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Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is a urinary bladder tumour associated with high mortality in dogs. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using p63, Ki67 or β-catenin as a clinical marker for predicting biological behaviour and prognosis in canine TCC. Expression levels of these proteins in TCC (n = 25), polypoid cystitis (n = 5) and normal urinary bladder (n = 5) were scored after immunohistochemical staining. The staining scores for p63 (P

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a new liver-specific contrast agent gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA; EOB·Primovist®) was studied in 14 normal beagles and 9 dogs with focal liver lesions. Gd-EOB-DTPA accumulates in normally functioning hepatocytes 20 min after injection. As with Gd-DTPA, it is also possible to perform a dynamic multiphasic examination of the liver with Gd-EOB-DTPA, including an arterial phase and a portal venous phase. First, a reliable protocol was developed and the appropriate timings for the dynamic study and the parenchymal phase in normal dogs using Gd-EOB-DTPA were determined. Second, the patterns of these images were evaluated in patient dogs with hepatic masses. The optimal time of arterial imaging was from 15 s after injection, and the optimal time for portal venous imaging was from 40 s after injection. Meanwhile, the optimal time to observe changes during the hepatobiliary phase was from 20 min after injection. In patient dogs, 11 lesions were diagnosed as malignant tumors; all were hypointense to the surrounding normal liver parenchyma during the hepatobiliary phase. Even with a low-field MR imaging unit, the sequences afforded images adequate to visualize the liver parenchyma and to detect tumors within an appropriate scan time. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging with Gd-EOB-DTPA provides good demarcation on low-field MR imaging for diagnosing canine focal liver lesions.

Summary The aim of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetics of clinically applied benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring-A (BPD-MA; Verteporfin®), a second-generation photosensitizer, during a trial of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in nine dogs having naturally occurring neoplasms. After injecting BPD-MA at 0.5 mg/kg intravenously, its mean half-life (t1/2) was found to be 8.14 ± 5.34 h, mean clearance (Cl) 35.13 ± 9.62 ml/(h kg), the mean value of the volume of distribution (Vc) 0.08 ± 0.01 l/kg and the mean steady state volume of distribution (Vss) 0.38 ± 0.31 l/kg respectively. With the exception of a transitional increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity, no other clinical abnormalities were observed. The t1/2 in dogs with naturally occurring tumours was longer than that in humans, but similar to that in rats. The values of Cl and Vss in dogs having naturally occurring neoplasms were lower than those in humans. It is suggested that the pharmacokinetics of BPD-MA in tumour-bearing dogs would be helpful in determining the protocol of a short drug-light interval PDT with BPD-MA that mainly targets the tumour vasculature.

A perianal rhabdomyosarcoma was diagnosed in an 11-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever. Following two incomplete surgical excisions of the tumour, the dog was treated by means of surgery combined with local radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy using one cycle of vincristine sulphate, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (VAC protocol). The dog died 252 days after the first combined therapy. Radiography at this time demonstrated enlargement of the iliac lymph nodes, suggesting metastasis of the tumour. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of treatment of canine perianal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Comminuted metatarsal fractures in a dog were treated using intramedullary pins externally connected and stabilized by epoxy resin putty and application of a fibreglass cast. Two weeks later the cast was removed. After further 2 weeks application of a Robert-Jones bandage the dog could stand and walk with the pin-putty apparatus in position. The pin-putty apparatus was removed 3 months postoperatively, and the dog resumed normal activity. This fixation method could be an easy, economical and effective alternative treatment for managing comminuted fractures of the metatarsal and possibly metacarpal bones in selected cases.

Two cats with temporomandibular joint ankylosis were examined. Difficulty in opening the mouth and malocclusion were associated with trauma and fracture around the zygomatic arch and the condyle of the mandible after an automobile accident. Unilateral condylectomy or aggressive caudal mandibulectomy was performed to improve quality of life. Excision arthroplasty of the temporomandibular joint improved mandibular function and appearance. Some mal-occlusion remained but had no clinical significance.

A seven-year-old crossbred male dog with a suspected leukaemic condition was referred for investigation and treatment. A bone marrow aspirate revealed an acute myeloid leukaemia. Combination chemotherapy was administered and the dog initially improved, but 18 days after the initiation of therapy its body condition deteriorated and the animal developed acute respiratory distress. On postmortem examination, extensive leukaemic pulmonary infiltrates were evident.