Linfoma extranodal de células B em vesícula urinária de um cão / Extranodal B-cell lymphoma in the urinary bladder in a dog

O linfoma é uma neoplasia de alta recorrência na rotina oncológica de medicina veterinária. Pode ser classificado em linfoma Hodgking-liked, com raros casos descritos somente em felinos,e não Hodgking, sendo este segundo o mais comum, subdividido em linfomas B ou T. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a conduta clínica, diagnóstica e terapêutica do caso de uma cadela, de 12 anos, sem raça definida, que manifestava disúria, prostração, dor abdominal e ao exame físico a presença de uma massa na região hipogástrica. Esta foi diagnosticada com linfoma de grandes células por meio de exames de citologia e biópsia, com solicitação do exame de imunoistoquímica que confirmou linfoma difuso de grandes células de imunofenótipo B. Sem o envolvimento de nenhum outro sistema, classificou-se como linfoma primário de bexiga extranodal. O animal passou pelo tratamento quimioterápico realizando nove sessões de quimioterapia pelo protocolo de CHOP, contudo devido ao agravamento do caso a paciente veio a óbito cerca de sete meses após o diagnóstico da doença. O caso estudado foi de extrema importância para a compreensão de linfomas primários de bexiga em razão da escassez de informações relacionadas na literatura. Ainda, o cão é um excelente modelo experimental de linfomas não Hodgking em humanos, consequentemente compreender essa doença em cães promove a evolução conjunta da medicina humana.

Lymphoma is a highly recurrent rate neoplasm in the oncology routine of veterinary medicine. It can be classified into Hodgking-like, rarely described just in felines, and non-Hodgking lymphoma, the latter being the most commun, subdivided into B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. The objective of this study was to report the clinical and therapeutic conduct within the diagnosis procedures of a 12-years-old female dog, mixed breed, who manifested dysuria, prostation, abdominal pain and on the physical examination a mass in the hypogastric region was noticed. This was diagnosed as a large cell lymphoma by means cytology and biopsy, also immunohistochemistry was required which confirmed the diffuse large cell lymphoma of immunophenotyping B. Without any other sistem envolved, the neoplasm was classified as primary urinary bladder lymphoma extranodal. The animal underwent chemotherapy, performing nine sessions according to the Madison protocol, however, due to the worsening of the case, the patient died about seven months after the diagnosis of the disease. This case was extremely importante for the understanding of primary urinary bladder lymphomas due to the scarcity of informations in the literature. Also, dog is an excellent experi,emtal model of non Hodgking lymphomas in humans, thus understandig this disease in dogs promotes the joint evolution of human medicine.

Aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e tratamento da leucemia mieloide crônica em cão: relato de caso / Clinical aspects, hematological changes and treatments of chronic myeloid leukemia in dog: case report

O objetivo deste relato é apresentar o caso clínico de uma cadela, sem raça definida, com cinco anos de idade, diagnosticada com leucemia mieloide crônica (LMC). As leucemias são neoplasias malignas que se originam de células precursoras da medula óssea e as consequências podem ser trombocitopenia, anemia, leucocitose persistente e presença de células neoplásicas no sangue. O tratamento de escolha envolve o uso de inibidores de tirosina quinase, porém este não pode ser usado neste caso. Dessa forma a cadela recebeu diferentes protocolos quimioterápicos que incluíram inicialmente hidroxiureia, citarabina, doxorrubicina e prednisona. Devido a remissão parcial dos sinais clínicos e a resposta terapêutica pouco duradoura a essas medicações o protocolo foi alterado para quimioterapia metronômica com clorambucil. O uso desses quimioterápicos não foram eficazes em reduzir a leucocitose e controlar a anemia e trombocitopenia da paciente, devido a ocorrência do surgimento de células imaturas no sangue e resistência aos quimioterápicos. Na ausência da crise e da possibilidade do uso dos inibidores de tirosina quinase, a hidroxiureia permanece sendo o quimioterápico de eleição. O animal apresentou sobrevida de 210 dias, devido a leucocitose e anemia severas pouco responsivas ao protocolo terapêutico utilizado e o surgimento no hemograma de precursores neutrofilicos que ocorreu 46 dias após ao início do tratamento com hidroxiureia.

The aim of this report is to present the clinical case of a five-year-old mixed breed female dog diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Leukemias are malignant neoplasms that originate from bone marrow precursor cells and the consequences can be thrombocytopenia, anemia, persistent leukocytosis and the presence of neoplastic cells in the blood. The treatment of choice involves the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but it cannot be used in this case. Thus, the dog received different chemotherapy protocols that initially included hydroxyurea, cytarabine, doxorubicin and prednisone. Due to the partial remission of clinical signs and the short-term therapeutic response to these medications, the protocol was changed to metronomic chemotherapy with chlorambucil. The use of these chemotherapeutic agents was not effective in reducing leukocytosis and controlling the patient's anemia and thrombocytopenia, due to the occurrence of immature cells in the blood and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In the absence of the crisis and the possibility of using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, hydroxyurea remains the chemotherapy of choice. The animal had a 210-day survival, due to severe leukocytosis and anemia, which were not responsive to the therapeutic protocol used and the appearance in the blood count of neutrophilic precursors that occurred 46 days after the beginning of hydroxyurea treatment.

[New drugs for small animals in 2019]. / Neue Arzneimittel für Kleintiere 2019.

In 2019, 2 novel pharmaceutical agents for small animals were released on the German market: The non-steroidal, non-cyclooxygenase inhibiting anti-inflammatory agent grapiprant (Galliprant®) of the piprant class as well as fluorescein (Ophtorescein®), a xanthen dye-based diagnostic agent for corneal defects. One substance was authorized for an additional species: The antidiabetic protamine zinc insulin of human origin (ProZinc®) is now additionally authorized for dogs. Additionally, one veterinary drug with a new combination of active ingredients (fluralaner + moxidectin), 5 agents in a novel pharmaceutical formulation (acepromazine, chloramphenicol, dexamethasone, metronidazole, torasemide), one drug (lidocaine) with a new route of administration, as well as one agent (apomorphine) in a new primary packaging with extended opening stability have been launched on the market for small animals.

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin in a dog presenting with bone metastasis.

A 10-year-old female American Pit Bull dog was diagnosed with metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma of the scapula. Immunohistochemistry showed positive immunoexpression for cytokeratins (AE1/AE3, 34BE12, CK7) and vimentin, confirming squamous cell carcinoma. No evidence of nodules was found in the complete physical examination and imaging procedures conducted. The patient was diagnosed with carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin and piroxicam were performed, but the patient died of respiratory failure after 737 days of diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed undifferentiated carcinoma infiltrating the lungs and kidneys, and showing the same immunoexpression as the tumor in the scapula. Amputation associated with chemotherapy extended the overall survival time of this patient.

[New drugs for horses and production animals in 2018]. / Neue Arzneimittel für Pferde und landwirtschaftliche Nutztiere 2018.

In 2018, no new active pharmaceutical ingredients were released on the German market for horses or food-producing animals. One established veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredient became available for an additional species: the inhalant anesthetic Isoflurane (Isofluran Baxter® vet) from the group of halogenated hydrocarbon compounds was additionally authorized for pigs (piglets). With Acepromazine, Mepivacaine and Oxyclozanide, three temporarily non-available active ingredients were reapproved in new drugs. Additionally, one drug with a new combination of active ingredients and one drug with a new pharmaceutical form were launched on the market for horses and food-producing animals.

Population variability in animal health: Influence on dose-exposure-response relationships: Part II: Modelling and simulation.

During the 2017 Biennial meeting, the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics hosted a 1-day session on the influence of population variability on dose-exposure-response relationships. In Part I, we highlighted some of the sources of population variability. Part II provides a summary of discussions on modelling and simulation tools that utilize existing pharmacokinetic data, can integrate drug physicochemical characteristics with species physiological characteristics and dosing information or that combine observed with predicted and in vitro information to explore and describe sources of variability that may influence the safe and effective use of veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Update on Cancer Treatment in Exotics.

Treatment options for animals with cancer are rapidly expanding, including in exotic animal medicine. Limited information is available about treatment effects in exotic pet species beyond individual case reports. Most cancer treatment protocols in exotic animals are extrapolated from those described in humans, dogs, and cats. This review provides an update on cancer treatment in exotic animal species. The Exotic Species Cancer Research Alliance accumulates clinical cases in a central location with standardized clinical information, with resources to help clinicians find and enter their cases for the collective good of exotic clinicians and their patients.

Sample size and number of outcome measures of veterinary randomised controlled trials of pharmaceutical interventions funded by different sources, a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are a key component of the veterinary evidence base. Sample sizes and defined outcome measures are crucial components of RCTs. To describe the sample size and number of outcome measures of veterinary RCTs either funded by the pharmaceutical industry or not, published in 2011. METHODS: A structured search of PubMed identified RCTs examining the efficacy of pharmaceutical interventions. Number of outcome measures, number of animals enrolled per trial, whether a primary outcome was identified, and the presence of a sample size calculation were extracted from the RCTs. The source of funding was identified for each trial and groups compared on the above parameters. RESULTS: Literature searches returned 972 papers; 86 papers comprising 126 individual trials were analysed. The median number of outcomes per trial was 5.0; there were no significant differences across funding groups (p = 0.133). The median number of animals enrolled per trial was 30.0; this was similar across funding groups (p = 0.302). A primary outcome was identified in 40.5% of trials and was significantly more likely to be stated in trials funded by a pharmaceutical company. A very low percentage of trials reported a sample size calculation (14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Failure to report primary outcomes, justify sample sizes and the reporting of multiple outcome measures was a common feature in all of the clinical trials examined in this study. It is possible some of these factors may be affected by the source of funding of the studies, but the influence of funding needs to be explored with a larger number of trials. Some veterinary RCTs provide a weak evidence base and targeted strategies are required to improve the quality of veterinary RCTs to ensure there is reliable evidence on which to base clinical decisions.

Sponsorship bias and quality of randomised controlled trials in veterinary medicine.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard form of evidence for assessing treatment efficacy, but many factors can influence their reliability including methodological quality, reporting quality and funding source. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between funding source and positive outcome reporting in veterinary RCTs published in 2011 and to assess the risk of bias in the RCTs identified. METHODS: A structured search of PubMed was used to identify feline, canine, equine, bovine and ovine clinical trials examining the efficacy of pharmaceutical interventions published in 2011. Funding source and outcomes were extracted from each RCT and an assessment of risk of bias made using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Literature searches returned 972 papers, with 86 papers (comprising 126 individual RCTs) included in the analysis. There was found to be a significantly higher proportion of positive outcomes reported in the pharmaceutical funding group (P) compared to the non-pharmaceutical (NP) and 'no funding source stated' (NF) groups (P = 56.9%, NP = 34.9%, NF = 29.1%, p < 0.05). A high proportion of trials had an unclear risk of bias across the five criteria examined. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence that veterinary RCTs were more likely to report positive outcomes if they have pharmaceutical industry funding or involvement. Consistently poor reporting of trials, including non-identification of funding source, was found which hinders the use of the available evidence.

Tratamento de um mastocitoma de alto grau na língua de um cão por meio de radioterapia e quimioterapia: relato de caso / Treatment of a canine high grade lingual mast cell tumor with radiation therapy and chemotherapy: case report

Um canino da raça Boxer, fêmea, de oito anos de idade, foi atendido com salivação, halitose e disfagia. No exame clínico, foi observada uma massa ulcerada no terço médio da língua medindo 3,5 x 4,0cm. A histopatologia e a imuno-histoquímica levaram ao diagnóstico de um mastocitoma de alto grau. O tratamento cirúrgico (glossectomia parcial) foi declinado pelo proprietário, sendo a radioterapia indicada em seu lugar. O protocolo radioterápico empregado foi 15 frações de 300cGy, realizadas cinco vezes por semana. O equipamento utilizado foi de ortovoltagem. A lesão neoplásica apresentou remissão clínica completa a partir da quarta sessão radioterápica. O único efeito colateral observado foi mucosite leve na região irradiada, que, entretanto, não levou a sintomas clínicos. A quimioterapia sistêmica consistiu de vimblastina e lomustina, alternadas a cada 14 dias, durante quatro meses. Até o momento (22 meses após o tratamento), não há evidências de recidiva local ou metástases do mastocitoma. A associação da radioterapia e da quimioterapia pode ser considerada uma alternativa terapêutica nos casos de mastocitomas irressecáveis, já que, neste caso, levou à remissão completa e duradoura de um tumor agressivo, com ótima tolerância do paciente ao tratamento e posterior qualidade de vida.(AU)

An 8 year old female boxer was presented with salivation, halitosis and dysphagia. In the clinical examination, an ulcerated mass in the middle third of the tongue was observed, measuring 3.5 x 4.0cm. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry the confirmed diagnosis of a high-grade mast cell tumor. Surgical treatment (partial glossectomy) was declined by owner, and radiotherapy was indicated. The protocol consisted of fifteen daily fractions of 300 cGy each. The equipment used was an orthovoltage unit. The tumor had complete clinical remission after the fourth session, and mild mucositis was the only side effect observed. Systemic chemotherapy was performed with vinblastine and lomustine, alternated every 14 days, during four months. There is no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis in this patient twenty-two months after treatment. The combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be considered as an alternative therapy in cases of unresectable mast cell tumors. It led to complete and durable remission of an aggressive tumor, with great quality of life.(AU)

Quality of life assessment in dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy - a review of current methods.

This study aimed to review currently reported methods of assessing the effects of chemotherapy on the quality of life (QoL) of canine and feline patients and to explore novel ways to assess QoL in such patients in the light of the experience to date in human pediatric oncology. A qualitative comparative analysis of published papers on the effects of chemotherapy on QoL in dogs and cats were conducted. This was supplemented with a comparison of the parameters and domains used in veterinary QoL-assessments with those used in the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ ) questionnaire designed to assess QoL in toddlers. Each of the identified publications including QoL-assessment in dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy applied a different method of QoL-assessment. In addition, the veterinary QoL-assessments were mainly focused on physical clinical parameters, whereas the emotional (6/11), social (4/11) and role (4/11) domains were less represented. QoL-assessment of cats and dogs receiving chemotherapy is in its infancy. The most commonly reported method to assess QoL was questionnaire based and mostly included physical and clinical parameters. Standardizing and including a complete range of potentially relevant parameters in future QoL assessments may benefit owner decision making.

Regulatory T cells in dogs with multicentric lymphoma: peripheral blood quantification at diagnosis and after initial stage chemotherapy / Células T reguladoras em cães com linfoma multicêntrico: quantificação, em sangue periférico, no momento do diagnóstico e após etapa inicial do tratamento quimioterápico

Lymphoma is the most common hematopoietic malignancy in dogs and one of the most frequent among all neoplastic diseases in this species. It can occur in several anatomical locations with distinct histological and immunophenotypes. Depending on the host immune response towards the tumor, prognosis information could be collected. Because its well established immunosuppressant, antitumor activity, the function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in canine neoplasias has been investigated. In this study, we sought to quantify, using flow cytometry, the Tregs subpopulation in peripheral blood of healthy dogs (10) and in those diagnosed with type-B (14) and type-T (8) multicentric lymphoma before (at diagnosis) and after the first cycle (5-week) of 19-week Madison-Wisconsin (MW) protocol of chemotherapy. Our results indicated that dogs with lymphoma showed higher percentage of Tregs (18,84±2,56) when compared to healthy dogs (4,70±0,50) (P<0,01). In addition, 5-week chemotherapy treatment reduced the Tregs subpopulation (7,54±1,08) to levels similar to control (4,70±0,50) (P>0,05). There was no difference in Tregs percentage between B-type (17,45±2,77) and T-type (21,27±5,27) lymphoma (P>0,05). With this, we conclude that canine lymphoma increases Tregs in the peripheral blood and the MW protocol of chemotherapy reduces this cell subpopulation to control values.

O linfoma é a neoplasia hematopoiética mais comum nos cães e uma das mais frequentes, dentre todas as neoplasias, nesta espécie. Apresenta-se em diversas localizações anatômicas e pode apresentar classificações histológicas e imunofenotipos distintos. Dependendo da resposta imune do paciente frente à instalação de um tumor, algumas informações sobre o prognóstico podem ser obtidas. Atualmente, as células T reguladoras (Tregs) vêm sendo estudadas em algumas neoplasias caninas, por seu comprovado potencial imunossupressor, principalmente por inibir a resposta antitumoral. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivos quantificar, por citometria de fluxo, as células Tregs em sangue periférico de cães com linfoma multicêntrico de imunofenótipos B e T, respectivamente 14 e 8 cães, no momento do diagnóstico e após o primeiro ciclo de quimioterapia antineoplásica com o protocolo Madison-Wisconsin (MW) de 19 semanas adaptado, e comparar com cães saudáveis (n=10), buscando quantificá-las em cães com linfoma de diferentes imunofenótipos antes e após a 5ª semana do protocolo MW. Os resultados mostraram que cães com linfoma apresentaram uma porcentagem significativamente maior de Tregs (18,84±2,56) quando comparada aos cães sem neoplasia (4,70±0,50) (P<0,01). Além disso, após a quinta semana de tratamento houve uma significante redução da população de Tregs (7,54±1,08), atingindo valores semelhantes a dos cães controle (4,70±0,50) (P>0,05). Não houve diferença nas Tregs em relação aos imunofenotipos B (17,45±2,77) e T (21,27±5,27) (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que o linfoma em cães leva a um aumento de células Tregs e que o tratamento com o protocolo quimioterápico MW reduz significativamente as células Tregs em sangue periférico, atingindo valores próximos aos dos cães saudáveis.

Liposarcoma with perineal hernia in dog / Lipossarcoma associado à hérnia perineal em um cão

Liposarcoma is an uncommon malignant tumor originated in the lipoblasts that usually does not produce metastases, but is locally invasive. The final diagnosis is made by histopathology and wide surgical excision is the treatment. A four years old male Pinscher, weighing 2.8 kg, which was previously submitted to seven therapeutic procedures for hepatoid adenoma, was brought to us. On clinical examination a large, soft consistency and painless tumor on lumbodorsal area, besides perineal hernia, was observed. The CT scan revealed an image of an extensive paravertebral intramuscular tumor, embracing retroperitoneal, pelvic canal and ad-anal region. After surgical resection, the material was sent for histopathological examination which confirmed it was a liposarcoma. Thus, chemotherapy protocol with doxorubicin was established. 12 months after the last application of chemotherapy, the patient shows no signs of tumor recurrence nor metastases.

O lipossarcoma é um tumor maligno incomum, originário dos lipoblastos que geralmente não produz metástases; entretanto, élocalmente invasivo. O diagnóstico definitivo é obtido por exame histopatológico e o tratamento consiste na excisão cirúrgica ampla.Foi atendido um cão, da raça Pinscher, macho, com quatro anos de idade, pesando 2,8kg, que fora submetido anteriormentea sete procedimentos terapêuticos para adenoma hepatoide. Ao exame clínico o paciente apresentava uma grande tumoraçãona região dorsolombar, de consistência amolecida e indolor, além de hérnia perineal. O exame de tomografia computadorizadarevelou imagem de uma massa intramuscular paravertebral extensa, invadindo retroperitônio, canal pélvico e região ad-anal. Apósressecção cirúrgica, o material foi encaminhado para análise histopatológica, que confirmou tratar-se de um lipossarcoma; dessaforma, foi instituído protocolo quimioterápico com doxorrubicina. Decorridos 12 meses da última aplicação do quimioterápico, opaciente não apresenta sinais de recidiva da neoplasia maligna, nem tampouco metástases.

Tomografia computadorizada de mastocitomas em cães: avaliação pré e pós-tratamento quimioterápico / Computed tomography of mast cell tumors in dogs: assessment before and after chemotherapy

Foram avaliados, por meio da tomografia computadorizada, 19 cães com mastocitomas tratados com quimioterapia. Aspectos como contorno, atenuação, realce pós-contraste e presença de clivagem com estruturas adjacentes foram avaliados. Aplicaram-se os critérios RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica das lesões para se avaliar a resposta ao tratamento. Quanto à atenuação, os mastocitomas se mostraram como lesões homogêneas ou heterogêneas, com tendência a limites definidos e contornos regulares e apresentaram realce moderado após administração do contraste iodado intravenoso. Os métodos RECIST e a mensuração volumétrica apresentaram uma excelente concordância na classificação da resposta terapêutica, fornecendo um bom parâmetro da resposta ao tratamento instituído. O exame de tomografia computadorizada se mostrou útil na delimitação do tumor e importante ferramenta no planejamento das margens cirúrgicas.

Nineteen dogs with mast cell tumors treated with chemotherapy were evaluated by computed tomography (CT). Were evaluated aspects related to contours, attenuation, post-contrast enhancement and presence of cleavage with adjacent structures. The RECIST criteria and volumetric measurement of lesions were performed to assess the response to treatment. The mast cell tumors presented a homogeneous or heterogeneous attenuation, presented more frequently a well delineated and regular contours and moderate enhancement after intravenous administration of the iodinated contrast media. The methods RECIST and volumetric measurements showed an excellent agreement to the classification of therapeutic response, providing a good parameter of the response to treatment. The CT examination proved to be useful in the delimitation of the tumor and an important tool for planning of surgical margins.

Survival times for canine intranasal sarcomas treated with radiation therapy: 86 cases (1996-2011).

Sarcomas comprise approximately one-third of canine intranasal tumors, however few veterinary studies have described survival times of dogs with histologic subtypes of sarcomas separately from other intranasal tumors. One objective of this study was to describe median survival times for dogs treated with radiation therapy for intranasal sarcomas. A second objective was to compare survival times for dogs treated with three radiation therapy protocols: daily-fractionated radiation therapy; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday fractionated radiation therapy; and palliative radiation therapy. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that had been treated with radiation therapy for confirmed intranasal sarcoma. A total of 86 dogs met inclusion criteria. Overall median survival time for included dogs was 444 days. Median survival time for dogs with chondrosarcoma (n = 42) was 463 days, fibrosarcoma (n = 12) 379 days, osteosarcoma (n = 6) 624 days, and undifferentiated sarcoma (n = 22) 344 days. Dogs treated with daily-fractionated radiation therapy protocols; Monday, Wednesday and Friday fractionated radiation therapy protocols; and palliative radiation therapy protocols had median survival times of 641, 347, and 305 days, respectively. A significant difference in survival time was found for dogs receiving curative intent radiation therapy vs. palliative radiation therapy (P = 0.032). A significant difference in survival time was also found for dogs receiving daily-fractionated radiation therapy vs. Monday, Wednesday and Friday fractionated radiation therapy (P = 0.0134). Findings from this study support the use of curative intent radiation therapy for dogs with intranasal sarcoma. Future prospective, randomized trials are needed for confirmation of treatment benefits.

Morphological patterns and malignancy criteria of transmissible venereal tumor in cytopathological and histopathological exams / Padrões morfológicos e critérios de malignidade do tumor venéreo transmissível aos exames citopatológico e histopatológico

The aim of this study was to identify morphological patterns and malignancy criteria of the TVT in cytopathological and histopathological evaluations and relate these characteristics to clinical evolution and response to chemotherapy. Regarding studied animals, sixteen dogs were female and four were male. The age of the animals ranged between one and ten years old. Considering breed, 80% of the dogs were mongrel dogs and 20% were of other breeds. It was found that the cytological samples allowed a better characterization of the cell type than histological ones. The plasmacytoid was the most common morphological type of TVT, followed by the lymphocytoid and mixed standards. There was no difference among the scores for the malignancy criteria and morphological types of TVT. Regarding response to chemotherapy, no morphological type of the TVT showed any difference, but the TVT presents morphological peculiarities that may interfere with tumor behavior, especially those related to increased aggressiveness and that are observed in the plasmacytoid TVT.

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar os padrões morfológicos e os critérios de malignidade do TVT aos exames citológico e histopatológico e relacionar essas características à evolução clínica e à resposta à quimioterapia. Dos ani- mais estudados, dezesseis cães eram fêmeas e quatro machos. A idade dos animais variou entre um e dez anos de idade. Quanto à raça, 80% dos cães eram sem raça definida e 20% de outras raças. Constatou-se que as amostras citológicas permitiram melhor caracterização do tipo celular do que as histológicas. O TVT tipo plasmocitoide foi o de maior ocor- rência, seguido pelos padrões linfocitoide e misto. Não houve diferença entre os escores estabelecidos para os critérios de malignidade e os tipos do TVT. Nenhum tipo morfológico do TVT diferiu quanto à resposta quimioterápica, mas o TVT apresenta particularidades morfológicas que podem interferir no comportamento tumoral, especialmente aquelas relacionadas à maior agressividade, e que são observadas no TVT plasmocitoide.

Ototoxicity in dogs and cats.

A variety of drugs in veterinary use have side effects that can potentially damage the senses of hearing or balance in animals. A large body of literature exists on the incidence and mechanisms of ototoxicity in experimental animals and in humans, but little is documented in domestic dogs and cats. However, the generality of these adverse actions across species allows one to extrapolate and provide the veterinarian with insight into possible complications of chemotherapy.

Detecting diclofenac in livestock carcasses in India with an ELISA: a tool to prevent widespread vulture poisoning.

Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has caused catastrophic vulture declines across the Indian sub-continent. Here, an indirect ELISA is used to detect and quantify diclofenac in 1251 liver samples from livestock carcasses collected across India between August 2007 and June 2008, one to two years after a ban on diclofenac manufacture and distribution for veterinary use was implemented. The ELISAs applicability was authenticated with independent data obtained using LC-ESI/MS. Of 1251 samples, 1150 (91.9%) were negative for diclofenac using both methods, and 60 (4.8%) were positive at 10-4348 and 10-4441 µg kg(-1) when analysed by ELISA and LC-ESI/MS, respectively. The residue level relationship in the 60 positive samples was highly significant (p < 0.001, r(2) = 0.644). Data suggest that this immunological assay could be used not only for cost effective sample screening, but also for residue level semi-quantification.