Presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes of cats undergoing surgical treatment of ectopic ureters.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, treatment, complications, and outcomes of cats treated surgically for ectopic ureters. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, multi-institutional study. ANIMALS: Twelve client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records of cats diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral ectopic ureters were reviewed and analyzed. Data reported included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostics, open celiotomy, or cystoscopic surgical interventions, and outcomes. RESULTS: Seven of the 12 cats in the study population were female or female spayed and the median age at time of presentation was 4 years, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 6 months-14 years. Presurgical diagnostic imaging diagnosed ectopic ureters by abdominal ultrasound (8/10), contrast enhanced computed tomography (3/3), fluoroscopic urography (3/4), or cystoscopy (6/7). Eight of 12 cats had extramural ectopic ureters and six cats were affected bilaterally. Eight affected cats underwent ureteroneocystostomy, one cat underwent neoureterostomy, two cats underwent cystoscopic laser ablation, and one cat underwent nephroureterostomy. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in three cats; one cat required additional surgical intervention. Short-term complications occurred in three cats, and long-term complications in two cats. All cats that underwent surgical or cystoscopic intervention had improvement of their urinary incontinence scores, with complete resolution in 11 cats. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of ectopic ureters in cats is associated with good long-term outcomes. Ectopic ureters in cats are commonly extramural and bilateral. Postoperative outcomes were acceptable and there were few postoperative complications, with varying forms of surgical correction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ectopic ureters in cats are rare but urinary incontinence can be corrected or improved successfully with surgery.

Prospective, randomized, clinical trial on the effects of laparoscopic insufflation pressures on portal pressures in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The adverse effects of intra-abdominal pressure from capnoperitoneum on cardiovascular and pulmonary systems have been well documented, but the effects on portal pressures in dogs with various insufflation pressures is poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to measure the effect of a range of insufflation pressures on the portal pressure, using direct pressure measurements in patients undergoing laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical randomized prospective study. ANIMALS: Nine client-owned dogs undergoing routine laparoscopy. METHODS: Two rounds of direct portal pressure assessments were performed, at insufflation pressures of 0, 6, 10, and 14 mmHg in a predetermined randomized sequence. The data were analyzed for effects of insufflation pressure, hemodynamic alterations, and round. A best-fit exponential model of the relationship between portal pressure and insufflation pressure was created. RESULTS: Portal pressure increased by 38% at 6 mmHg, 95% at 10 mmHg, and 175% at 14 mmHg compared to baseline. Portal pressure increased at an average rate of 7.45% per mmHg of insufflation pressure. Effects of weight, weight/insufflation pressure interaction, and round of insufflation were not statistically significant. No systemic hemodynamic adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Portal pressure increased as insufflation pressure increased. There was no clinically significant difference in baseline portal pressure between rounds of insufflation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This exponential model of portal pressure supports the use of the minimum insufflation pressure to allow visualization during laparoscopy. The return of portal pressure to baseline following desufflation supports the comparison of portal pressure measurements before and after laparoscopic shunt attenuation.

Clinical validation of a next-generation sequencing-based multi-cancer early detection "liquid biopsy" blood test in over 1,000 dogs using an independent testing set: The CANcer Detection in Dogs (CANDiD) study.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, yet there are no established screening paradigms for early detection. Liquid biopsy methods that interrogate cancer-derived genomic alterations in cell-free DNA in blood are being adopted for multi-cancer early detection in human medicine and are now available for veterinary use. The CANcer Detection in Dogs (CANDiD) study is an international, multi-center clinical study designed to validate the performance of a novel multi-cancer early detection "liquid biopsy" test developed for noninvasive detection and characterization of cancer in dogs using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of blood-derived DNA; study results are reported here. In total, 1,358 cancer-diagnosed and presumably cancer-free dogs were enrolled in the study, representing the range of breeds, weights, ages, and cancer types seen in routine clinical practice; 1,100 subjects met inclusion criteria for analysis and were used in the validation of the test. Overall, the liquid biopsy test demonstrated a 54.7% (95% CI: 49.3-60.0%) sensitivity and a 98.5% (95% CI: 97.0-99.3%) specificity. For three of the most aggressive canine cancers (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma), the detection rate was 85.4% (95% CI: 78.4-90.9%); and for eight of the most common canine cancers (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, mast cell tumor, mammary gland carcinoma, anal sac adenocarcinoma, malignant melanoma), the detection rate was 61.9% (95% CI: 55.3-68.1%). The test detected cancer signal in patients representing 30 distinct cancer types and provided a Cancer Signal Origin prediction for a subset of patients with hematological malignancies. Furthermore, the test accurately detected cancer signal in four presumably cancer-free subjects before the onset of clinical signs, further supporting the utility of liquid biopsy as an early detection test. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that NGS-based liquid biopsy can offer a novel option for noninvasive multi-cancer detection in dogs.

Outcomes after transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteronephrectomy for the treatment of primary renal neoplasia in seven dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perioperative characteristics and outcomes in dogs that underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteronephrectomy (TLU) for primary renal neoplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. ANIMALS: Seven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and data extracted regarding perioperative characteristics and animal outcomes. TLU was performed using a single-port + 1 or multiple port techniques. Hemostatic clips or a vessel-sealing device were used for occlusion of renal hilar vessels. The ureter was occluded and transected close to the ureterovesicular junction and the tumor was placed in a specimen retrieval bag for extraction from the abdomen. RESULTS: Preoperative contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was performed in 6/7 dogs. Median estimated tumor volume measured from abdominal CECT removed by TLU was 32.42 cm3 (interquartile range [IQR] 14.76-94.85). Median surgery time for TLU was 90 minutes (IQR 85-105). In one dog, elective conversion to open laparotomy was performed due to large tumor size. Median time to discharge was 31 hours (IQR 24-48). No major perioperative complications occurred and all dogs survived to discharge. Progression free survival in four dogs was 422 days (IQR 119-784). CONCLUSION: TLU was performed for the extirpation of modest sized primary renal tumors with acceptable perioperative outcomes and a low complication rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TLU may be considered for the treatment of selected cases of primary renal neoplasia in dogs.

Cutaneous seeding of transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder after placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass device in a dog with bilateral ureteral obstruction.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 12-year-old spayed female Jack Russell Terrier was presented with pollakiuria and stranguria. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder trigone and urethra was diagnosed via CT, cystoscopic, and histologic examinations. Azotemia developed 2 weeks following diagnosis, secondary to bilateral ureteral obstruction. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Percutaneous antegrade ureteral stenting was unsuccessful; therefore, a subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device with 2 nephrostomy and 1 cystostomy catheters was surgically placed. Two months following placement of the SUB device, the dog developed a firm, multilobulated cutaneous mass at the site of the subcutaneous access port of the SUB device. Results of cytologic examination of cells aspirated from the mass were consistent with TCC. Within 1 month of confirmation of TCC of the cutaneous mass, the mass was ulcerated and infected, and the dog was euthanized because of signs of pain and perceived poor quality of life. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Seeding of neoplastic cells is a known complication of needle aspiration or biopsy or surgery in people and dogs with carcinomas. The occurrence of TCC at the SUB port site suggested caution with the placement of a SUB device in dogs with obstructive TCC.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy drainage in a dog with extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to pancreatitis.

CASE DESCRIPTION: An 8-year-old 36.3-kg (79.9-lb) spayed female Rottweiler was evaluated because of anorexia and vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO) secondary to pancreatitis was suspected on the basis of results from serum biochemical analyses, CT, and cytologic examination. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Only marginal improvement was observed after 24 hours of traditional medical management; therefore, novel continual biliary drainage was achieved with ultrasonographically and fluoroscopically guided placement of a percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy drainage (PCD) catheter. Within 24 hours after PCD catheter placement, the dog was eating regularly, had increased intestinal peristaltic sounds on abdominal auscultation, no longer required nasogastric tube feeding, and had decreased serum total bilirubin concentration (7.7 mg/dL, compared with 23.1 mg/dL preoperatively). Bile recycling was performed by administering the drained bile back to the patient through a nasogastric tube. The PCD remained in place for 5 weeks and was successfully removed after follow-up cholangiography confirmed bile duct patency. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transhepatic PCD catheter placement provided fast resolution of EHBO secondary to pancreatitis in the dog of the present report. We believe that this minimally invasive, interventional procedure has the potential to decrease morbidity and death in select patients, compared with traditional surgical options, and that additional research is warranted regarding clinical use, safety, and long-term results of this procedure in veterinary patients, particularly those that have transient causes of EHBO, are too unstable to undergo more invasive biliary diversion techniques, or have biliary diseases that could benefit from palliation alone.

Clinical findings and outcomes of 153 dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusceptions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe perioperative characteristics and outcomes of dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusception. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, retrospective study. ANIMALS: One hundred fifty-three client-owned dogs with intestinal intussusception. METHODS: Dogs were included when they had undergone surgical treatment of a confirmed intestinal intussusception. Medical records were reviewed for demographics and clinical data, including surgical complications (graded 1-4). Follow-up was obtained via telephone interview with owners and referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Dogs had a median age of 10 months (range, 2-156), and the most common location for intussusception was ileocolic (66/153 [43%]). Most cases had no identifiable cause (104/155 [67%]). Intestinal resection and anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 129 of 153 (84%) dogs; enteroplication was performed in 28 of 153 (18%) dogs, including 13 with and 15 without IRA. Intraoperative complications occurred in 10 of 153 (7%) dogs, all involving intestinal damage during attempted manual reduction. The median duration of follow-up after discharge was 334 days (interquartile range, 15-990; range, 1-3302). Postoperative complications occurred in 53 of 153 (35%) dogs, including 22 of 153 (14%) with severe (grade 3 or 4) events. Diarrhea, regurgitation, and septic peritonitis were the most common postoperative complications; intussusception recurred in four of 153 (3%) dogs, all within 72 hours postoperatively. Fourteen-day postoperative mortality rate was 6%. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of intestinal intussusception was curative in most dogs, even when an underlying cause was not identified. Surgical complications were common, including a 14% risk of life-threatening short-term complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical treatment of intestinal intussusception offers an excellent prognosis, but the potential life-threatening complications should be considered.

Outcome after surgical and conservative treatments of canine peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: A multi-institutional study of 128 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographics and disease characteristics in dogs in which peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) had been diagnosed and report outcomes after surgical treatment (ST) or conservative treatment (CT). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred twenty-eight dogs (91 ST, 37 CT) in which PPDH had been diagnosed. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for demographics, perioperative findings, and outcomes. Follow-up was obtained via telephone interview and email correspondence with owners and referring veterinarians. Baseline variables were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Dogs treated surgically were younger (P < .001), more likely to be sexually intact (P = .002), more likely to have clinical signs from PPDH vs an incidental diagnosis (P < .001), and more likely to have other congenital abnormalities (P = .003) compared with dogs treated conservatively. Ninety-seven percent of ST dogs were discharged from hospitals. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported in 22% and 41% of dogs, respectively, although most complications were classified as low grade (75% and 83%, respectively). Follow-up was available in 87 dogs, at a median of 1062 days. Hernia recurrence was not reported in any surgically treated dog. The deaths of nine dogs (five ST, four CT) could be attributed to PPDH, and long median survival times were observed in both the ST and CT groups (8.2 and 5 years, respectively). CONCLUSION: Preoperative characteristics differed between dogs treated conservatively vs surgically. Surgical treatment was associated with low operative mortality, and both ST and CT dogs had good long-term survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A diagnosis of PPDH can confer a good long-term prognosis for both ST and CT dogs.

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.

Incidence of and risk factors for major complications or death in dogs undergoing cytoreductive surgery for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses.

OBJECTIVE To determine incidence of and risk factors for major complications occurring in dogs within 30 days after cytoreductive surgery performed by a single pair of surgeons for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 160 client-owned dogs that underwent cytoreductive surgery for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses between January 2009 and December 2015 at a veterinary teaching hospital. PROCEDURES Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for complications occurring within 30 days after surgery. Data (eg, signalment, clinical signs, previous treatments, preoperative neurologic examination findings, neuroanatomical location, time from onset of clinical signs to surgery, surgical approach, and histopathologic diagnosis) were analyzed for associations with death and with development of major complications other than death. RESULTS 21 (13.1%) dogs died (11 during hospitalization and 10 after discharge) and 30 (18.8%) developed major complications other than death during the first 30 days after surgery. Dogs with abnormal preoperative neurologic examination findings were more likely to develop complications or die. Dogs undergoing a suboccipital approach were more likely to die. The most common postoperative complications other than death were seizures (n = 18 [11.3%]), worsening of neurologic status (6 [3.8%]), and aspiration pneumonia (6 [3.8%]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study provided valuable information on predisposing factors, odds of major complications or death, and incidences of major complications or death in dogs during the first 30 days after undergoing cytoreductive surgery for treatment of suspected primary intracranial masses. Careful case selection may help improve outcomes and minimize complications.

Evaluation of the Environmental Bias on Accelerometer-Measured Total Daily Activity Counts and Owner Survey Responses in Dogs with Osteoarthritis.

Objective To determine if environmental variables affect the average daily activity counts (AC) of dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) and/or owners' perception of their dog's clinical signs or quality of life. Methods The AC and Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) owner questionnaires of 62 dogs with OA were compared with daily environmental variables including the following: average temperature (°C), high temperature (°C), low temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), total precipitation (mm), average barometric pressure (hPa) and total daylight hours. Results Daily AC significantly correlated with average temperature and total daylight hours, but average temperature and total daylight hours accounted for less than 1% of variation in AC. No other significant relationships were found between daily AC and daily high temperature, low temperature, relative humidity, total precipitation or average barometric pressure. No statistical relationship was found between daily AC and the CBPI, nor between environmental variables and the CBPI. Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores for pain severity and pain interference decreased significantly over the test period. Clinical Significance The relationship between daily AC and average temperature and total daylight hours was significant, but unlikely to be clinically significant. Thus, environmental variables do not appear to have a clinically relevant bias on AC or owner CBPI questionnaires. The decrease over time in CBPI pain severity and pain interference values suggests owners completing the CBPI in this study were influenced by a caregiver placebo effect.

Safe, efficient, and reproducible gene therapy of the brain in the dog models of Sanfilippo and Hurler syndromes.

Recent trials in patients with neurodegenerative diseases documented the safety of gene therapy based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors deposited into the brain. Inborn errors of the metabolism are the most frequent causes of neurodegeneration in pre-adulthood. In Sanfilippo syndrome, a lysosomal storage disease in which heparan sulfate oligosaccharides accumulate, the onset of clinical manifestation is before 5 years. Studies in the mouse model showed that gene therapy providing the missing enzyme α-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase to brain cells prevents neurodegeneration and improves behavior. We now document safety and efficacy in affected dogs. Animals received eight deposits of a serotype 5 AAV vector, including vector prepared in insect Sf9 cells. As shown previously in dogs with the closely related Hurler syndrome, immunosuppression was necessary to prevent neuroinflammation and elimination of transduced cells. In immunosuppressed dogs, vector was efficiently delivered throughout the brain, induced α-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase production, cleared stored compounds and storage lesions. The suitability of the procedure for clinical application was further assessed in Hurler dogs, providing information on reproducibility, tolerance, appropriate vector type and dosage, and optimal age for treatment in a total number of 25 treated dogs. Results strongly support projects of human trials aimed at assessing this treatment in Sanfilippo syndrome.