Skin masses in dogs under one year of age.

OBJECTIVES: To utilise a large histopathology database to ascertain the incidence and nature of skin masses in young dogs from 0 to 12 months of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2554 submissions received for histopathology from dogs 0 to 12 months of age, clinically diagnosed with a skin mass between 2006 and 2013, were retrieved from the database of a large commercial diagnostic laboratory. The histological diagnosis and site of the lesion, together with age, breed and sex of the dog were recorded. RESULTS: The most common skin mass found in this study was histiocytoma (n=2212, 86.6%). The majority of all submissions were neoplastic (n=2408, 94.3%), and most of those were benign (n=2372, 98.5%). Almost all of the benign neoplastic lesions were of round cell origin (n=2229, 94.0%) whereas most of the non-neoplastic lesions were derived from the epithelium (n=136, 93.8%). The five most commonly diagnosed skin masses in young dogs were histiocytoma, papilloma, dermoid cyst, follicular cyst and mast cell tumour. A male predisposition was shown for histiocytoma (odds ratio 1.72) and mast cell tumour (odds ratio 2.18) with a strong site predilection for the limb region (30.8% and 27.8% respectively). Dermoid cysts and follicular cysts were most commonly found in the skin of the abdomen (64.7% and 52.3% respectively) with boxers being predisposed (25.9% of dermoid cyst and 25.0% of follicular cyst). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A large proportion of skin mass submissions in young dogs were neoplastic and benign. Also, the most common skin mass in young dogs was found to be histiocytoma. Tumours can occur in this age group and should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis also in young patients presenting with a skin mass.

Evaluation of Minichromosome Maintenance Protein 7 and c-KIT as Prognostic Markers in Feline Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumours.

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are a common skin tumour in cats, but there is currently no histological grading system or reliable prognostic marker for this species (unlike the situation for dogs). This study utilized a set of 71 feline cutaneous MCTs with known clinical outcomes to assess the potential of various prognostic markers, including the cellular proliferation marker minichromosome maintenance protein (MCM)-7, mitotic index and various KIT labelling characteristics, including KIT positivity, KIT labelling pattern and KIT immunoreactivity score (IS). Of the factors studied, the mitotic index and the KIT labelling pattern were the only features associated significantly with survival times, while the proliferation marker MCM7 and the KIT IS were not. The study also highlights the variability of KIT labelling characteristics between tumours, which may prevent use of this marker as a diagnostic and prognostic tool.

Assessing portable blood glucose meters for clinical use in cats in the United Kingdom.

The aims of this study were to evaluate six portable blood glucose meters for use in cats in a clinical setting and to identify potential sources of inaccuracy such as the effect of glucose concentration and haematocrit. Excess fluorinated whole-blood samples were obtained and were tested using the six meters and a reference laboratory method. Bland-Altman plots were constructed and an error grid analysis was performed, using a grid adapted in this study for diabetic cats. Error grids are a clinically oriented non-parametric approach to blood glucose data, and are designed to determine whether differences between glucometer and laboratory readings are clinically significant. All the meters studied had the potential to under- or overestimate blood glucose levels to varying degrees throughout the glycaemic range. This variation was not consistent enough to be predictable and correctable. The study failed to demonstrate any link between haematocrit and difference between laboratory and glucometer readings.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of pharyngeal penetration injuries in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between the magnetic resonance imaging findings and subsequent surgical findings for a series of dogs presenting with suspected pharyngeal stick injuries to the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, between 1995 and 2004. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging findings were reviewed for patients undergoing a scan of the pharyngeal or cervical area for suspected foreign bodies during the years 1995 to 2004. RESULTS: Case signalment, history and clinical signs were similar to those reported in previous studies. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated foreign material in six of seven cases where this was present. There was good correlation between diagnosis of a foreign body at magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent surgical identification. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Compared with other imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging is very helpful for this type of injury, especially in chronic cases where radiographic evidence of a foreign body is unlikely. It is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of pharyngeal penetration injury and in surgical planning.