Comparison of serum tryptase as a diagnostic oncological marker in canine versus human mast cell neoplasms.

Canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) are a promising translational model for human mast cell neoplasms with striking similarities such as the Darier's sign and mutations in the KIT gene. Whereas mast cell neoplasms are rare in humans, MCTs are the most frequent malignant neoplasms of the skin in dogs. In human systemic mastocytosis, serum tryptase is an important diagnostic criterion. Surprisingly, serum tryptase levels were not yet investigated in dogs with MCTs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether serum tryptase levels in dogs with cutaneous MCTs were elevated compared to those of a non-MCT control group. As a secondary aim, it was investigated whether surgical manipulation caused an increase in serum tryptase in canine MCT patients. A total of 48 serum samples were collected from dogs with different grades of cutaneous MCTs (n = 24) and non-MCT controls (n = 24). In dogs with cutaneous MCTs, blood was collected prior to and within 1 h after surgery. Serum tryptase levels were measured using a commercially available canine-specific ELISA kit. No significant difference in serum tryptase levels was found between cutaneous MCT patients and non-MCT controls, nor in these levels before versus after surgery. Our findings in canine cutaneous MCTs are in accordance with human cutaneous mastocytosis, where serum tryptase levels tend to remain within the normal range. However, despite various similarities between aggressive mast cell tumors in dogs and humans, serum tryptase cannot be considered a diagnostic biomarker in dogs with cutaneous MCTs as part of a comparative oncologic strategy.

A Feasibility Study on the Use of Equine Chondrogenic Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Treatment for Natural Occurring Osteoarthritis in Dogs.

Conventional treatments of osteoarthritis (OA) reduce pain and the inflammatory response but do not repair the damaged cartilage. Xenogeneic peripheral blood-derived equine chondrogenically induced mesenchymal stem cells (ciMSC) could thus provide an interesting alternative. Six client-owned dogs with confirmed elbow OA were subjected to a baseline orthopedic examination, pressure plate analysis, general clinical examination, hematological analysis, synovial fluid sampling, and radiographic examination, and their owners completed two surveys. After all examinations, a 0.9% saline solution (placebo control product = CP) was administered intra-articularly. After 6 weeks, all examinations were repeated, owners again completed two surveys, and equine ciMSCs were administered in the same joint. After another 6 weeks, dogs were returned for a final follow-up. No serious adverse events or suspected adverse drug reactions were present during this study. No significant differences in blood analysis were noted between the CP and ciMSC treatment. Two adverse events were observed, both in the same dog, one after CP treatment and one after ciMSC treatment. The owner surveys revealed significantly less pain and lameness after ciMSC treatment compared to after CP treatment. There was no significant difference in the orthopedic examination parameters, the radiographic examination, synovial fluid sampling, and pressure plate analysis between CP treatment and ciMSC treatment. A single intra-articular administration of equine ciMSCs proved to be a well-tolerated treatment, which reduced lameness and pain according to the owner's evaluations compared to a placebo treatment.

Negative pressure wound therapy using polyvinyl alcohol foam to bolster full-thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam to bolster full-thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 8). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Full-thickness mesh skin graft was directly covered with PVA foam. NPWT was maintained for 5 days (in 1 or 2 cycles). Grafts were evaluated on days 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 for graft appearance and graft take, granulation tissue formation, and complications. RESULTS: Firm attachment of the graft to the recipient bed was accomplished in 7 dogs with granulation tissue quickly filling the mesh holes, and graft take considered excellent. One dog had bandage complications after cessation of the NPWT, causing partial graft loss. The PVA foam did not adhere to the graft or damage the surrounding skin. CONCLUSION: The application of NPWT with a PVA foam after full-thickness mesh skin grafting in dogs provides an effective method for securing skin grafts, with good graft acceptance. PVA foam can be used as a primary dressing for skin grafts, obviating the need for other interposing materials to protect the graft and the surrounding skin.

Surgical repair of a congenital sternal cleft in a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of an incomplete cleft of the 5th-8th sternebra and a cranioventral abdominal wall hernia in a 2 month old Ragdoll kitten and to evaluate the short- and long-term outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Ragdoll cat (n = 1), 2 months old. METHODS: Sternal cleft was confirmed by thoracic radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) was used to plan an optimal surgical approach. A ventral median incision was made, starting at the 3rd sternebra and extended into the abdomen. Ostectomy of the proximal part of the 5th left sternebra was performed. Lateral periosteal flaps were created, unfolded, and absorbable monofilament sutures preplaced to facilitate closure and the repair was reinforced by 2 peristernal sutures. A bone graft was applied, and the free margin of the omentum was sutured to the cranial aspect of the wound. RESULTS: No major complications occurred. At 3 weeks, CT scan confirmed approximation of the hemisternebrae and at 10 months, complete fusion of the hemisternebrae had not occurred, but a strong connection of the sternal bars was present. CONCLUSION: Sternal cleft is a rare congenital abnormality that can be corrected surgically with favorable outcome.

Papular cutaneous lesions in a cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis.

A 7-month-old-intact male domestic shorthair cat was presented with fever, anterior uveitis in the right eye and respiratory distress when handled. These signs along with mild changes in serum protein levels and the exclusion of other potential causes were suggestive of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). As the disease progressed, more clinical signs consistent with FIP, including renal involvement and later pleural effusion, became evident. Non-pruritic cutaneous lesions, characterized by slightly raised intradermal papules over the dorsal neck and over both lateral thoracic walls, were recognized at the end stage of the disease. The identification of papules in well-haired skin was difficult, and clipping of the fur facilitated their detection. Definitive diagnosis of FIP was made by histopathology and by immunohistochemical demonstration of coronavirus antigen in macrophages within kidney and skin lesions. The case was classified as a mixed form of FIP. Recognition of associated cutaneous lesions may facilitate a diagnosis of FIP in suspicious cases.