Rib metastases from a non-tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma in a dog.

Metastatic spread to the ribs in a 15-year-old, male, neutered, Irish setter is reported occurring secondary to an oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The dog presented with a history of a rapidly growing SCC of the right upper incisive region, which was confirmed by histopathology as a SCC. Thoracic radiographs showed bony lesions associated with the body of the right third rib, and the fifth and seventh costal cartilages. A rostral partial maxillectomy was performed as palliative treatment for the oral mass and a core biopsy of the lesion on the third rib was performed. The rib lesion was identified histopathologically as a metastatic SCC. A review of the literature of oropharyngeal SCC and the metastatic potential of non-tonsillar SCC is presented, in particular metastatic bone disease. This case report suggests possible implications of metastatic bone disease for treatment and prognosis for future cases of non-tonsillar SCC.

Use of endogenous ACTH concentration and adrenal ultrasonography to distinguish the cause of canine hyperadrenocorticism.

Twenty-nine dogs were diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). A single determination of endogenous plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenal ultrasonography were used in a prospective study to differentiate between pituitary-dependent HAC (PDH) and adrenal-dependent HAC (ADH). In 27 out of the 29 dogs (93 per cent), both endogenous plasma ACTH concentrations and adrenal ultrasonography indicated the same cause of HAC. Twenty-one of the 29 cases (72 per cent) were shown to be pituitary-dependent; all had plasma ACTH concentrations of greater than 28 pg/ml (reference range 13 to 46 pg/ml) and both adrenal glands were ultrasonographically of similar size and of normal shape. All 21 cases responded well to mitotane therapy. Six cases (21 per cent) were shown to be adrenal-dependent; all had plasma ACTH concentrations below the limit of the assay (<5 pg/ml) and the presence of an adrenal mass on ultrasonography. The sensitivity and specificity of adrenal ultrasonography and endogenous ACTH determinations to identify the cause of HAC were demonstrated to be 100 per cent and 95 per cent, respectively, for ADH. These discriminatory tests are more accurate than published figures for dexamethasone suppression testing.

Oesophageal injury associated with the administration of an anthelmintic bolus to calves.

Six of 18 calves from a suckler herd which were dosed with a sustained-release anthelmintic bolus, using appropriate equipment, developed clinical signs related to oesophageal perforation. Two died as a direct result of the injuries sustained, one required surgical removal of the paraoesophageal bolus and the remaining three were managed medically. The calves were in the approximate weight range advised by the manufacturers as suitable for dosing, but some were younger than the minimum recommended age. These animals were of a fractious nature having been relatively little handed.