Preoperative autologous blood donation and transfusion in dogs undergoing elective surgical oncology procedures with high risk of hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To describe preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) and transfusion in dogs undergoing elective surgical oncology procedures with a high risk of intraoperative hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Twelve dogs. METHODS: Dogs undergoing surgical oncology procedures associated with a high risk of hemorrhage were enrolled. Blood was collected a minimum of 6 days before surgery and separated into fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and packed red blood cells (pRBC). Dogs received FFP at the start of surgery and pRBC intraoperatively when hemorrhage ensued. The mean packed cell volume/total solids (PCV/TS) were calculated on the day of PABD preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 24 hours after transfusion. The dogs were monitored for transfusion-related adverse reactions, including hyperthermia, hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, or tachypnea/dyspnea. RESULTS: Dogs enrolled in the study underwent mandibulectomy, maxillectomy, chest wall resection, and liver lobectomy. Ten of the 12 dogs that underwent PABD received autologous transfusion at first signs of hemorrhage intraoperatively. Iatrogenic anemia was noted in two dogs (PCV 30% and 31%). The mean PCV/TS levels on the day of blood collection, preoperatively, immediately postoperatively (after transfusion), and 24 hours posttransfusion were 45.1%/7.1 g/dL, 42.2%/6.73 g/dL, 33.2%/5.42 g/dL, and 36.5%/5.65 g/dL, respectively. No dog developed transfusion-related complications. CONCLUSION: Preoperative autologous blood donation was well tolerated and led to uneventful autologous transfusion in 10 of 12 dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Preoperative autologous blood donation and autologous transfusion are feasible for dogs undergoing elective surgical procedures with a high risk of hemorrhage.

Survival time of juvenile dogs with oral squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery alone: A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the signalment, staging, surgical treatment, and survival time of juvenile dogs treated surgically for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-five dogs, <2 years of age with OSCC treated with surgery. METHODS: Cases were solicited from the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology. Data retrieved included sex, breed, age, weight, clinical signs, tumor location, preoperative diagnostics and staging, histopathological diagnosis with margin evaluation, disease-free interval, and date and cause of death. A minimum follow-up time of 3 months was required for inclusion. RESULTS: Eighteen dogs were <12 months of age, and seven were <24 months. Various breeds were represented, with a mean body weight of 22.3 ± 14.4 kg. No dogs had evidence of metastatic disease prior to surgery. All dogs underwent partial maxillectomy or mandibulectomy. Histological margins were complete in 24 dogs and incomplete in one. No dogs had evidence of metastatic disease or tumor recurrence. The median follow-up time was 1556 days (92 to 4234 days). All dogs were alive at the last follow-up except for one documented death, due to dilated cardiomyopathy. Median disease-specific survival time was not reached. CONCLUSION: The prognosis after wide surgical excision of OSCC in juvenile dogs was excellent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: OSCC in juvenile dogs can be effectively treated with surgery alone.

Iliectomy with limb preservation for a dog with ilial osteosarcoma: Surgical description and case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical technique for iliectomy and outcome in a single clinical case. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: A 10-year-old female spayed Rottweiler. METHODS: A dog presented with left pelvic limb lameness due to a mass involving the left ilium. Fine needle aspirates were indicative of a sarcoma and suspicious for osteosarcoma. Computed tomography of thorax, abdomen, and pelvis was performed as well as skeletal scintigraphy, with no evidence of metastasis seen. The dog underwent iliectomy with preservation of the ipsilateral limb and was ambulatory 24 hours after surgery. Results of histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an osteosarcoma. RESULTS: A right ischial fracture was noted 8 days postoperatively and was conservatively managed. Local recurrence was reported 385 days postoperatively, with no overt metastatic disease revealed by computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen. The dog was euthanized because of local recurrence 430 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Iliectomy was well tolerated in this dog and afforded good function of the pelvic limbs. Local recurrence developed with no evidence of metastasis at the last follow-up. Iliectomy can be considered for a mass confined to the ilium when preservation of the limb is desired. Additional studies are required to determine the local recurrence and complication rates associated with this procedure in dogs with axial skeletal osteosarcoma. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this case report represents the fist surgical description and clinical outcome for an iliectomy in dogs.

Interventions and experience after complicated total cystectomy in a dog with transitional cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report surgical and postoperative management of complicated total cystectomy in a dog with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: One male neutered Shetland sheepdog. METHODS: The dog was presented after a 1-month history of stranguria, unresponsive to oral antibiotic therapy. A craniodorsal bladder mass was identified by computed tomography (CT), and partial cystectomy was performed with 1-cm gross lateral margins (day 1). Results of histopathology provided evidence for a diagnosis of TCC, and the dog was treated with adjuvant mitoxantrone. The dog presented with uroperitoneum on day 67 after recurrence and spontaneous perforation. Total cystectomy and ureterourethral anastomosis were performed. Ureteral obstruction developed after removal of catheters that had been placed intraoperatively. Surgical revision included resection of the anastomosis site, bilateral ureteral stenting, and transection and reorientation of the distal urethra to facilitate tension-free closure. Postoperative leakage was managed with bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement. RESULTS: The dog was discharged on day 88. Adjuvant treatment with vinblastine was pursued. Local recurrence was noted at day 154. Subcutaneous ureteral bypass was performed on day 247 to manage repeat obstruction. Repeated urinary tract infections were subsequently encountered. The dog was euthanized on day 368 because of abdominal discomfort and inappetence, with evidence of progressive urethral, ureteric, and abdominal wall TCC. CONCLUSION: Complicated cystectomy can be managed to provide survival comparable to previous reports regarding total cystectomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nephrostomy tube placement, ureteral stenting, and subcutaneous ureteral bypass may be considered to manage complicated cystectomy. Preemptive stenting or urinary diversion may help prevent complications.

Outcomes of eight cats with oral neoplasia treated with radical mandibulectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes after radical mandibulectomy in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eight cats were included. METHODS: Medical records were searched for cats with confirmed oral neoplasia treated with radical mandibulectomy. Data collected included demographics, surgical procedure, histopathological diagnosis, postoperative management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Ages ranged from 8 to 17 years. All cats had 75% to 90% of the mandible removed and feeding tubes placed. Seven cats had squamous cell carcinoma, and one cat had a giant cell tumor. Six cats ate on their own postoperatively. Three cats had local recurrence and tumor-related died at 136 and 291 days. Six cats had no recurrence, with survival times of 156, 465, 608, and 1023 days, and two cats were still alive at 316 and 461 days after surgery. The three long-term survivors died of causes unrelated to oral neoplasia. One cat died at 156 days due to aspiration of food material. The overall estimated mean survival time was 712 days. CONCLUSION: After radical mandibulectomy, independent food intake was achieved in 6 of eight cats, and four cats lived longer than one year. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Radical mandibulectomy should be considered for the treatment of extensive oral neoplasia in cats. Successful long-term outcomes are possible with aggressive supportive care perioperatively.

Influence of speaker's gender on speaker introductions at the 2018 ACVS Surgical Summit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether formality of introduction differed between male vs female speakers at the 2018 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) scientific meeting and identify other variables that predisposed introducers or chairs to informal introduction. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirteen session chairs introducing 68 lectures (41 by females, 27 by males) by 63 speakers. METHODS: Observers recorded the session introducer, speaker, and whether speakers were introduced with a formal or informal title. Information evaluated included type of oral presentation; introducer gender, year, and country of graduation from veterinary school; speaker gender; whether the speaker was a resident; and speaker's year of graduation. RESULTS: Female speakers were introduced by their first name in 9 of 41 introductions compared to in 1 of 27 introductions for male speakers. This difference reached statistical significance when data independence was assumed (P = .043); however, this significance was narrowly lost when data clustering on session introducer was controlled for (P = .067). CONCLUSION: In this study, female speakers were more likely than male speakers to be introduced by their first and last names rather than with their professional title at a recent ACVS scientific meeting. IMPACT: Additional research is required to determine the effect of this type of subordinate language and gender bias in veterinary surgery.

Osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia in a dog 6 years after tibial tuberosity advancement.

A 9-year-old spayed female Cane Corso dog was presented with a 1-week history of an acute right hind limb non-weight-bearing lameness. Six years previously, a right tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure had been performed. Orthogonal radiographs of the right pelvic limb taken before presentation revealed a comminuted displaced mid-diaphyseal tibial fracture. An aggressive bone lesion with osteolysis and periosteal reaction of the proximal tibia were evident that were most consistent with a primary bone tumor. The owner elected to have the dog euthanized. After euthanasia a fine-needle aspirate of the right proximal tibia was submitted for clinical pathology. Cytology and alkaline phosphatase staining of the fine-needle aspirate were consistent with osteosarcoma. Key clinical message: To the authors' knowledge, this is only the second reported case of osteosarcoma at the site of a TTA. Implantassociated osteosarcoma has been associated with tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and fracture repair.

Une femelle Cane Corso stérilisée âgée de 9 ans fut présentée avec une histoire d'une boiterie sans appui de la patte arrière droite apparue de manière aiguë depuis 1 semaine. Six ans auparavant, une chirurgie d'avancement de la tubérosité tibiale droite (TTA) avait été réalisée. Des radiographies orthogonales du membre pelvien droit prises avant la présentation ont révélé une fracture comminutive déplacée du tibia au niveau mi-diaphysaire. Une lésion osseuse agressive avec ostéolyse et réaction du périoste du tibia proximal étaient évidentes et considérées compatibles avec une tumeur osseuse primaire. Le propriétaire opta pour l'euthanasie du chien. À la suite de l'euthanasie une aspiration à l'aiguille fine du tibia proximal droit fut soumise pour examen en pathologie clinique. La cytologie et une coloration à la phosphatase alcaline de l'aspiration à l'aiguille fine étaient compatibles avec un ostéosarcome.Message clinique clé :À la connaissance de l'auteur, ceci est seulement le deuxième cas rapporté d'un ostéosarcome au site d'une TTA. Les ostéosarcomes associés aux implants ont été associés avec l'ostéotome de nivellement du plateau tibial (TPLO) et la réparation de fracture.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Laparoscopic access to the liver and application of laparoscopic microwave ablation in 2 dogs with liver neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine laparoscopic accessibility of liver lobes and access to the hilus and describe laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMWA) in 2 dogs with hepatic neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental/descriptive case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six canine cadavers and 2 clinical dogs. METHODS: Cadavers in dorsal recumbency underwent laparoscopic assessment of the liver. A 17 gauge MWA probe was inserted to create an ablation zone at the most proximal aspect of the hilus. The distance from the center of each ablation zone to the most proximal aspect of the corresponding hilus was determined. Two dogs with hepatic neoplasia underwent LMWA. RESULTS: All lobes of the canine liver were accessible via laparoscopy. The median (interquartile range) distances from the ablation zones to the hilus for the caudate process, left lateral, left middle, quadrate, right lateral, and right middle lobes were 2.2 (1.2-2.6), 2.1 (1-4.4), 1.5 (1.4-3.7), 2, 1, 2.5 (1-4.1) cm, respectively. Histopathologic diagnoses treated by LMWA included metastatic hemangiosarcoma and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Laparoscopic microwave ablation was technically feasible, and no complications from the procedure resulted. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic access to the hilus of each liver lobe is possible via a ventrodorsal approach provided reverse Trendelenburg and lateral rotation is used, especially for the right lateral lobe. Laparoscopic microwave ablation is feasible in some dogs with hepatic neoplasia. The indications for and efficacy of LMWA for hepatic neoplasia in dogs requires additional investigation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laparoscopic access to all liver lobes and MWA of some neoplastic lesions is feasible in a canine pilot study.

Perioperative morbidity and mortality in dogs with invasive adrenal neoplasms treated by adrenalectomy and cavotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the morbidity and mortality associated with adrenalectomy with cavotomy for resection of invasive adrenal neoplasms in dogs and evaluate risk factors for perioperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs that underwent open adrenalectomy with cavotomy for resection of adrenal masses with tumor thrombus extending into the vena cava were included. Clinicopathologic data were harvested from medical records. Selected clinical, imaging, and operative variables were statistically evaluated as risk factors for packed red blood cell transfusion, nephrectomy, perioperative death, and overall survival. RESULTS: Thirty-six of 45 masses were pheochromocytomas, 7 were adrenocortical carcinomas, and 2 were unknown type. Caval thrombus terminated prehepatically in 21 of 45 dogs and extended beyond the porta hepatis but terminated prediaphragmatically (intrahepatic prediaphragmatic location) in 15 dogs and thrombi extended postdiaphragmatically in 5 dogs. Thirty-four (76%) dogs were discharged from the hospital, and 11 (24%) dogs died or were euthanized prior to discharge. Median overall survival time for all 45 dogs was 547 days (95%CI 146-710). Bodyweight, tumor type, and size and extent of caval thrombus did not affect survival to discharge, but postdiaphragmatic (rather than prediaphragmatic) thrombus termination was associated with a greater risk of death. CONCLUSION: Long-term survival was common in dogs that survived the perioperative period. Postdiaphragmatic thrombus extension affected the prognosis for overall survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Findings of this study help to stratify operative risk in dogs with adrenal neoplasia and caval invasion.

Perioperative characteristics, histological diagnosis, and outcome in cats undergoing surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To report perioperative characteristics, complications, histopathologic diagnosis and outcome in cats undergoing surgical treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records of cats treated with surgical removal of 1 or more parathyroid gland(s) with confirmed histopathologic evaluation were reviewed. Cats were divided into preoperative ionized calcium (iCa) groups corresponding to the 33rd, 67th, and 100th percentiles of the preoperative iCa results of the study population. Follow-up consisted of phone conversation with owners or primary veterinarian. RESULTS: Ionized calcium was above reference range in all cats (median 1.8 mmol/L [interquartile range, 1.5-1.9]). Abnormal tissue was excised after cervical exploration in all cats. The most common histopathologic diagnoses were parathyroid adenoma in 20 of 32 (62.5%) cats and parathyroid carcinoma in 7 of 32 (21.9%) cats. At discharge, 6 of 32 (18.8%) cats had hypercalcemia, 5 of 32 (15.6%) had hypocalcemia, and 21 of 32 (65.6%) were normocalcemic. Preoperative iCa did not correlate with postoperative iCa. The median follow-up time was 332 days (range, 7-3156). Overall median survival time was 1109 days (95% CI, 856-1332). Survival time was not associated with preoperative iCa group, hypocalcemia at discharge, hypercalcemia at discharge, or diagnosis of carcinoma. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of cats, parathyroid adenoma was the most common cause of PHPT, and surgical treatment resulted in very good median survival time. Preoperative iCa was not predictive of postoperative hypocalcemia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical parathyroidectomy for treatment of PHPT in cats provides a favorable prognosis.

Limb-shortening limb salvage (LSLS) in a cat with metatarsal osteosarcoma.

The objective of this report was to document a successful partial limb amputation surgery in a cat with metatarsal osteosarcoma (OSA) including the use of pad grafts from the amputated foot. Limb shortening of the hindlimb through a partial amputation resulted in excellent limb function and usage. The patient retained functional use of the limb after surgery, with no lameness. There was no evidence of metastasis or local recurrence seen 323 days post-surgery. Limb shortening partial amputation is a reasonable option and can result in excellent limb use after surgery despite a significant loss in limb length.

Intervention pour raccourcir et sauver un membre chez un chat atteint d'un ostéosarcome métatarsien. L'objectif du présent rapport consistait à documenter une chirurgie d'amputation partielle réussie chez un chat atteint d'un ostéosarcome métatarsien y compris l'usage de greffes des coussinets du pied amputé. Le raccourcissement du membre postérieur par une amputation partielle a donné d'excellents résultats pour la fonction et l'usage du membre. Le patient a conservé l'usage fonctionnel du membre après la chirurgie, sans boiterie. Il n'y avait aucun signe de métastase ni de récurrence locale lors d'un examen 323 jours après la chirurgie. L'amputation partielle et le raccourcissement du membre sont une option raisonnable et peuvent produire une excellente utilisation du membre après la chirurgie malgré une perte importante de la longueur du membre.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Limb shortening as a strategy for limb sparing treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma of the distal radius in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and report a novel limb sparing technique for the distal radius in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: A 14-year-old, female spayed Labrador Retriever with an osteosarcoma of the right distal radius and a pathological fracture. A previous mast cell tumor had been treated 5 years prior to presentation with marginal excision and a full-course radiation over the right metacarpal bones. The dog had received 2 doses of palliative radiation just prior to presentation. METHODS: A standard resection of the distal radius was used as a strategy to salvage the limb. Instead of replacing the 6-cm bone defect with an endoprosthesis, the limb was acutely shortened and a carpal arthrodesis plate was applied. RESULTS: Postoperative function was good and limb shortening was well-tolerated. Radiographic evidence of early bone healing was noted at the osteotomy site. The dog experienced 3 postoperative complications: a focal area of skin necrosis managed successfully via surgical revision; infection resolving after long-term antibiotherapy; and a fracture of the third metacarpal bone through a screw hole, managed via screw removal and a custom external prosthesis. The patient was euthanatized due to presumptive chemotherapy complications 127 days after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Limb shortening limb salvage is technically feasible and can result in excellent limb use postoperatively, in spite of a significant loss in limb length.

Primary appendicular hemangiosarcoma and telangiectatic osteosarcoma in 70 dogs: A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To define and compare clinical characteristics of canine primary appendicular hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and telangiectatic osteosarcoma (tOSA), including signalment, presentation, response to treatment, and prognosis. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventy dogs with primary appendicular HSA or tOSA. METHODS: Patient data were obtained from institutions' medical records. Immunohistochemistry was applied to archived tissues to establish tumor type. Patient characteristics, treatment responses, and outcomes were described and compared by tumor type. RESULTS: Forty-one HSA and 29 tOSA were identified. Dogs with HSA were more likely than dogs with tOSA to be male and have hind limb tumors; 78% of HSA occurred in hind limbs, particularly the tibia. Dogs with tOSA weighed a median of 9.9 kg (95% CI 4.6-15.3) more than dogs with HSA. Most dogs received antineoplastic treatment, predominantly amputation with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall survival with local treatment and chemotherapy was 299 days (95% CI 123-750) for HSA and 213 days (95% CI 77-310) for tOSA. Younger age and more aggressive treatment were associated with longer survival in dogs with HSA but not tOSA. One-year survival rates did not differ between dogs with HSA (28%) and those with tOSA (7%). CONCLUSION: Distinct clinical features were identified between HSA and tOSA in this population. Both tumors were aggressive, with a high incidence of pulmonary metastases. However, local treatment combined with chemotherapy led to an average survival 7 months for tOSA and 10 months for HSA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: HSA should be considered as a differential in dogs with aggressive lytic bone lesions, particularly medium-sized dogs with tibial lesions. HSA has a unique clinical presentation but similar therapeutic response and outcome to OSA. Amputation and chemotherapy appear to prolong survival in some dogs with HSA and tOSA.

Fracture-associated osteosarcoma of the femur in a cat.

This report describes a domestic shorthair cat with fracture-associated osteosarcoma 11 years after injury. A left hind limb amputation was performed using coxofemoral disarticulation. No intravenous cytotoxic chemotherapy was used after surgery. Pulmonary metastasis was identified 3 months after amputation. Fracture-associated osteosarcoma may occur in the cat more than 10 years after initial injury.

Ostéosarcome du fémur associé à une fracture chez un chat. Ce rapport décrit un chat commun domestique atteint d'un ostéosarcome associé à une fracture 11 ans après la blessure. Une amputation du membre arrière gauche a été réalisée à l'aide de la désarticulation coxofémorale. Aucune chimiothérapie cytotoxique intraveineuse n'a été utilisée après la chirurgie. La métastase pulmonaire a été identifiée 3 mois après l'amputation. Un ostéosarcome associé à une fracture peut se produire chez le chat plus de 10 ans après la blessure initiale.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Sartorius muscle flap for body wall reconstruction: Surgical technique description and retrospective case series.

The objectives of this study were to describe the sartorius muscle flap for body wall reconstruction, including description of the anatomy and surgical technique and to report its clinical application for abdominal wall reconstruction in dogs and cats. The descriptive report involves a retrospective case series for 2 dogs and 3 cats. Inclusion criteria were cats or dogs that had a tumor resection resulting in an abdominal wall defect that was reconstructed using an ipsilateral or contralateral sartorius muscle flap. Signalment, pre-operative clinical signs, location and tumor extent, diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology findings, surgical methods, and complications were recorded. Abdominal wall defect reconstructions using the sartorius muscle flap were successfully performed in all 5 patients with good return to function. All complications were minor and were successfully medically managed. This case series demonstrates that the sartorius muscle flap is a feasible option for the closure of large caudal abdominal wall defects.

Rabat du muscle sartorius pour la reconstruction de la paroi du corps: description de la technique chirurgicale et série de cas rétrospectifs. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de décrire le rabat du muscle sartorius pour la reconstruction de la paroi du corps, y compris la description de l'anatomie et de la technique chirurgicale et de faire rapport sur son application clinique pour la reconstruction de la paroi abdominale des chiens et des chats. Le rapport descriptif porte sur une série de cas rétrospectifs pour 2 chiens et 3 chats. Les critères d'inclusion étaient des chats ou des chiens ayant subi une résection de tumeur qui avait produit un défaut de la paroi abdominale qui avait été reconstruite à l'aide d'un rabat du muscle sartorius ipsilatéral ou contralatéral. Le signalement, les signes cliniques avant l'opération, l'emplacement et l'étendue de la tumeur, les résultats de l'imagerie diagnostique et de la pathologie clinique, les méthodes chirurgicales et les complications ont été consignés. Les reconstructions du défaut de la paroi abdominale en utilisant le rabat du muscle sartorius ont été réalisées avec succès chez les 5 patients avec un bon retour de fonction. Toutes les complications étaient mineures et ont été médicalement gérées avec succès. Cette série de cas démontre que le rabat du muscle sartorius représente une option possible pour la fermeture de larges défauts de la paroi abdominale caudale.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Video-assisted microwave ablation for the treatment of a metastatic lung lesion in a dog with appendicular osteosarcoma and hypertrophic osteopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe video-assisted microwave ablation (VAMA) for the treatment of a metastatic lung lesion secondary to right forelimb osteosarcoma in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: A 10-year-old female spayed mixed breed dog with a metastatic lung lesion secondary to appendicular osteosarcoma. METHODS: An osteosarcoma of the right distal scapula and proximal humerus that was suspected to be a radiation-induced osteosarcoma was treated with limb amputation and carboplatin chemotherapy. The patient developed pulmonary metastatic lesions and hypertrophic osteopathy (HO). VAMA of a metastatic lesion in the right caudal lung lobe was performed 227 days after amputation. The procedure was performed without complication. RESULTS: Follow-up information with the referring veterinarian 40 days after VAMA indicated that the patient was stable and that the clinical signs of HO had resolved. Thoracic radiographs taken by the referring veterinarian (RDVM) at monthly intervals showed that the previously treated metastatic lesion was stable. At 134 days from VAMA, the patient presented to the RDVM for lethargy and dyspnea and was transferred to an emergency clinic. The patient arrested and died 136 days from the VAMA procedure while hospitalized. A postmortem was not performed. CONCLUSION: VAMA for pulmonary metastatic lesions is technically feasible and allows for the treatment of symptoms associated with HO and minimally invasive management of pulmonary metastases in the case reported.

Outcome and complications in dogs with appendicular primary bone tumors treated with stereotactic radiotherapy and concurrent surgical stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: To document the outcome of dogs with appendicular primary bone tumors treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and concurrent stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Eighteen dogs with presumptive or definitive diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with appendicular primary bone tumors treated with SRT and stabilization were reviewed for signalment, preoperative staging and diagnostics, radiation dose, stabilization method, and outcome. RESULTS: The distal radius was affected in 13/18 cases. Osteosarcoma or sarcoma was confirmed cytologically or histologically in 15/18 cases. Seven dogs were diagnosed with a pathological fracture at the time of treatment, and 11 were considered at high risk for pathological fracture. Dogs received a single dose (n = 5) or 3 doses (n = 13) of SRT. Surgical stabilization was performed under the same anesthetic event as the final dose of SRT in 10 dogs. Stabilization was achieved with a bone plate (n = 15) or interlocking nail (n = 3). Seventeen dogs received adjuvant chemotherapy. Complications occurred in 16/17 dogs, 15/17 of those being considered major complications. Four dogs experienced more than one complication. Infection was the most common complication, diagnosed in 15/17 cases, and considered as a major complication in 13/15 cases. Postoperative fracture was recorded as a major complication in 3 cases. Nine dogs were amputated at a median of 152 days. The median survival time was 344 days. CONCLUSION: Treatment of bone tumors with SRT and concurrent stabilization was associated with a prohibitively high complication rate in dogs. Alternative methods for limb salvage should be considered for dogs at risk for pathologic fracture.

Retrospective Evaluation of Whole Body Computed Tomography for Tumor Staging in Dogs with Primary Appendicular Osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whole body computed tomography (CT) for staging canine appendicular osteosarcoma. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma (n=39). METHODS: Medical records for client-owned dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma from August 2008 to July 2014 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a confirmed diagnosis of appendicular osteosarcoma and were staged using whole body CT. Data collected included signalment, body weight, primary tumor location, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, findings on 3-view thoracic radiographs, cytologic or histologic results, and findings on CT. RESULTS: Thirty-nine dogs (median age 8.5 years; median body weight 37 kg) had osteosarcoma of the distal radius (n=17), proximal humerus (11) and other sites. Serum ALP activity was elevated in 14 dogs. Bone metastasis was not detected in any dog on whole body CT. Pulmonary metastasis was considered definitive on CT based on board certified radiologist assessment in 2/39 dogs (5%). Two additional dogs (2/39, 5%) had soft tissue masses diagnosed on CT, consistent with concurrent, non-metastatic malignancies. CONCLUSION: Bone metastases were not identified in any dog with whole body CT. Thoracic and abdominal CT detected lung lesions and concurrent neoplasia in dogs with primary appendicular osteosarcoma. Whole body CT may be a useful adjunct to other screening tests for disseminated malignancy.

Comparison of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius adherence to 2 canine limb salvage endoprosthesis implants.

The objective of our study was to compare adhesion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) to stainless steel (SS) and to tantalum (TA) canine limb salvage endoprosthesis implants in an in vitro experimental study. The median of the mean log10 colony forming units/mL for adherent MRSP was 4.96 (range: 4.63 to 6.33) for the TA endoprosthesis and 4.31 (range: 3.86 to 5.05) for the SS endoprosthesis (P = 0.009). Although the trabecular and porous design of the TA endoprosthesis provides mechanical benefits over the SS endoprosthesis, it may increase the risk of developing infection due to higher levels of bacterial adherence.

Comparaison de l'adhérence deStaphylococcus pseudintermediusrésistant à la méthicilline à deux implants d'endoprothèse pour sauver des membres canins. L'objectif de notre étude consistait à comparer l'adhésion de Staphylococcus pseudintermedius résistant à la méthicilline (MRSP) à des implants d'endoprothèse en acier inoxydable (AI) et en tantale (TA) pour sauver des membres canins lors d'une étude expérimentale in vitro. La médiane des moyennes en log10 des unités formatrices de colonies/mL pour le MRSP adhérent était de 4,96 (écart : de 4,63 à 6,33) pour l'endoprothèse TA et 4,31 (écart : de 3,86 à 5,05) pour l'endoprothèse d'AI (P = 0,009). Même si la conception trabéculaire et poreuse de l'endoprothèse de TA offre des avantages mécaniques par rapport à l'endoprothèse d'AI, elle peut accroître le risque de développer une infection en raison des taux supérieurs d'adhérence bactérienne.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Outcomes of Limb-Sparing Surgery Using Two Generations of Metal Endoprosthesis in 45 Dogs With Distal Radial Osteosarcoma. A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma (OSA) treated with metal endoprosthesis limb-sparing surgery and compare outcomes between 2 generations of endoprosthesis. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Forty-five dogs with distal radial OSA treated with endoprosthesis and chemotherapy. METHODS: Data of dogs treated with either first-generation endoprosthesis (GEN1) or second-generation endoprosthesis (GEN2) were sourced from medical records and radiographs. Surgical outcomes included postoperative lameness assessment and the presence, severity, and time to onset of complications. Oncologic outcomes included presence of local recurrence or metastasis, time to onset of local recurrence, metastasis-free interval (MFI), and survival time. Results for surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between GEN1 and GEN2. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dogs received GEN1 and 17 dogs received GEN2. There were 39 complications (96%, 14 minor, 29 major) including infection (78%), implant-related complication (36%), and local recurrence (24%). Metastatic frequency was 67% and median MFI was 188 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 126-250 days). Survival time ranged from 34 days to 6.1 years with a median of 289 days (95% CI: 207-371 days). There was no significant difference in complication severity, frequency, time to complication, MFI, or survival time between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in outcomes between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2 for limb-sparing surgery of the radius. Metastatic frequency and survival time for metal endoprosthesis were similar to that of amputation with curative intent chemotherapy.