Surgical creation of multiple drainage holes versus local injection of corticosteroids for treatment of aural hematomas in dogs: 51 dogs with 71 aural hematomas (2000-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of surgical creation of multiple drainage holes (MDHs) versus local corticosteroid injection (LCI) for treatment of aural hematomas (AHs) in dogs and identify risk factors for recurrence and development of new AHs. ANIMALS: 51 dogs with 71 AHs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, clinical findings, and outcome was recorded. Recurrence was defined as development of an AH at the primary site after the first month of treatment. Development of a new AH was defined as an AH occurring at a site different from the treated site. RESULTS: The recurrence rate after the first month of treatment was significantly higher following the LCI procedure (17/48 AHs [33%]) than after the MDH procedure (1/24 AHs [4%]). The odds of recurrence increased as the numbers of LCI in the first month increased (OR, 2.414). Recurrent AHs after LCI resolved with additional LCIs; only 1 AH (2%) required a change to MDHs. No recurrence was observed after the eighth month, and the cosmetic results were good. Sixteen of 51 (31%) dogs had multiple or new AHs. The risk of new AHs was higher in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers and in dogs with allergic dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Long-term outcomes suggested that both creation of MDHs and LCI can be therapeutic options for dogs with AHs. However, the risk of new AH development should be considered, especially in retriever breeds and dogs with allergic dermatitis.

Erythema multiforme possibly triggered by food substances in a dog.

A 5-year-old female border collie presented with erythematous skin lesions at the axillae, groin, mucocutaneous junctions, and pinnae. Biopsy revealed lymphocytic interface dermatitis with hydropic degeneration of basal cells and keratinocyte apoptosis. Based on gross and histological features, diagnosis of erythema multiforme was made. The disease was resolved by treatment with azathioprine, prednisolone, and a hypoallergenic diet. Finally, the skin lesion was controlled without drug therapy but recurred easily every time commercial foods except the hypoallergenic diet were used, suggesting that food substances triggered this outbreak.

Lymphangiosarcoma in a dog treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

A large subcutaneous mass at the left cervical site in a 9-year-old male Siberian husky was removed surgically. Histopathologically, the mass was mainly consisted of a proliferation of spindle-shaped neoplastic cells arranging in solid sheath and partially vascular channels containing few blood cells. The tumor cells exhibited highly invasive activity to the surrounding tissues. In addition, the tumor cells were immunopositive for Factor VIII-related antigen. On the basis of these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as lymphangiosarcoma. Recurrent mass was noticed 3 weeks after surgery but completely disappeared after the doxorubicin treatment. Neither recurrence nor metastasis was observed for 9 months after the remission.