Prognostic significance of specific magnetic resonance imaging features in canine nasal tumours treated by radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic significance of the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of meningeal hyperintensity of the olfactory bulbs and tumour extension into the caudal nasal recess (CNR) in dogs with nasal tumours treated by radiotherapy. METHODS: MR images of 41 dogs with nasal tumours treated with radiotherapy were reviewed. The occurrence of neurological signs and survival of patients with and without meningeal hyperintensity of the olfactory bulbs and tumour extension into the CNR were analysed together with possible confounding factors including intracranial extension and patient age. RESULTS: There was no significant association between the presence of meningeal hyperintensity or CNR involvement and the occurrence of neurological signs. Although there was a tendency towards shorter survival in dogs with tumour extension into the CNR, multivariable analysis showed no significant difference in survival between dogs with/without CNR involvement, meningeal hyperintensity or intracranial tumour extension (P=0.12, 0.50 and 0.57, respectively). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs with nasal tumours treated with radiotherapy, tumour extension into the cranium is not necessarily associated with shorter survival in patients without neurological signs at time of diagnosis. Although a definite influence of CNR involvement on case outcome could not be demonstrated, studies with a larger population are warranted.

Photodynamic therapy of superficial nasal planum squamous cell carcinomas in cats: 55 cases.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common skin tumors in cats. We investigated photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the photosensitizing agent 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) topically and a high-intensity red light source. HYPOTHESIS: PDT is a safe and effective treatment for feline SCCs. ANIMALS: Fifty-five client-owned cats with superficial nasal planum SCCs. METHODS: Prospective, uncontrolled clinical trial. PDT was performed using topical 5-ALA and light of peak wavelength 635 nm. Adverse effects, response, and tumor control were evaluated. RESULTS: 53/55 (96%) cats responded to therapy, and there was a complete response in 47/55 (85%). Six cats (11%) had a partial response. Of the 47 cats with complete response to a single treatment, 24 recurred (51%), with a median time to recurrence of 157 days (95% confidence interval, 109-205 days). Repeat PDT was performed in 22 cats, and at a median follow-up of 1,146 days, 23 (45%) cats were alive and disease free, 17 (33%) had to be euthanized due to tumor recurrence, and 11 (22%) were euthanized for other reasons. Only transient mild local adverse effects were observed after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: PDT using 5-ALA and a red light source was safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of superficial nasal planum SCCs of cats and offers an alternative to conventional therapy. Although initial response rates were high, this treatment did not lead to a durable remission or cure in all cases.

Panniculitis, polyarthritis and osteomyelitis associated with pancreatic neoplasia in two dogs.

A 12-year-old crossbred dog (case 1) and a 12-year-old Shetland sheepdog (case 2) were presented with a history of lameness and distal limb swelling. Physical examination revealed joint effusions and asymmetrical swellings of the extremities. In case 1, a diagnosis of arthritis and cellulitis was made on fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the synovium and subcutis. In case 2, bone biopsies and synovial aspirates diagnosed osteomyelitis and arthritis. A diagnosis of pancreatic disease was made on the findings of marked elevations of serum lipase concentrations and ultrasonographic identification of pancreatic masses in both cases. Both the cases were non-responsive to symptomatic management and were subsequently euthanased. Postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis of panniculitis, arthritis and osteomyelitis in both cases. A pancreatic exocrine adenoma was identified in case 1 and a pancreatic adenocarcinoma with widespread metastases in case 2. To the authors' knowledge the association of panniculitis, polyarthritis and osteomyelitis with pancreatic disorders has not been reported previously in canine clinical cases.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in 29 dogs: diagnosis, treatment, outcome and associated renal failure.

OBJECTIVES: To review the records of 29 dogs diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and see if any factors correlate with renal failure. METHODS: Dogs were selected retrospectively from case files from the QVSH and the QMH. RESULTS: The majority of dogs were middle-aged and four were keeshonds. The primary presenting complaints were polyuria and polydipsia. All dogs had an elevated total and ionised plasma calcium concentration. Plasma phosphate concentrations were variable. Ultrasonography of the parathyroid gland revealed nodular enlargement which was found to correlate well with surgical findings. The majority of dogs underwent surgical parathyroidectomy. Five cases were treated by ultrasound-guided chemical ablation of the parathyroid gland, of which only two cases showed a partial response. Three dogs were euthanased within a week of presentation. Seven other dogs had renal failure diagnosed either at presentation or up to six months after parathyroidectomy. The development of renal failure was correlated with total calcium concentration but did not correlate with any other factor, including the calcium phosphate product. Thirteen treated dogs were known to be alive at the time of writing, which was six months to 3.5 years after parathyroidectomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Primary hyperparathyroidism cases with high total calcium were more likely to develop renal failure in this group of dogs; however, the calcium phosphate product did not seem to be a useful predictor. Ultrasound-guided chemical ablation seemed to have limited advantage over surgery.