Meningioma intracraniano em cão - tratamento com radioterapia / Intracranial meningioma in a dog - treatment with radiotherapy

Background: The most common primary brain neoplasm is meningioma. Dolichocephalic breeds are predisposed and there is no sexual predilection. Clinical signs depend on the location and size of the tumor and have a progressive course. Primary treatement includes surgery, radiotherapy or both. This study aimed to describe the treatment of a dog with suspected intracranial meningioma with definitive radiotherapy, which resulted in significant clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Case: A 9-year-old Shetland Shepherd bitch was diagnosed with a head tilt to the left side that progressed over a few weeks. She previously received corticosteroid therapy, which resulted a clinical improvement that worsened after treatment was discontinued. Computed tomography revealed an extra-axial brain mass in the caudal fossa, lateralized to the right, welldelimited, and measuring approximately 1.5 × 1.4 × 1.7 cm, suggestive of intracranial meningioma. The patient was treated with radiotherapy using Cobalt-60 equipment, with 18 daily fractions of 2.5 Gy at a total dose of 45 Gy using parallel and opposite technique fields. A new tomography performed 30 days after treatment showed a remission of 85% of the initial brain mass measuring approximately 0.9 × 1.0 × 0.5 cm, as well as complete resolution of the clinical signs initially presented. After 14 months, the patient presented with signs of lethargy and ataxia and was medicated with hydroxyurea at a dose of 50 mg/kg 3 times a week and corticosteroid therapy. However, the patient's neurological condition deteriorated, and she was subjected to reirradiation using the same protocol used previously, which resulted in clinical improvement and a 54% reduction in tumor volume on magnetic resonance. As a late side effect, only permanent alopecia in the irradiated region was observed. The patient died of disease 330 days after the second course of radiotherapy, with a total survival time of 1087 days. Discussion: Meningiomas are extra-axial neoplasms of the central nervous system that grow inside the dura mater. The literature shows that meningiomas are more common in dolichocephalic races with a mean age of 9 years, which supports our findings. Meningiomas most commonly affect the cortical thalamus and cerebellopontine region in dogs, which are normally associated with vestibular symptoms, as seen in this case. Diencephalic damage can result in vestibular signals since the thalamus functions as a relay station for vestibular afferent stimuli that are relayed to the cerebral cortex. In addition to the vestibular syndrome, common clinical signs associated with meningiomas in dogs include seizures, behavioral changes, and walking in circles, which are frequently misinterpreted due to tumor-induced side effects, such as cerebral edema, obstructive hydrocephalus, and cerebral hernia. Advanced imaging techniques should be used to diagnose intracranial neoplasms. In this case, computed tomography was critical for diagnosis and treatment planning. Meningioma treatment may comprise palliative measures, surgery, and radiotherapy. Radiotherapy as a single treatment can improve the quality of life with a decrease in clinical signs and a median survival time of approximately 250-536 days, as reported in the literature. Hydroxyurea can be a therapeutic option in inoperable cases and for patients with clinical limitations to undergo successive anesthesia during radiotherapy. Its most serious side effect is progressive myelosuppression. It can cause temporary partial tumor remission and improvement in clinical signs. As previously stated, radiotherapy can be an effective primary treatment option for treating intracranial meningiomas in dogs, with significant improvement in neurological clinical signs and mild side effects.

Esporotricose felina: um relato de caso de disseminação cutânea e sistêmica em gato negativo para FIV e FeLV / Feline sporotrichosis: a case report of cutaneous and systemic dissemination in cat negative for FIV and FeLV

A esporotricose é uma zoonose causada por fungos do gênero Sporothrix. Os gatos doentes têm importante potencial zoonótico e frequentemente revelam uma apresentação disseminada da doença. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever as características clínicas e anatomopatológicas de um caso de esporotricose felina refratária ao tratamento com apresentação clínica cutânea disseminada e sistêmica. Um felino macho de 3 anos de idade foi tratado para esporotricose com itraconazol e obteve resolução completa das lesões cutâneas. Porém, um ano após alta clínica, o animal apresentou aumento e ulceração da região nasal. Após cultura fúngica positiva para Sporothrix spp foi instituído tratamento com itraconazol 100mg associado ao iodeto de potássio 20mg por via oral diariamente e transcorrido 3 meses de tratamento, foi observada piora progressiva do sinais clínicos com disseminação de lesões para outras regiões do corpo. O animal foi submetido à eutanásia e encaminhado para necrópsia no Serviço de Anatomia Patológica da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Amostras da língua, pulmão, fígado, baço, rim, cérebro, linfonodo e pele foram coletadas para evidência de disseminação do agente fúngico e avaliação de alterações microscópicas. A coloração de metenamina de prata de Grocott foi utilizada para facilitar a visualização de leveduras sugestivas de Sporothrix spp

Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Sick cats have an significant zoonotic potential and often show a widespread presentation of the disease. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical and anatomopathological characteristics of a case of feline sporotrichosis refractory to treatment with disseminated and systemic cutaneous clinical presentation. A 3-year-old male feline was treated for sporotrichosis with itraconazole and achieved complete resolution of the skin lesions. However, one year after clinical discharge, the animal presented an increase and ulceration of the nasal region. After a positive fungal culture for Sporothrix spp, treatment with itraconazole 100mg associated with potassium iodide 20mg was instituted orally daily and after 3 months of treatment, a progressive worsening of the symptoms was observed with the spread of lesions to other regions of the body. The animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy at the Pathological Anatomy Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Universidade Federal Fluminense. Samples of the tongue, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lymph node, and skin were collected for evidence of spread of the fungal agent and evaluation of microscopic changes. Grocott silver methenamine staining was used to facilitate the visualization of yeasts suggestive of Sporothrix spp in histological sections. Yeasts were visualized in samples of skin, tongue, lymph node, kidney, liver, spleen, and brain. In the present report, the spread of Sporothrix spp to different organs signals the need for a thorough investigation of severe cases of feline sporotrichosis for the proper treatment.

Esporotricose felina: um relato de caso de disseminação cutânea e sistêmica em gato negativo para FIV e FeLV / Feline sporotrichosis: a case report of cutaneous and systemic dissemination in cat negative for FIV and FeLV

A esporotricose é uma zoonose causada por fungos do gênero Sporothrix. Os gatos doentes têm importante potencial zoonótico e frequentemente revelam uma apresentação disseminada da doença. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever as características clínicas e anatomopatológicas de um caso de esporotricose felina refratária ao tratamento com apresentação clínica cutânea disseminada e sistêmica. Um felino macho de 3 anos de idade foi tratado para esporotricose com itraconazol e obteve resolução completa das lesões cutâneas. Porém, um ano após alta clínica, o animal apresentou aumento e ulceração da região nasal. Após cultura fúngica positiva para Sporothrix spp foi instituído tratamento com itraconazol 100mg associado ao iodeto de potássio 20mg por via oral diariamente e transcorrido 3 meses de tratamento, foi observada piora progressiva do sinais clínicos com disseminação de lesões para outras regiões do corpo. O animal foi submetido à eutanásia e encaminhado para necrópsia no Serviço de Anatomia Patológica da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Amostras da língua, pulmão, fígado, baço, rim, cérebro, linfonodo e pele foram coletadas para evidência de disseminação do agente fúngico e avaliação de alterações microscópicas. A coloração de metenamina de prata de Grocott foi utilizada para facilitar a visualização de leveduras sugestivas de Sporothrix spp nos cortes histológicos. Leveduras foram visualizadas em amostras de pele, língua, linfonodo, rim, fígado, baço e cérebro. No presente relato a disseminação do Sporothrixspp para diversos órgãos sinaliza a necessidade de uma minuciosa investigação dos casos graves de esporotricose felina para o tratamento adequado.

Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Sick cats have an significant zoonotic potential and often show a widespread presentation of the disease. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical and anatomopathological characteristics of a case of feline sporotrichosis refractory to treatment with disseminated and systemic cutaneous clinical presentation. A 3-year-old male feline was treated for sporotrichosis with itraconazole and achieved complete resolution of the skin lesions. However, one year after clinical discharge, the animal presented an increase and ulceration of the nasal region. After a positive fungal culture for Sporothrix spp, treatment with itraconazole 100mg associated with potassium iodide 20mg was instituted orally daily and after 3 months of treatment, a progressive worsening of the symptoms was observed with the spread of lesions to other regions of the body. The animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy at the Pathological Anatomy Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Universidade Federal Fluminense. Samples of the tongue, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lymph node, and skin were collected for evidence of spread of the fungal agent and evaluation of microscopic changes. Grocott silver methenamine staining was used to facilitate the visualization of yeasts suggestive of Sporothrix spp in histological sections. Yeasts were visualized in samples of skin, tongue, lymph node, kidney, liver, spleen, and brain. In the present report, the spread of Sporothrix spp to different organs signals the need for a thorough investigation of severe cases of feline sporotrichosis for the proper treatment.

Occurrence of oral cavity neoplasms in canines attended at the oncology service of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (2011 to 2017) / Ocorrência de neoplasias em cavidade oral em caninos atendidos no serviço de oncologia da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (2011 a2017)

The oral cavity is among the main sites of neoplasia, both benign and malignant. Those with characteristics of malignancy have an unfavorable prognosis due to their biological behavior and diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. Epidemiological data are important to profile the affected population and establish an early treatment strategy, optimizing treatment and increasing the chances of cure and quality of life. The objective of this study was to present the clinical epidemiological aspects of dogs treated with neoplasms in the oral cavity at the Oncology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro between the years 2011 and 2017 through a retrospective study of all the medical records of the respective service. The epidemiological data extracted from the archives showed that out of 2832 cases of neoplasms treated in the oncology sector over a 7-year interval (2011 to 2017), 176 animals (6.21%) were affected by oral cavity neoplasms. The dogs without a defined breed were the most affected, the main site affected was the maxilla and melanoma was the most prevalent neoplasm.(AU)

A cavidade oral figura entre os principais sítios de acometimento por neoplasias, tanto benignas quanto malignas. Aquelas que possuem características de malignidade têm o prognóstico desfavorável pelo seu comportamento biológico e pela dificuldade diagnóstica e terapêutica. Os dados epidemiológicos são importantes para se traçar um perfil da população acometida e estabelecer uma estratégia de tratamento precoce otimizando o tratamento e aumentando as chances de cura e a qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar os aspectos clínicos epidemiológicos dos cães atendidos com neoplasias na cavidade oral no Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro entre os anos de 2011 e 2017 por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de todos os prontuários do referido serviço. Os dados epidemiológicos extraídos dos arquivos evidenciaram que dos 2832 casos de neoplasias atendidos no setor de oncologia em um intervalo de 7 anos (2011 a 2017), as neoplasias da cavidade oral acometeram 176 animais (6,21%). Os cães sem raça definida foram os mais acometidos, o principal local acometido foi a maxila e o melanoma foi a neoplasia mais prevalente.(AU)

Esporotricose felina: um relato de caso de disseminação cutânea e sistêmica em gato negativo para FIV e FeLV / Feline sporotrichosis: a case report of cutaneous and systemic dissemination in cat negative for FIV and FeLV

A esporotricose é uma zoonose causada por fungos do gênero Sporothrix. Os gatos doentes têm importante potencial zoonótico e frequentemente revelam uma apresentação disseminada da doença. O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever as características clínicas e anatomopatológicas de um caso de esporotricose felina refratária ao tratamento com apresentação clínica cutânea disseminada e sistêmica. Um felino macho de 3 anos de idade foi tratado para esporotricose com itraconazol e obteve resolução completa das lesões cutâneas. Porém, um ano após alta clínica, o animal apresentou aumento e ulceração da região nasal. Após cultura fúngica positiva para Sporothrix spp foi instituído tratamento com itraconazol 100mg associado ao iodeto de potássio 20mg por via oral diariamente e transcorrido 3 meses de tratamento, foi observada piora progressiva do sinais clínicos com disseminação de lesões para outras regiões do corpo. O animal foi submetido à eutanásia e encaminhado para necrópsia no Serviço de Anatomia Patológica da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Fluminense. Amostras da língua, pulmão, fígado, baço, rim, cérebro, linfonodo e pele foram coletadas para evidência de disseminação do agente fúngico e avaliação de alterações microscópicas. A coloração de metenamina de prata de Grocott foi utilizada para facilitar a visualização de leveduras sugestivas de Sporothrix spp(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Sick cats have an significant zoonotic potential and often show a widespread presentation of the disease. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical and anatomopathological characteristics of a case of feline sporotrichosis refractory to treatment with disseminated and systemic cutaneous clinical presentation. A 3-year-old male feline was treated for sporotrichosis with itraconazole and achieved complete resolution of the skin lesions. However, one year after clinical discharge, the animal presented an increase and ulceration of the nasal region. After a positive fungal culture for Sporothrix spp, treatment with itraconazole 100mg associated with potassium iodide 20mg was instituted orally daily and after 3 months of treatment, a progressive worsening of the symptoms was observed with the spread of lesions to other regions of the body. The animal was euthanized and sent for necropsy at the Pathological Anatomy Service of the Veterinary Faculty of Universidade Federal Fluminense. Samples of the tongue, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, brain, lymph node, and skin were collected for evidence of spread of the fungal agent and evaluation of microscopic changes. Grocott silver methenamine staining was used to facilitate the visualization of yeasts suggestive of Sporothrix spp in histological sections. Yeasts were visualized in samples of skin, tongue, lymph node, kidney, liver, spleen, and brain. In the present report, the spread of Sporothrix spp to different organs signals the need for a thorough investigation of severe cases of feline sporotrichosis for the proper treatment.(AU)

Occurrence of oral cavity neoplasms in canines attended at the oncology service of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (2011 to 2017) / Ocorrência de neoplasias em cavidade oral em caninos atendidos no serviço de oncologia da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (2011 a2017)

The oral cavity is among the main sites of neoplasia, both benign and malignant. Those with characteristics of malignancy have an unfavorable prognosis due to their biological behavior and diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. Epidemiological data are important to profile the affected population and establish an early treatment strategy, optimizing treatment and increasing the chances of cure and quality of life. The objective of this study was to present the clinical epidemiological aspects of dogs treated with neoplasms in the oral cavity at the Oncology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro between the years 2011 and 2017 through a retrospective study of all the medical records of the respective service. The epidemiological data extracted from the archives showed that out of 2832 cases of neoplasms treated in the oncology sector over a 7-year interval (2011 to 2017), 176 animals (6.21%) were affected by oral cavity neoplasms. The dogs without a defined breed were the most affected, the main site affected was the maxilla and melanoma was the most prevalent neoplasm.

A cavidade oral figura entre os principais sítios de acometimento por neoplasias, tanto benignas quanto malignas. Aquelas que possuem características de malignidade têm o prognóstico desfavorável pelo seu comportamento biológico e pela dificuldade diagnóstica e terapêutica. Os dados epidemiológicos são importantes para se traçar um perfil da população acometida e estabelecer uma estratégia de tratamento precoce otimizando o tratamento e aumentando as chances de cura e a qualidade de vida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar os aspectos clínicos epidemiológicos dos cães atendidos com neoplasias na cavidade oral no Serviço de Oncologia do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro entre os anos de 2011 e 2017 por meio de um estudo retrospectivo de todos os prontuários do referido serviço. Os dados epidemiológicos extraídos dos arquivos evidenciaram que dos 2832 casos de neoplasias atendidos no setor de oncologia em um intervalo de 7 anos (2011 a 2017), as neoplasias da cavidade oral acometeram 176 animais (6,21%). Os cães sem raça definida foram os mais acometidos, o principal local acometido foi a maxila e o melanoma foi a neoplasia mais prevalente.

Radiation therapy for oral melanoma in dogs: a retrospective study / A utilização da radioterapia no melanoma oral de cães: Estudo retrospectivo

Our retrospective study evaluated the survival of 24 dogs with unresectable malignant melanoma treated with radiation therapy. Fifteen dogs were treated with radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), five with surgery followed by RT and CT, three with palliative RT, and one with electrochemotherapy associated with RT. All dogs were treated with an orthovoltage Stabilipan I. The protocol used was three or four weekly fractions of 8 Gy. Carboplatin was administered every 21 days, a total of four times. Five percent of dogs were classified as having stage I melanoma, 17% as stage II, 50% as stage III, and 17% as stage IV. Sixty-four percent had a partial response to treatment, 29% achieved complete remission, and 7% remained in a stable disease state. The mean survival time was 390 days for stage I, 286 days for stage II, 159 days for stage III, and 90 days for stage IV. We concluded that radiation therapy can be considered a viable alternative for the palliative treatment of canine oral melanoma.(AU)

O estudo retrospectivo analisou a sobrevida de 24 cães com melanomas irressecáveis tratados com radioterapia (RT). Quinze animais foram tratados com RT e quimioterapia (QT), 5 animais com cirurgia citoredutiva seguida por RT e QT, 3 animais com RT paliativa apenas e 1 animal com RT associada a 1 sessão de eletroquimioterapia. Os animais foram tratados com um equipamento de ortovoltagem Stabilipan I, e o protocolo foi de três a quatro frações semanais de 8 Gy. A quimioterapia consistiu de carboplatina administrada a cada 21 dias em um total de 4 aplicações. Apenas um animal (4%) foi classificado em estadio I, enquanto quatro (17%) estavam no estadio II, doze (50%) estavam no estadio III e quatro (29%) estavam no estadio IV. De maneira geral, 64% dos cães apresentaram resposta parcial, 29% remissão completa e 7% doença estável. O tempo médio de sobrevida foi de 390 dias no estádio I, 286 dias no estádio II, 159 dias no estádio III e 90 dias no estádio IV. A radioterapia deve ser considerada pelo clínico veterinário como alternativa para o tratamento de melanoma oral canino.(AU)

Clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings of gastrointestinal disorders in cats

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders are common in cats, and the differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic disease is essential to determine therapy. Therefore, ultrasonographic evaluation is an important tool for intestinal diagnosis in cats. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological characteristics of cats with intestinal diseases.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty cats with gastrointestinal clinical signs and abdominal ultrasound findings consistent with inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal neoplasia were studied. Ultrasound evaluated all abdominal organs, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract, and parameters included the thickness of gastric and intestinal wall, the variations of its echogenicity, reduced intestinal lumen, mesenteric lymph nodes, involvement of other abdominal organs and presence of abdominal effusion. All cats were referred to exploratory laparotomy, in order to obtain biopsy samples. Mean age was 11.6 years and there were 23 females and 17 males. Clinical signs included weight loss (87.5%), vomiting (82.5%), hyporexia (75%), diarrhea (35%), constipation (10%), polyphagia (5%) and intestinal gases (5%). In abdominal ultrasound, the most common findings were increased thickness of the gastric and/or intestinal wall, decreased echogenicity of the intestinal wall, reduction of the intestinal lumen due to severe wall thickening or presence of obstructive mass, and lymphadenopathy. Histopathology revealed alimentary lymphoma (AL) in 19 cases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 10 cases, intestinal adenocarcinoma in 7 cases, mast cell tumor in 2 cases and intestinal hemangiosarcoma in 2 cases.[...](AU)

Retrospective study of adverse events of chemotherapy in cats

Background: Clients who seek veterinary care for pets with cancer are often concerned about the potential negative impact of chemotherapeutic treatments on their animals’ quality of life. A consensus currently exists in veterinary oncology regarding the quantification and rating of adverse treatment effects in dogs and cats in response to chemotherapy agents. This grading system is referred to as Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to investigate the delayed acute effects of chemotherapy drugs in cats receiving cancer treatment.Materials, Methods & Results: Medical records were reviewed to determine the chemotherapy agent used and delayed adverse effects. Side effects were classified according to Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group grading. All cats were evaluated after the first chemotherapy administration, after a single dose. The reported effects included hematologic effects (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, increases in liver enzymes, and azotemia), gastrointestinal effects (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence), and sepsis. All of the cats in this study received ondansetron and omeprazol in the first five days following chemotherapy administration. If vomiting occurred with oral medication, maropitant was administered subcutaneously for three consecutive days. If diarrhea (> grade II) occurred, probiotics were administered for seven days. Hematologic examination was performed 3-14 days after chemotherapy. If neutropenia (> grade III) occurred, Human granulocyte colony stimulating factor was administered subcutaneously for three consecutive days together with prophylactic antibiotics. Lomustine, carboplatin, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, and vinblastine were administered in 33%, 19%, 16%, 5%, 16%, 10% and 2% of the cases examined, respectively.[...]

Miltefosine administration in cats with refractory sporotrichosis

Background: Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Cats have important zoonotic potential due to the high parasite load found in the cutaneous lesions. Refractory cases to antifungal therapy are increasing, becoming a public health problem. Miltefosine is a drug with high in vitro activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis. However, this efficacy has not been confirmed in vivo yet and administration has not been studied in the feline species. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of miltefosine administration in cats with resistant sporotrichosis.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten cats with refractory sporotrichosis were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were previous diagnosis for sporotrichosis associated with therapy with oral antifungals (itraconazole and/or potassium iodide) for more than one year, followed by one of these conditions: incomplete clinical remission, worsening of disease during treatment or recurrence after conventional treatment. Cats underwent clinical and dermatological examinations. Data on lifestyle and previous treatments were provided by the owners. Fungal culture and histochemical techniques were performed in all cats before miltefosine treatment. Blood samples were collected before and during the study for laboratory tests, such as blood count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as serology for Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Miltefosine was prescribed at a dosage of 2 mg/kg orally every 24 h. The animals were monitored by phone during the whole process and reassessed on days 0, 15, 30 and 45 of the treatment. Out of 10 cats, lesions were present on the nose in nine, ears in four, periocular areas in one and limbs in four. One cat received treatment for 45 days, six for 30 days, one for 21 days, one for 15 days and one for 3 days.[...]

Clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings of gastrointestinal disorders in cats

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders are common in cats, and the differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic disease is essential to determine therapy. Therefore, ultrasonographic evaluation is an important tool for intestinal diagnosis in cats. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological characteristics of cats with intestinal diseases.Materials, Methods & Results: Forty cats with gastrointestinal clinical signs and abdominal ultrasound findings consistent with inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal neoplasia were studied. Ultrasound evaluated all abdominal organs, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract, and parameters included the thickness of gastric and intestinal wall, the variations of its echogenicity, reduced intestinal lumen, mesenteric lymph nodes, involvement of other abdominal organs and presence of abdominal effusion. All cats were referred to exploratory laparotomy, in order to obtain biopsy samples. Mean age was 11.6 years and there were 23 females and 17 males. Clinical signs included weight loss (87.5%), vomiting (82.5%), hyporexia (75%), diarrhea (35%), constipation (10%), polyphagia (5%) and intestinal gases (5%). In abdominal ultrasound, the most common findings were increased thickness of the gastric and/or intestinal wall, decreased echogenicity of the intestinal wall, reduction of the intestinal lumen due to severe wall thickening or presence of obstructive mass, and lymphadenopathy. Histopathology revealed alimentary lymphoma (AL) in 19 cases, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 10 cases, intestinal adenocarcinoma in 7 cases, mast cell tumor in 2 cases and intestinal hemangiosarcoma in 2 cases.[...]

Miltefosine administration in cats with refractory sporotrichosis

Background: Sporotrichosis is a zoonosis caused by fungi of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Cats have important zoonotic potential due to the high parasite load found in the cutaneous lesions. Refractory cases to antifungal therapy are increasing, becoming a public health problem. Miltefosine is a drug with high in vitro activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis. However, this efficacy has not been confirmed in vivo yet and administration has not been studied in the feline species. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of miltefosine administration in cats with resistant sporotrichosis.Materials, Methods & Results: Ten cats with refractory sporotrichosis were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were previous diagnosis for sporotrichosis associated with therapy with oral antifungals (itraconazole and/or potassium iodide) for more than one year, followed by one of these conditions: incomplete clinical remission, worsening of disease during treatment or recurrence after conventional treatment. Cats underwent clinical and dermatological examinations. Data on lifestyle and previous treatments were provided by the owners. Fungal culture and histochemical techniques were performed in all cats before miltefosine treatment. Blood samples were collected before and during the study for laboratory tests, such as blood count, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as serology for Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV). Miltefosine was prescribed at a dosage of 2 mg/kg orally every 24 h. The animals were monitored by phone during the whole process and reassessed on days 0, 15, 30 and 45 of the treatment. Out of 10 cats, lesions were present on the nose in nine, ears in four, periocular areas in one and limbs in four. One cat received treatment for 45 days, six for 30 days, one for 21 days, one for 15 days and one for 3 days.[...](AU)

Retrospective study of adverse events of chemotherapy in cats

Background: Clients who seek veterinary care for pets with cancer are often concerned about the potential negative impact of chemotherapeutic treatments on their animals quality of life. A consensus currently exists in veterinary oncology regarding the quantification and rating of adverse treatment effects in dogs and cats in response to chemotherapy agents. This grading system is referred to as Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to investigate the delayed acute effects of chemotherapy drugs in cats receiving cancer treatment.Materials, Methods & Results: Medical records were reviewed to determine the chemotherapy agent used and delayed adverse effects. Side effects were classified according to Veterinary Co-operative Oncology Group grading. All cats were evaluated after the first chemotherapy administration, after a single dose. The reported effects included hematologic effects (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, increases in liver enzymes, and azotemia), gastrointestinal effects (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence), and sepsis. All of the cats in this study received ondansetron and omeprazol in the first five days following chemotherapy administration. If vomiting occurred with oral medication, maropitant was administered subcutaneously for three consecutive days. If diarrhea (> grade II) occurred, probiotics were administered for seven days. Hematologic examination was performed 3-14 days after chemotherapy. If neutropenia (> grade III) occurred, Human granulocyte colony stimulating factor was administered subcutaneously for three consecutive days together with prophylactic antibiotics. Lomustine, carboplatin, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, and vinblastine were administered in 33%, 19%, 16%, 5%, 16%, 10% and 2% of the cases examined, respectively.[...](AU)

Radiation therapy for oral melanoma in dogs: a retrospective study / A utilização da radioterapia no melanoma oral de cães: Estudo retrospectivo

Our retrospective study evaluated the survival of 24 dogs with unresectable malignant melanoma treated with radiation therapy. Fifteen dogs were treated with radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), five with surgery followed by RT and CT, three with palliative RT, and one with electrochemotherapy associated with RT. All dogs were treated with an orthovoltage Stabilipan I. The protocol used was three or four weekly fractions of 8 Gy. Carboplatin was administered every 21 days, a total of four times. Five percent of dogs were classified as having stage I melanoma, 17% as stage II, 50% as stage III, and 17% as stage IV. Sixty-four percent had a partial response to treatment, 29% achieved complete remission, and 7% remained in a stable disease state. The mean survival time was 390 days for stage I, 286 days for stage II, 159 days for stage III, and 90 days for stage IV. We concluded that radiation therapy can be considered a viable alternative for the palliative treatment of canine oral melanoma.

O estudo retrospectivo analisou a sobrevida de 24 cães com melanomas irressecáveis tratados com radioterapia (RT). Quinze animais foram tratados com RT e quimioterapia (QT), 5 animais com cirurgia citoredutiva seguida por RT e QT, 3 animais com RT paliativa apenas e 1 animal com RT associada a 1 sessão de eletroquimioterapia. Os animais foram tratados com um equipamento de ortovoltagem Stabilipan I, e o protocolo foi de três a quatro frações semanais de 8 Gy. A quimioterapia consistiu de carboplatina administrada a cada 21 dias em um total de 4 aplicações. Apenas um animal (4%) foi classificado em estadio I, enquanto quatro (17%) estavam no estadio II, doze (50%) estavam no estadio III e quatro (29%) estavam no estadio IV. De maneira geral, 64% dos cães apresentaram resposta parcial, 29% remissão completa e 7% doença estável. O tempo médio de sobrevida foi de 390 dias no estádio I, 286 dias no estádio II, 159 dias no estádio III e 90 dias no estádio IV. A radioterapia deve ser considerada pelo clínico veterinário como alternativa para o tratamento de melanoma oral canino.

Radiation therapy for oral melanoma in dogs: A retrospective study / A utilização da radioterapia no melanoma oral de cães: Estudo retrospectivo

ABSTRACT: Our retrospective study evaluated the survival of 24 dogs with unresectable malignant melanoma treated with radiation therapy. Fifteen dogs were treated with radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), five with surgery followed by RT and CT, three with palliative RT, and one with electrochemotherapy associated with RT. All dogs were treated with an orthovoltage Stabilipan I. The protocol used was three or four weekly fractions of 8 Gy. Carboplatin was administered every 21 days, a total of four times. Five percent of dogs were classified as having stage I melanoma, 17% as stage II, 50% as stage III, and 17% as stage IV. Sixty-four percent had a partial response to treatment, 29% achieved complete remission, and 7% remained in a stable disease state. The mean survival time was 390 days for stage I, 286 days for stage II, 159 days for stage III, and 90 days for stage IV. We concluded that radiation therapy can be considered a viable alternative for the palliative treatment of canine oral melanoma.

RESUMO: O estudo retrospectivo analisou a sobrevida de 24 cães com melanomas irressecáveis tratados com radioterapia (RT). Quinze animais foram tratados com RT e quimioterapia (QT), 5 animais com cirurgia citoredutiva seguida por RT e QT, 3 animais com RT paliativa apenas e 1 animal com RT associada a 1 sessão de eletroquimioterapia. Os animais foram tratados com um equipamento de ortovoltagem Stabilipan I, e o protocolo foi de três a quatro frações semanais de 8 Gy. A quimioterapia consistiu de carboplatina administrada a cada 21 dias em um total de 4 aplicações. Apenas um animal (4%) foi classificado em estadio I, enquanto quatro (17%) estavam no estadio II, doze (50%) estavam no estadio III e quatro (29%) estavam no estadio IV. De maneira geral, 64% dos cães apresentaram resposta parcial, 29% remissão completa e 7% doença estável. O tempo médio de sobrevida foi de 390 dias no estádio I, 286 dias no estádio II, 159 dias no estádio III e 90 dias no estádio IV. A radioterapia deve ser considerada pelo clínico veterinário como alternativa para o tratamento de melanoma oral canino.

PTH and ionized calcium evaluation in unilateral thyroidectomized cats / Avaliação de cálcio ionizado e paratormônio em gatos submetidos a tireoidectomia unilateral

The aim of this study was to measure ionized calcium and intact parathormone concentrations after unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid autotransplantation in hyperthyroid cats. Hiperthyroid cats may have calcium homeostasis disorder and have decreased calcium concentration. Calcium levels decrease after thyroidectomy and their levels must be measured before thyroidectomy. Seventeen hyperthyroid cats with palpable nodules were submitted to clinical and laboratorial examination and they were prepared to surgery. Unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid gland autotransplantation was performed. Concentrations of serum urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, potassium, total thyroxine and hematologic profile were determined before and seven days after surgery. Blood samples for serum ionized calcium concentration were collected before and after surgery on days 1, 2, 7, 15, 21. Serum calcium concentration fell significantly in all cats within 24 hours after surgery. Hypocalcemia occurred in two cats without clinical signs. The iPTH concentration measurements for samples throughout the study were uniformly low, with no patterns or trends identified. There wasnt correlation between serum calcium levels and iPTH levels in any moment before and after surgery. iPTH couldnt indicate parathyroid gland function after thyroidectomy in cats. The resultsof this study suggest that calcium concentration of all thyroidectomized cats must be measured before surgery even if they are submitted to unilateral thyroidectomy. iPTH concentration doenst evaluate patathyroid gland function.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as concentrações de cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto (iPTH) após a tireoidectomia com implantação da paratireoide em gatos hipertireoideos. Gatos hipertireoideos podem apresentar hipocalcemia por apresentarem distúrbio na homeostase de cálcio. A tireoidectomia pode levar a hipocalcemia pós-operatória, sendo, portanto, fundamental a mensuração dos níveis de cálcio antes da cirurgia em pacientes hipertireoideos. Dezessete gatos com hipertireoidismo com lobos cervicais palpáveis foram examinados e avaliados laboratorialmente para a cirurgia. Tireoidectomia unilateral com implantação da glândula paratireoide foi realizada. Hemograma completo, ureia, creatinina, fosfatase alcalina, alanino aminotransferase, fósforo, potássio e tiroxina total foram realizados antes e sete dias após a cirurgia. Amostras de sangue para avaliar cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto foram coletadas antes e nos dias 1, 2, 7, 15 e 21 após a cirurgia. Os níveis séricos de cálcio diminuíram significativamente em 24 horas após a cirurgia. Hipocalcemia subclínica ocorreu em dois gatos. As concentrações de iPTH foram uniformemente baixas ao longo do estudo e não avaliaram a função da glândula paratireoide após a tireoidectomia nesses gatos. Não houve correlação entre os níveis de cálcio e de iPTH. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os níveis de iPTH não indicam função da glândula paratireoide e que os níveis de cálcio devem ser avaliados antes da tireoidectomia, mesmo nos casos de tireoidectomia unilateral.(AU)

PTH and ionized calcium evaluation in unilateral thyroidectomized cats

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as concentrações de cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto (iPTH) após a tireoidectomia com implantação da paratireoide em gatos hipertireoideos. Gatos hipertireoideos podem apresentar hipocalcemia por apresentarem distúrbio na homeostase de cálcio. A tireoidectomia pode levar a hipocalcemia pós-operatória, sendo, portanto, fundamental a mensuração dos níveis de cálcio antes da cirurgia em pacientes hipertireoideos. Dezessete gatos com hipertireoidismo com lobos cervicais palpáveis foram examinados e avaliados laboratorialmente para a cirurgia. Tireoidectomia unilateral com implantação da glândula paratireoide foi realizada. Hemograma completo, ureia, creatinina, fosfatase alcalina, alanino aminotransferase, fósforo, potássio e tiroxina total foram realizados antes e sete dias após a cirurgia. Amostras de sangue para avaliar cálcio ionizado e paratormônio intacto foram coletadas antes e nos dias 1, 2, 7, 15 e 21 após a cirurgia. Os níveis séricos de cálcio diminuíram significativamente em 24 horas após a cirurgia. Hipocalcemia subclínica ocorreu em dois gatos. As concentrações de iPTH foram uniformemente baixas ao longo do estudo e não avaliaram a função da glândula paratireoide após a tireoidectomia nesses gatos. Não houve correlação entre os níveis de cálcio e de iPTH. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os níveis de iPTH não indicam função da glândula paratireoide e que os níveis de cálcio devem ser avaliados antes da tireoidectomia, mesmo nos casos de tireoidectomia unilateral.

The aim of this study was to measure ionized calcium and intact parathormone concentrations after unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid autotransplantation in hyperthyroid cats. Hiperthyroid cats may have calcium homeostasis disorder and have decreased calcium concentration. Calcium levels decrease after thyroidectomy and their levels must be measured before thyroidectomy. Seventeen hyperthyroid cats with palpable nodules were submitted to clinical and laboratorial examination and they were prepared to surgery. Unilateral thyroidectomy with parathyroid gland autotransplantation was performed. Concentrations of serum urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, potassium, total thyroxine and hematologic profile were determined before and seven days after surgery. Blood samples for serum ionized calcium concentration were collected before and after surgery on days 1, 2, 7, 15, 21. Serum calcium concentration fell significantly in all cats within 24 hours after surgery. Hypocalcemia occurred in two cats without clinical signs. The iPTH concentration measurements for samples throughout the study were uniformly low, with no patterns or trends identified. There wasn't correlation between serum calcium levels and iPTH levels in any moment before and after surgery. iPTH couldn't indicate parathyroid gland function after thyroidectomy in cats. The results of this study suggest that calcium concentration of all thyroidectomized cats must be measured before surgery even if they are submitted to unilateral thyroidectomy. iPTH concentration doens't evaluate patathyroid gland function

Treatment of two cats with advanced nasal lymphoma with orthovoltage radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy

Background: Feline nasal lymphoma is generally a localized and radiosensitive tumor. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both treatments. Chemotherapy alone is generally not effective, leading to median survival times of 98 to 358 days, while RT alone or a combination of RT and chemotherapy lead to median survivals of 19 months and 955 days, respectively. Orthovoltage radiation therapy, the only radiation available in Brasil, has the disadvantage of being superficial, treating only tumors of 2 cm or less and causing marked skin side effects. The objective of this paper is to report two cases of advanced feline nasal lymphoma, with cribriform plate destruction and central nervous system invasion, successfully treated with orthovoltage radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy. Case: Two female mixed breed cats were presented with nasal discharge, sneezing and facial deformity. The second cat also had neurologic signalment. Definitive diagnosis in histopathology was lymphoma. Computed tomography revealed advanced disease in both cases, with intranasal mass, bone lysis, invasion of orbital space and central nervous system. Both cats were treated with radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. The first case received radiation therapy for gross disease (12 daily fractions of 300 cGy, five times per week) and CCNU/prednisolone [...]

Treatment of two cats with advanced nasal lymphoma with orthovoltage radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy

Background: Feline nasal lymphoma is generally a localized and radiosensitive tumor. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both treatments. Chemotherapy alone is generally not effective, leading to median survival times of 98 to 358 days, while RT alone or a combination of RT and chemotherapy lead to median survivals of 19 months and 955 days, respectively. Orthovoltage radiation therapy, the only radiation available in Brasil, has the disadvantage of being superficial, treating only tumors of 2 cm or less and causing marked skin side effects. The objective of this paper is to report two cases of advanced feline nasal lymphoma, with cribriform plate destruction and central nervous system invasion, successfully treated with orthovoltage radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy. Case: Two female mixed breed cats were presented with nasal discharge, sneezing and facial deformity. The second cat also had neurologic signalment. Definitive diagnosis in histopathology was lymphoma. Computed tomography revealed advanced disease in both cases, with intranasal mass, bone lysis, invasion of orbital space and central nervous system. Both cats were treated with radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy. The first case received radiation therapy for gross disease (12 daily fractions of 300 cGy, five times per week) and CCNU/prednisolone [...](AU)

Primary hyperaldosteronism in a cat / Hiperaldosteronismo primário em um gato

Background: Primary hyperaldosteronism in cats occurs as a consequence of excessive hormone production by adrenal glands, mainly in adrenocortical tumors. Excessive aldosterone secretion leads to hypokalemia, hypernatremia and systemic hypertension, with consequent clinical signs of muscle weakness, cervical ventroflexion and ocular abnormalities. This report describes a cat diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism successfully treated with unilateral adrenalectomy.Case: A female mixed breed 10-year-old cat was presented with dehydration, severe cervical ventroflexion, bilateral mydriasis and ocular hemorrhage. Systolic blood pressure was 300 mmHg. Anti hypertensive drugs (amlodipine and benazepril) were started. The animal was referred to ophthalmologist, with diagnosis of bilateral partial retinal detachment without blindness. Biochemical results showed severe hypokalemia (2.7 mEq / L) and mild azotemia, BUN 71 mg / dL and creatinine 2.2 mg / dL. Total T4 was within the reference range. Oral potassium citrate (100 mg / kg orally every 12 h) was administered. However, after five days, hypokalemia was more intense (2.4 mEq / L), and systolic blood pressure was 280 mmHg. Due to severe hypertension associated with refractory hypokalemia, hyperaldosteronism was suspected. Serum aldosterone was 1239.75 pg / mL. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a large heterogeneous mass in the...(AU)

O hiperaldosteronismo primário (HAP) é uma doença endócrina caracterizada pela secreção autônoma excessiva de aldosterona pela zona glomerulosa da glândula adrenal. O aumento da secreção de aldosterona resulta na retenção de líquido, hipernatremia, hipocalemia e hipertensão arterial. Como consequência, a maior parte dos gatos acometidos apresenta fraqueza muscular e sinais oculares associados à hipertensão sistêmica [17].As causas do HAP incluem neoplasia adrenal uni ou bilateral, e hiperplasia idiopática da zona glomerulosa da adrenal. A neoplasia é o achado mais frequente em felinos, incluindo adenomas e carcinomas [1,5,6,13,15,18].Os sinais clínicos mais frequentes incluem sinais de hipocalemia, como letargia, fraqueza muscular, ventroflexão cervical, ataxia e mialgia; poliúria, polidipsia, perda de peso, hipertensão arterial e anormalidades oculares associadas à hipertensão, como midríase, cegueira e descolamento de retina [8,11,12].O diagnóstico definitivo é realizado através da dosagem do nível sérico de aldosterona e concentração plasmática de renina. A ultrassonografia e tomografia computadorizada são úteis na localização e estadiamento do tumor [8,12]. O tratamento cirúrgico é o indicado para as neoplasias sem a presença de metástases detectáveis [8,11].O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de uma gata diagnosticada com hiperaldosteronismo primário e tratada...(AU)