Search

Simple Summary: This study analyzes the risk and prognostic factors, treatment modality and outcome of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome that were encountered in a single veterinary teaching hospital. Information about patient anamnesis, treatment and follow up were collected from the management software and clinical charts. The main findings range from the prevalence of the syndrome in different breeds to surgical techniques, perioperative complications and survival. While the results about age, weight, preexisting pathologies and mortality are comparable with those of previous studies, the findings about prognostic factors, such as lactate concentration and splenectomy are not aligned. Moreover, a shift in the surgical techniques and in the medical protocols during the years was noted. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome is a life-threatening emergency and its physiopathology and treatment have been studied for decades. Despite ongoing research, the mortality rate is still high. The aims of this study are to describe the treatment and outcome of GDV patients treated from 2011 to 2024 at the veterinary teaching hospital of Grugliasco (Turin, Italy); to analyze risk and prognostic factors, comparing the obtained data with current literature; and to evaluate how patients' management has changed over the years. The study included 130 dogs with a confirmed GDV diagnosis that underwent surgery. The data were extracted from the digital and hardcopy clinical record, combined with the imaging diagnostic software and an interview submitted to the dogs' owners. The analysis showed the predominance (25.38%) of German Shepherd dogs, as well as of males (59.25%); among the latter, intact dogs were most represented (53.1%). Age between 5–10 years was most frequent in the examined population (54.69%). The surgical technique went through changes during the examined period: the belt loop has been abandoned in favor of the incisional gastropexy. The survival rate of GDV surgically treated dogs was 86.4%. Lactate blood concentration and splenectomy were not assessed as relevant prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Patnaik grade 2/Kiupel low-grade (G2/LG) represent the majority of diagnosed canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs), with a reported incidence of 53.6–57.6%. It has been reported that a variable percentage of dogs (3–17%) with G2/LG die from tumor-related causes; therefore, it could be hypothesized that a subset of G2/LG tumors could manifest an aggressive behavior. Ki67 and mitotic count (MC) are the two most investigated proliferation markers in cMCTs. However, different Ki67 cut-offs have been proposed by previous studies, and have always been assessed in cMCTs of different histological grade in heterogeneous canine populations; moreover, the lymph nodes' (LNs) metastatic status has never been included. This retrospective study investigated the usefulness of the Ki67 index in predicting cMCT behavior in a homogeneous cohort of G2/LG with HN2 LNs. Thirty-nine dogs with primary G2/LG cMCTs and HN2 LNs treated with surgery alone were enrolled. The results of the present study report that all dogs treated with surgery alone had a good prognosis; no local, nodal or distant metastasis occurred in the timespan considered, and the Ki67 index did not have prognostic impact. Several studies evaluating Ki67 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) have reported its prognostic value when tumors of all histological grades are included. This study aims to evaluate whether the Ki67 index has a predictive value in a homogeneous cohort of G2/LG cMCTs with HN2 lymph nodes (LNs) and to describe the clinical outcome. The second goal was to explore the correlation between the Ki67 index and MC. The medical databases of three institutions were retrospectively searched for dogs undergoing surgical treatment for cMCT and LN extirpation, with a histological diagnosis of G2/LG with HN2 LNs. Information about histological margins, MC, Ki67 index, local recurrence, nodal relapse, distant metastasis, de novo cMCT occurrence and date and cause of death were included. A total of 39 cases were identified. None of these developed local and nodal relapse or metastatic distant disease. Median MC was 1 (0–2). Median Ki67 index was 3.5 (0.7–14.3). Ki67 and MC were not significantly correlated. At the end of the study, 32 (82%) dogs were alive, 7 (18%) dogs were dead from unrelated causes and 4 (10.2%) dogs were lost to follow-up. The median ST was not reached, and the mean was 893 days (104–2241 days). Considering the strict inclusion criteria, dogs affected by G2/LG with HN2 LNs treated with surgery alone may have a good oncologic outcome; the Ki67 index does not have prognostic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that the regional lymph node (RLN) may not correspond to the sentinel lymph node (SLN) (the first lymph node draining the tumour), and many diagnostic techniques have recently been aimed at its detection. Although lymphoscintigraphy is the gold standard in both human and veterinary medicine for SLN mapping, it is relatively unavailable in veterinary medicine due to costs and difficult management of the radiotracer. This prospective study evaluated, as a first aim, the feasibility and sensitivity of the computed tomography lymphography (CTL) in detecting the SLN in 62 mast cell tumours (MCTs). The second aim was to evaluate the accuracy of the CTL in identifying the most representative lymph node of the patient's lymphatic status; the histological status of the SNL was compared with that of the RLN, to see in how many cases the patient's stage would have changed according to the RLN. When the RLN turned out to be also the SLN it was decided to excise, as a control LN, the one localised in the neighbourhood of the MCT (neighbouring lymph node; NLN). The detection rate was 90%, with failure of SLN identification in six cases. In 18 (32%) of 56 MCTs with a diagnostic CTL, the SLN did not correspond to the RLN. Forty‐five MCTs were surgically removed, together with their corresponding SLN and RLN/NLN. Since the clinical stage of the patient would have changed in only 7% of cases, CTL is a reliable method of detecting the SLN and, for staging purposes, there is no need to remove other LNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A salivary mucocele is the most common disorder affecting the salivary glands. Saliva leakage from the salivary gland parenchyma and/or from associated duct damage causes a chronic inflammatory process which can occasionally result in osseous metaplasia. Dogs having an ossified sialocele present with a hard, non-fluctuating mass containing a viscous, sticky liquid at centesis. Either radiography or computed tomography can confirm the thick bone-like wall pseudocyst. Surgical excision of both the pseudocyst and the affected salivary gland represents the therapeutic gold standard in these cases. The aim of this study was to report the clinical and diagnostic findings, surgical management and histopathologic report of three cases of cervical sialocele complicated by pseudocapsule osseous metaplasia. Saliva is an irritant of the subcutaneous tissue, thus causing the development of a non-epithelial reactive pseudocapsule. Metaplastic ossification of the pseudocapsule is a condition rarely described in the veterinary literature. The main causes of calcification are trauma, tumours, various chronic inflammatory conditions and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The aim of the present case series was to describe three dogs affected by a calcified salivary mucocele. The medical records of dogs affected by a cervical sialocele were retrospectively evaluated, and three cases met the inclusion criteria. All the dogs in this study were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin (Turin, Italy) for a large solid mass in the intermandibular region. The diagnosis of a mucocele was confirmed clinically by centesis and by radiography or CT. Complete excision of both the pseudocyst and the ipsilateral mandibular/monostomatic sublingual salivary gland was performed in all cases. The histological report showed large areas of bone metaplasia within the pseudocapsule and chronic sialadenitis. Based on this limited case series, complete excision of the pseudocyst and a concurrent sialoadenectomy provided an effective treatment for this rare salivary mucocele disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Local control of intramuscular sarcomas of the limbs may include limb amputation or marginal excision plus radiotherapy. In human medicine, compartmental excision for local control of muscular sarcomas has been widely reported. This procedure is effective when a specific tissue, such as the fascia, acts as a barrier to the neoplastic invasion. The barriers define a compartment, i.e., an anatomo-functional region having the same origin. The aim of this study was to describe this surgical procedure in three dogs affected by intramuscular sarcomas with no signs of fascial invasion at imaging. No major complications were observed in any of the patients, and all experienced a rapid recovery. Tumours treated via compartmental surgery were: chondrosarcoma, a perivascular wall tumour and a hemangiosarcoma. Accurate preoperative tumour staging, including advanced imaging techniques, are necessary in order to perform this procedure successfully. Compartmental excision consists of the complete resection of an anatomic district in which specific structures act as a barrier to local tumour invasion. It is a well-established procedure in human medicine, while only a few reports are available in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe complete muscle resection in 3 dogs affected by different intramuscular sarcomas. The clinical outcome was also reported. Medical records were searched, including preoperative diagnostic findings, compartmental excision, histologic diagnosis, and outcome. Three dogs fit the inclusion criteria, which had a sarcoma confined to a single muscular belly (semitendinosus, biceps, and splenius capitis muscles). Complete excision of the affected muscle was performed in all cases. One dog showed moderate lameness in the immediate postoperative period, resulting from the dorsal lifting of the scapula due to serratus ventralis tenotomy performed to remove the caudal insertion of the splenius capitis muscle. All the dogs recovered fully within one month, experiencing good clinical function. Histopathology showed complete tumour removal with no neoplastic fascial disruption in all cases. Compartmental excision provides effective local tumour control, representing an alternative to limb amputation or more radical excision if adjuvant radiotherapy is not an option for owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Large canine pelvic masses, even though benign, can seriously affect dogs' lives, causing problems regarding defecation and urination, and sometimes complete rectal and/or urethral obstruction. Many of these patients are euthanized owing to their poor clinical condition as a result of chronic compression or because their disease is erroneously considered untreatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical data of dogs with intra-pelvic benign or well-differentiated malignant masses referred to the Torino Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and treated surgically. Clinical signs, diagnostic approach, surgical procedures and outcome were evaluated. The majority of the dogs recovered uneventfully from surgery in a couple of days, with rapid resolution of the severe preoperative clinical signs. All the dogs experienced long survival with no disease recurrence or progression, even in the well-differentiated malignant tumors. Clinical findings, especially those obtained using digital rectal and vaginal exploration are mandatory for assessing the presence of the tumor and its relationship to the other pelvic structures. Currently, in the authors' opinion, preoperative computed tomography (CT) is also highly recommended, even if this procedure was not performed in 4 out of the 11 dogs. Dogs with benign intra-pelvic rectal or vaginal masses show symptoms indicating compression on the adjacent organs. Clinical signs usually develop late when the lesion is large enough to interfere functionally. The dogs were referred for severe fecal and/or urinary tenesmus. The data collected included signalment, clinical signs, results of physical examination, pre-surgical diagnostic tests, surgical technique used, surgical complications and histological findings. Digital rectal and vaginal examination allowed the detection of a mass occupying space in the pelvic cavity in all patients. Abdominal ultrasonography and/or total body computed tomography (CT) were used to better characterize the lesion and to exclude a metastatic spread of the tumor in case of malignancy. A dorsal approach to the rectum, a dorsal episiotomy, a midline celiotomy, and a combined perineal and abdominal approach were performed to remove the mass. No postoperative complications were observed. Benign and well-differentiated malignant mesenchymal neoplasms were histologically diagnosed. As a consequence of the chronic urethral compression caused by the mass, urinary incontinence and/or urinary retention were observed for a few postoperative days. Fecal tenesmus resolved in all cases in the immediate postoperative period. The dogs' quality of life quickly improved after surgery, especially considering the serious and life-threatening pre-surgical clinical conditions. Both the recovery time after surgery and overall survival were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Nodal metastasis is a negative prognostic factor in dogs with mast cell tumours (MCTs), thus early detection enables more informed decision‐making and provides valuable prognostic information. The aim of this study is to assess the concordance between histopathologic findings of LNs and cytology and flow cytometry (FC), respectively, and to evaluate the ability of FC to differentiate between metastatic (HN2–HN3) and non‐metastatic (HN0–HN1) LNs. Overall, 117 LNs from 64 dogs with first occurring MCTs were submitted for cytology, histology and FC. LNs were cytologically and histologically classified according to Krick and Weishaar systems, respectively. Using FC, mast cells (MCs) were identified as IgE+ CD117+ CD5− CD21− cells and quantified as a percentage. When compared with histologic classification, cytology showed an accuracy of 88.2% in distinguishing between metastatic and non‐metastatic LNs but did not detect 25.3% of metastatic cases. FC revealed an increase in the median percentages of MCs across histologic classes, progressing from HN0 to HN3. ROC curves pinpointed 0.3% as the optimal cut‐off for distinguishing between metastatic and non‐metastatic LNs, with an accuracy of 84.3%. A 1.1% cut‐off proved valuable in identifying HN3 LNs. The combined interpretation of cytology and FC increased accuracy to 92.2%. An algorithm for guiding the combined interpretation of cytology and FC is suggested based on these findings. In conclusion, FC proves beneficial in enhancing the early detection of metastatic LNs, particularly when utilised alongside cytology. Histopathology remains essential for confirmation, enabling the discrimination of HN classes or, in doubtful cases, for the detection or exclusion of nodal metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]