trauma patients admitted to a referral centre.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic information and provide recommendations for management of feline trauma patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records for 185 cats presented as emergency trauma cases to a referral hospital between February 2009 and December 2013. Each case was assigned a severity score from 1 (very minor injuries) to 6 (moribund, dying). The data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman's rank correlation tests. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios. RESULTS: Out of 185 cats, 22 (11%) did not survive to discharge. Those presenting with a higher severity score had a higher rate of mortality and a longer period of hospitalisation. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of trauma (104/185) and had the highest mortality and complication rates. Cats with circulatory shock and multiple injuries were identified as having a higher rate of mortality. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cats involved in road traffic accidents and that present with signs of shock or multiple injuries following a traumatic event have an increased mortality rate. Cats with a higher severity score had an increased duration of hospitalisation.