Search

Malignant lymphomas are one of the most common malignancies occurring in dogs; among them T-cell tumours are less commonly recognized. Recently, many authors have recommended cytology as a sufficient diagnostic method for canine lymphomas, especially if supported by immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry. The aim of the study was to characterize animal-dependent risk factors in canine T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) in Poland, including specific cytological subtypes. Determination of the type and subtype of the tumour was made based on the updated Kiel cytological classification adopted for dogs as previously described. Two breeds turned out predisposed to TCL (dog de Bordeaux and Boxer) while no predisposition to B-cell lymphoma could be evidenced. Dogs with low-grade lymphoma were significantly older than those with high-grade lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cytology is a quick, inexpensive, minimally invasive and widely available diagnostic method, but rigorous cooperation between clinical cytopathologist and physician is necessary to obtain clinically useful results. The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect clinical usefulness of a cytological result when the cellular material was collected by a general veterinary practitioner and examined by a clinical cytopathologist. Materials and Methods Analysis of 100 fine-needle aspirates performed by private veterinarians and examined by the clinical cytopathologist. Factors dependent on a general veterinary practitioner who performed the biopsy such as comprehensiveness of a cover letter, number of smears sent and macroscopic appearance of smears, were included in the analysis. Patient species and location of the lesion were also included. Results Only two factors turned out to favour a cytological diagnosis: good macroscopic appearance of smears and superficial location of the lesion. Nevertheless, inclusion of the medical history of a patient in a cover letter proved to help a clinical cytopathologist make clinically useful suggestions. Clinical Significance Preparation of good quality smears and provision of a comprehensive cover letter will increase the likelihood of obtaining clinically useful cytological reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine and describe the prognostic role of the morphological subtype determined according to the updated Kiel classification in dogs with high‐grade T‐cell lymphomas (HGTCLs) depending on the treatment applied. Objectives: The HGTCLs were classified into three subtypes according to the updated Kiel classification: pleomorphic mixed (PM), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and plasmacytoid (P). The treatment was divided into a palliative therapy (PlT) group and a chemotherapy (ChT) group. Methods: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2017, and it enrolled 58 dogs in which cytomorphological and immunocytochemistry diagnoses were HGTCL. Results: Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the ChT group (median OS—4 months, interquartile range [IQR] from 2 to 8 months) than in the PlT group (median OS—6 weeks, IQR from 1 week to 3 months). In the PlT group, PM subtype and glucocorticosteroids (GCSs) treatment proved significantly and independently linked to longer OS and approximately three‐fold lower risk of death during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] = 0.26, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.08–0.81; p = 0.020 and HRadj = 0.30, CI 95%: 0.11–0.77; p = 0.013, respectively), although due to small group size, precision of estimations was poor (wide CI 95%). In the ChT group, >7 days elapsing between diagnosis and the beginning of chemotherapy and GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy were significantly associated with lower chance of complete remission (CR; p = 0.034 for both); GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy was significantly associated with shorter OS (p = 0.016); chemotherapy based on the modified CHOP protocol was significantly associated with higher chance of CR (p = 0.034) and longer OS (p = 0.039); and CR was significantly linked to longer OS (p = 0.001). Clinical significance: The morphological subtype of HGTCL has some prognostic value in dogs treated palliatively (with PM subtype associated with longer OS than P subtype); however, this effect is no longer visible when a dog is treated with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 14‐month‐old, female Javan silvered leaf monkey (Trachypithecus auratus auratus) was presented for inguinal circular, erythematous, crusty dermatitis. The animal was bright and alert, and appetite was good. Lesions progressed to the whole abdomen and became ulcerative. Skin biopsies revealed a cutaneous lymphoma and no metastases were detected on computed tomography scan. Anti‐tumoral treatment was attempted with masitinib (50 mg orally every 48 hours), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In the absence of improvement of the lesions, as treatment was well tolerated, masitinib dose was increased to 50 mg orally once a day. Effect on the lesions was minimal, clinical condition worsened and the animal died 9 months after initial presentation. Postmortem examination and histopathology confirmed multicentric epitheliotropic CD3+ cutaneous lymphoma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of cutaneous lymphoma in a langur, and the first attempt of treatment with masitinib in a non‐human primate species. Despite poor response, masitinib treatment appeared safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between small noncoding microRNA‐103 (miR‐103) and wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and the underlying molecular mechanism, forty type 2 diabetes mellitus with DFU (DFU group), and 20 patients with a chronic skin ulcer of lower limbs and normal glucose tolerance (SUC group) were included. Quantitative real‐time PCR method was used to determine miR‐103 expression levels in the wound margin tissue of subjects, and to analyse the relationship between the expression of miR‐103 and DFU wound healing. In vitro experiments were also performed to understand the effect of miR‐103 on the high glucose‐induced injury of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) cells. The results showed that the miR‐103 expression level in the DFU group was significantly higher than that in the SUC group [5.81 (2.25–9.36) vs 2.08 (1.15–5.72)] (P < 0.05). The expression level of miR‐103 in the wound margin tissue of DFU was negatively correlated with the healing rate of foot ulcers after four weeks (P = 0.037). In vitro experiments revealed that miR‐103 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of NHDF cells and promote the apoptosis of NHDF cells by targeted regulation of regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) gene expression in a high glucose environment. Down‐regulation of miR‐103 could alleviate high glucose‐induced NHDF cell injury by promoting RCAN1 expression. Therefore, the increased expression of miR‐103 is involved in the functional damage of NHDF cells induced by high‐glucose conditions, which is related to poor wound healing of DFU. These research findings will provide potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic skin wounds in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between small non‐coding RNA‐204‐3p (miR‐204‐3p) and the onset and wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and the underlying molecular mechanism, sixty four newly diagnosed patients with T2DM without DFU (T2DM group), 82 T2DM patients with DFU (DFU group), and 60 controls with normal glucose tolerance (NC group) were included. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) method was used to determine miR‐204‐3p expression levels in peripheral blood and wound margin tissue of subjects, and to analyse the relationship between the expression of miR‐204‐3p and wound healing. In vitro experiments were also performed to understand the effect of miR‐204‐3p on high glucose induced injury of HaCaT cells (human keratinocytes). The results showed that miR‐204‐3p expression level of peripheral blood in the T2DM group was marked lower than that in the NC group [2.38 (1.31‐5.04) vs 3.27 (1.51‐6.98)] (P <.05). Similarly, the miR‐204‐3p expression level of peripheral blood in the DFU group was significantly lower than the T2DM group [1.15 (0.78‐2.89) vs 2.38 (1.31‐5.04)] (P <.01). The expression level of miR‐204‐3p in peripheral blood and wound margin tissues of DFU patients was positively correlated with the healing rate of foot ulcers after 8 weeks (P <.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that decreased expression of miR‐204‐3p in peripheral blood was an independent risk factor for DFU (OR = 2.95, P <.05). The results of in vitro experiments showed that miR‐204‐3p could improve the proliferation and migration of HKC cells and reduce the proportion of apoptosis of HKC cells by targeted regulation of zinc finger protein Kruppel like factor 6 (KLF6) in high glucose environment. Therefore, the decreased expression of miR‐204‐3p in peripheral blood and wound tissue of T2DM patients is closely related to the occurrence and poor wound healing of DFU. The down‐regulated expression of miR‐204‐3p can reduce its ability to antagonise the functional damage of keratinocytes induced by high‐glucose conditions. These results will provide potential targets for the treatment of DFU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TSPAN8 mediates signal transduction from extracellular cues and regulates cell development, activation, growth, and motility. However, whether TSPAN8 is involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential functional roles of TSPAN8 in regulating autophagy and apoptosis of HK‐2 cells induced by high glucose (HG). RT‐PCR and western blot analysis (WB) were employed to detect TSPAN8 levels in the blood samples of DN patients as well as in HG‐induced HK‐2 cells. Cell proliferation of HK‐2 cells was examined by CCK‐8 assay, and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The functional role of TSPAN8 was evaluated by the transfection of TSPAN8 expression plasmid. Results showed that TSPAN8 level was significantly reduced in the blood samples of DN patients and HG‐induced HK‐2 cell lines. TSPAN8 overexpression rescued HG‐induced apoptosis in HK‐2 cells. TSPAN8 could form a complex with Rictor and mTORC2. TSPAN8 overexpression suppressed HG‐induced autophagy in HK‐2 cells, which was dependent on mTOR activity. In conclusion, the present study showed that TSPAN8 mitigates HG‐induced autophagy and apoptosis in HK‐2 cells, which may serve as candidate target for DN treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex signal transduction network that is activated when endogenous or exogenous genotoxins damage or interfere with the replication of genomic DNA. Under such conditions, the DDR promotes DNA repair and ensures accurate replication and division of the genome. High levels of genomic instability are frequently observed in cancers and can stem from germline loss‐of‐function mutations in certain DDR genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and p53, that form the basis of human cancer predisposition syndromes. In addition, mutation and/or aberrant expression of multiple DDR genes are frequently observed in sporadic human cancers. As a result, the DDR is considered to represent a viable target for cancer therapy in humans and a variety of strategies are under investigation. Cancer is also a significant cause of mortality in dogs, a species that offers certain advantages for experimental oncology. Domestic dogs present numerous inbred lines, many of which display predisposition to specific forms of cancer and the study of which may provide insight into the biological basis of this susceptibility. In addition, clinical trials are possible in dogs and may lead to therapeutic insights that could ultimately be extended to humans. Here we review what is known specifically about the DDR in dogs and discuss how this knowledge could be extended and exploited to advance experimental oncology in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline injection site sarcomas (FISS) are aggressive, with high recurrence and rarely metastasising. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, the expression of oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors in FISS and correlate them with clinical and histopathological aspects. This was a retrospective study with 51 cases of FISS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect vimentin, ER, PR and Ki67 expression. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics were predictor variables and the expression of ER and PR were the dependent ones. Twenty‐eight (55%) of the 51 FISS cases were female and 23 (45%) male with 10.7 ± 4.2 years and median tumour size of 3 cm (2.0‐5.4). The trunk was the most affected site, with 38 cases (84%). Histological grade III was observed in 57% of the cases, considering differentiation score, necrosis and mitotic index. ER expression, positive in 64% of cases, was associated with the mitotic index (P =.05) and degree of pleomorphism (P =.04). PR was not associated with the variables and 63% of cases were negative for this receptor. Thus, ER expression can affect tumour growth. The knowledge on the FISS hormonal expression is important to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms. Further studies are needed to predict the value of ER expression in the prognosis of FISS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3‐year‐old spayed female English Springer Spaniel was presented twice 4 months apart for investigation of hematuria and pollakiuria without urinary tract infection. Both ultrasound examinations identified a stable craniodorsal bladder wall thickening. The first cystoscopic biopsy samples indicated lymphoplasmacytic cystitis and the second polypoid cystitis. The dog was represented 8 months later for recurrent clinical signs despite medical management. Although the ultrasound examination showed stable disease, repeat cystoscopic biopsy identified transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), confirmed on tissue removed by partial cystectomy. No BRAF mutation was ever detected in urine or tissue samples. To our knowledge, this case represents the first report of presumptive malignant transformation of polypoid cystitis into an apical TCC in a dog. Dogs with polypoid cystitis should be followed closely and surgical management considered if rapid resolution is not achieved with medical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cytological biopsies are an integral additional test to an abdominal ultrasound when a lesion is identified, but there is little published on factors that that may impact achieving a clinically useful sample of gastrointestinal lesions obtained by ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle cytologic biopsy. This retrospective, descriptive study aimed to assess factors that may influence the clinical usefulness of submitted cytological samples collected from gastrointestinal lesions by ultrasound‐guided percutaneous fine‐needle cytologic biopsy. Material and Methods: Gastrointestinal cytological samples obtained from 25 dogs and 19 cats over 2.5 years were reviewed and determined as clinically useful or clinically useless as per the cytology report. Variables dependent on the ultrasound exam that were used in the analysis included lesion location, lesion thickness, loss of gastrointestinal layering, and the number of slides submitted. Results: Thirty (30/44) of the submitted cytological samples were considered clinically useful. Factors associated with achieving a clinically useful sample in univariable models included the number of slides submitted and the thickness of the lesion. However, these two variables appear inter‐related, as a weak correlation existed between them. Where histologic biopsies were obtained, a clinically useful sample had a partial or complete agreement with histology in three of 12 and eight of 12 cases, respectively. Clinical Significance: Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle cytological biopsies of gastrointestinal masses provided a clinically useful sample in two‐third of the cases, especially if more slides were provided to the cytologist and thicker lesions were sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine lymphoma, as the most common haematopoietic malignancy, encompasses a group of heterogeneous diseases and even within the T‐cell immunophenotype, differences in clinical presentation and responses to treatment exist. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine outcomes and prognostic factors of 107 dogs with multicentric non‐indolent T‐cell lymphoma (TCL) receiving lomustine‐based (70%) and non‐lomustine‐based (30%) treatment. The majority were Labradors, Boxers, mixed‐breed dogs and Dogue de Bordeaux. Eighty‐six percent were substage b, 77% had mediastinal involvement, 15% had suspected bone marrow involvement and 12% had other extra‐nodal sites of disease. The overall response rate to induction therapy was 80%; dogs receiving procarbazine in the induction protocol (P =.042), dogs with neutrophil concentration below 8.7 × 10e9/L (P =.006) and mitotic rate below 10 per 5 high power field (P =.013), had greater response rates. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) for the first remission was 105 days; lack of expression of CD3 on flow cytometry (P <.0001) and pretreatment with steroid (P =.012) were significantly associated with shorter PFS. Median overall survival time (OST) was 136 days; co‐expression of CD79a (P =.002), lack of CD3 expression on flow cytometry, presence of anaemia (P =.007), and monocytopenia (P =.002) were predictive of shorter OST. Multicentric non‐indolent TCL in dogs is an aggressive cancer with new possible prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cell blocks are alternative preparations of fluid cytological specimens. They can be used for immunochemical studies as complementary tools or when other techniques (eg, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry) are not available. Objectives: We aimed to provide comparative morphologic, immunohistochemical, and technical features of agar‐based cell blocks (ACBs) and cell tube blocks (CTBs) from cavitary effusions. Methods: Agar‐based cell blocks and CTBs were obtained from canine and feline effusions with neoplastic/atypical cells or with packed cell volumes ≥3%. Cellularity, RBC separation, and cellular features were evaluated on digitalized H&E slides with evaluators blinded to the method. The immunohistochemical intensity and nonspecific background were assessed on pan‐cytokeratin and vimentin‐stained slides. Overall yield was calculated, and morphologic and immunohistochemical features were compared among paired samples. Technical and cellular features were also described. Results: Agar‐based cell blocks and CTBs yielded evaluable sections in 100% (52/52) and 98% (51/52) of the cases, respectively. Cellularity and RBC separation scores were significantly higher in CTBs. Similar staining intensities were observed, and background staining was more frequently seen in pan‐cytokeratin‐stained ACBs. Only basic materials and equipment were required for both methods. Agar‐based cell block preparations were more operator dependent and difficult to standardize, whereas CTBs were easier to prepare, but laboratory processing was more demanding. Conclusions: Both methods can be used to produce good sections for immunohistochemistry staining with no significant differences. Cell tube blocks are beneficial for RBC‐rich samples, and little additional training is required to prepare the blocks. Both types of cell blocks are reliable, cost‐effective methods that could be introduced in diagnostic laboratories to further characterize canine and feline effusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mammary neoplasms are common tumors in intact female dogs. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a valuable diagnostic tool and has gained some credibility in the diagnosis of mammary tumors in dogs. Prompt classification of canine mammary tumors using cytology would enhance feasibility as a prognostic tool and guide clinical and surgical management. Objectives: We aimed to examine background elements to differentiate mammary tumors using FNAC. We proposed to distinguish simple from complex and mixed tumors by identifying myoepithelial (ME) cells and different types of extracellular matrix. Additionally, we determined the accuracy of FNAC to differentiate benign from malignant tumors. Methods: One hundred and one mammary tumors from female dogs were included in this study. We compared FNAC using histopathology as the gold standard. Cellular and background components were evaluated and identified. The cytologic accuracy, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing malignancy were determined, excluding inadequate samples. Results: The cytologic‐histologic agreement was 92.5% for simple carcinomas, 57.9% for complex‐type carcinomas, 57.1% for mixed‐type carcinomas, 27.3% for carcinosarcomas, and 100% for osteosarcomas. Myoepithelial cells were successfully identified using FNAC. Myxoid and chondroid/osteoid matrix were satisfactorily recognized. Cytologic accuracy, Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV for diagnosing malignancy were 99%, 100%, 83%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Chondroid/osteoid matrix was noted in mixed tumors but not in complex tumors. Myxoid matrix, often associated with ME cells, was noted in complex and mixed tumors. Mesenchymal cells were differentiated from ME cells, allowing the distinction of simple carcinomas with scirrhous reaction from complex and mixed tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high rates of proliferation and DNA synthesis, neoplastic cells have higher requirements of iron than normal cells. For that reason, neoplastic cells have remodelled iron metabolism pathways, over‐expressing genes encoding for iron uptake proteins, among which Transferrin Receptor‐1 (TFR‐1). Accumulating evidence has proven that overexpression of TFR‐1 and high Iron concentration, are both widespread condition of cancer cells, both essential to tumour onset and progression. We studied TFR‐1 and PCNA immunohistochemical expression in fifteen (15) Canine osteoblastic osteosarcomas (COS). After immunohistochemical staining, counting of TFR‐1 positive cells by two independent observers showed that 85%–95% of neoplastic cells were strongly labelled at cytoplasmic level by anti‐TFR‐1 antibody in all examined COS. Furthermore, 70%–80% of neoplastic cells were positively labelled at the nuclear level by PCNA. Surprisingly, about 100% of intratumour vascular endothelial cells were also positive, whereas extratumour vascular endothelial cells were negative. The latter is an interesting finding, as TFR‐1 is usually not expressed in normal vasculature, with the exception of normal brain vascular endothelium, where it allows transport of transferrin, and thus iron, into tissues, suggesting a similar function here to support cancer growth. The early results presented highlight the relevance of TFR‐1 expression in canine OS, suggesting therapies involving both TFR‐1 and Iron metabolisms in dogs with osteosarcoma should be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cell blocks and immunohistochemistry (IHC) are increasingly recognized as being complementary tools for cytologic diagnostics, especially for neoplastic diseases. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the utility of cell tube block (CTB) IHC for refining the diagnosis of effusions in dogs and cats. Methods: Cavitary effusions (n = 25) from dogs and cats classified by cytology as reactive, neoplastic, borderline (suspicious of neoplasia), and chylous were studied. CTB sections were stained with H&E, and immunostained with PAX‐5, CD3, pancytokeratin (CK), vimentin, and Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1) antibodies, according to the cytologic diagnoses. A histologic case series of confirmed normal, reactive, and neoplastic mesothelium and several different carcinomas were included to test the utility of WT1 as a marker of mesothelial cells. Results: CTBs had a layered appearance with reduced background staining. CD3 and PAX5 immunolabeling allowed immunophenotype assessment in all of the lymphoma cases. In carcinomatous effusions, neoplastic cells were CK‐positive, WT1‐negative, and vimentin‐negative (except for two cases). Wilms tumor 1 protein was positive in the nuclei of normal, reactive, and neoplastic mesothelial cells, and ovarian carcinomatous cells. Other carcinomas and lymphomas were negative. Conclusions: CTBs are valuable tools to assist in making a diagnosis of cavitary effusions in dogs and cats, and WT1 is a promising marker to differentiate mesothelial from carcinomatous cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine T cell lymphoma has previously been found to be a poor prognostic indicator compared with its B cell counterpart. The cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone protocol is widely accepted as a first line treatment for canine lymphoma. There have been several studies investigating alternative protocols for T cell lymphoma. This study investigated the use of a modified lomustine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone protocol as a first line treatment in 35 dogs with T Cell lymphoma. Median progression free survival (PFS) time for all 35 dogs was 431 days with a 6‐month, 1‐year, 2‐year, and 3‐year PFS of 69%, 54%, 29%, and 12%. Median survival time (MST) was 507 days. Twenty‐nine dogs attained a complete response and had a median PFS time of 509 days. Thirty dogs experienced adverse events during the protocol, with 73% of these being grade 1 or 2. This protocol has shown increased median PFS time and MST compared with previous studies and suggests its use as a first line chemotherapy protocol against canine T cell lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma is an uncommon subtype of lymphoma characterized by a grave prognosis and scarce response to chemotherapy. There are limited reports on clinico-pathological and prognostic factors. One-hundred and 9 cats with newly diagnosed LGL lymphoma that underwent initial staging (including hematology, serum biochemistry, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound), and followed-up were retrospectively evaluated. LGL lymphoma was localized within the gastrointestinal tract with or without extra-intestinal involvement in 91.7% of the cases, and at extra-gastrointestinal sites in 8.3%. Symptoms were frequent. Anemia (31.2%) and neutrophilia (26.6%) were commonly observed, and 14 (12.8%) cats had neoplastic circulating cells. Frequent biochemistry abnormalities included elevated ALT (39.4%) and hypoalbuminemia (28.4%). Twenty (54.1%) of 37 cats had elevated serum LDH. Treatment varied among cats, and included surgery (11%), chemotherapy (23%), corticosteroids (38.5%) and no treatment (27.5%). Median time to progression (MTTP) was 5 days, and median survival time (MST) 21 days. MST was significantly shorter in the case of substage b, circulating neoplastic cells, lack of chemotherapy administration, and lack of treatment response. A small subset of cats (7.3%) survived more than 6 months, suggesting that a more favorable clinical course can be found among LGL lymphoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the improved accessibility to ultrasound, fine needle aspiration of abdominal organs is now performed frequently in many veterinary practices. Despite this, there are many 'unknowns' as to the best method to produce a high-quality sample. This report begins by highlighting recent literature on the risks and benefits of abdominal fine needle aspiration. It follows with recommendations about the equipment and method best suited to the procedure, including needle and syringe size and aspiration versus non-aspiration techniques. Various smear preparations and laboratory submission requirements are also discussed. The final aspect of the review more specifically discusses fine needle aspiration of specific abdominal organs: the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, urinary bladder, prostate and abdominal lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality used to investigate human patients with suspected malignant or inflammatory pleural effusion, but there is a lack of information about the clinical use of this test in dogs. To identify CT signs that could be used to distinguish pleural malignant neoplasia from pleuritis, a retrospective case-control study was done based on dogs that had pleural effusion, pre- and postcontrast thoracic CT images, and cytological or histopathological diagnosis of malignant or inflammatory pleural effusion. There were 20 dogs with malignant pleural effusion (13 mesothelioma, 6 carcinoma; 1 lymphoma), and 32 dogs with pleuritis (18 pyothorax; 14 chylothorax). Compared to dogs with pleuritis, dogs with malignant pleural effusions were significantly older (median 8.5 years vs. 4.9 years, P = 0.001), more frequently had CT signs of pleural thickening (65% vs.34%, P = 0.05), tended to have thickening of the parietal pleura only (45% vs. 3%, P = 0.002) and had more marked pleural thickening (median 3 mm vs. 0 mm, P = 0.03). Computed tomography signs of thoracic wall invasion were observed only in dogs with malignant pleural effusions ( P = 0.05). There were no significant differences in pleural fluid volume, distribution or attenuation, degree of pleural contrast accumulation, amount of pannus, or prevalence of mediastinal adenopathy. Although there was considerable overlap in findings in dogs with malignant pleural effusion and pleuritis, marked thickening affecting the parietal pleural alone and signs of thoracic wall invasion on CT support diagnosis of pleural malignant neoplasia, and may help prioritize further diagnostic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of the internal pudendal artery. Two hundred and thirty-two pelvic halves from 116 adult dogs were examined. Twenty-six anatomical variations were found, thirteen occurring in more than 5% of the dogs. Anatomical variations were grouped in relation to the origin of the prostatic/vaginal arteries, middle rectal artery, urethral artery, ventral perineal and caudal rectal arteries. The chi-squared test was used to analyse differences in sex, side of the body, profile and size, and the results were considered statistically significant when P = 0.05. An identical vascular pattern in both hemipelvises was found for most of the anatomical variations described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Canine babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, is a prevalent and clinically relevant disease in Europe. Severe acute babesiosis is characterized by a high mortality but prognosis is not always correlated with clinical signs nor with the level of parasitemia. Objective This study evaluated prognostic markers associated with poor outcomes in acute Babesia canis infections. Animals and Methods We compared the results of routine laboratory profiles, hand-held lactate and glucose analyzer, and the acute phase response in 2 groups of naturally infected dogs (7 survivors and 8 nonsurvivors). Samples were collected at the time of first admission and before any treatment. Subsequently, the course of prognostic markers was followed in 3 dogs experimentally inoculated with B. canis. Results Nonsurvivors showed significantly higher concentrations of lactate, triglycerides and phosphate and lower hematocrit, leukocyte counts, total serum protein concentrations, and thrombocyte counts when compared to survivors. All nonsurvivors (8/8) had hyperlactatemia, whereas most survivors (6/7) had values within the reference range. All survivors had leucocyte counts within the reference range, unlike the nonsurvivors, which showed leukopenia. During the course of acute babesiosis, the variables serum lactate, triglyceride, and phosphate concentrations, and thrombocyte count only exceeded a prognostic threshold during acute crisis. Conclusions and clinical importance Poor outcome in acute B. canis infection is indicated by changes in the laboratory profile. Intensive care should be considered for dogs presenting with moderate anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, mild to moderate leukopenia, hyperlactatemia, moderately increased serum phosphate, and triglyceride concentrations, and moderately decreased total serum protein concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ki67 is a nuclear antigen significantly correlated with degree of malignancy in human non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We wanted to assess the ability of flow cytometric evaluation of Ki67 index ( Ki67I) in differentiating the grade of malignancy in canine lymphomas. Ki67I was determined on lymph node aspirates of 90 immunophenotyped lymphomas classified according to the updated Kiel classification: 80 high grade (HG, 62 B cell and 18 T cell) and 10 low grade (LG, 3 B cell and 7 T cell) lymphomas. HG lymphomas showed significantly higher Ki67I compared with LG lymphomas ( P < 0.0001). A significant difference in HG lymphomas was detected between B- and T-immunophenotypes. Receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve highlighted a high accuracy of Ki67I in recognizing HG lymphomas [area under the curve ( AUC) = 99.4] and a cut-off value of 12.2% was established (sensitivity = 96.3% and specificity = 100%). Thus, we suggest the combination of Ki67I flow cytometric determination and immunophenotype as a reliable tool to classify canine lymphomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amelanotic melanomas are one of the most common oral malignancies. The cytologic and histopathologic differentiation between amelanotic melanoma, sarcoma, and poorly differentiated carcinoma is often difficult or even impossible. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of routine cytology and immunocytochemistry in preoperative diagnosis of canine oral amelanotic melanoma. Methods: Cytologic preparations from undifferentiated canine oral tumors were stained with Giemsa and by immunocytochemistry (ICC) using anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin, and anti-Melan A antibodies. The final cytologic diagnosis (including ICC) was compared to the final diagnosis based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results, and sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination were determined. Results: Final cytologic diagnoses of 38 cases agreed well with the histopathologic/immunohistochemical diagnoses, thus both specificity and sensitivity of combined routine cytology and ICC were 100% (95% confidence interval 90.8–100%). Of 32 oral tumors, diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma, sarcoma, and carcinoma was made using routine cytology and ICC. In 4 of 6 aspirates taken from lymph nodes, a preliminary diagnosis of metastatic amelanotic melanoma corresponded with the final diagnosis. Both sensitivity and specificity of routine cytology in diagnosis of amelanotic melanomas were considered moderate (66.7% and 85.7%, respectively). Conclusions: In conclusion, routine cytology is a reliable diagnostic method for canine oral amelanotic melanoma and metastatic amelanotic melanoma, and ICC, using anti-cytokeratin, anti-vimentin, and anti-Melan A antibodies, is an excellent supporting method for presurgical diagnosis of poorly differentiated oral malignancies in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To develop a provisional immunohistochemistry panel for distinguishing reactive pericardium, atypical mesothelial proliferation and mesothelioma in dogs. Materials and Methods: Archived pericardial biopsies were subject to haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry for cytokeratin, vimentin, insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3, glucose transporter 1 and desmin. Samples were scored for intensity and number of cells stained. Results: Ten biopsies of reactive mesothelium, 17 of atypical mesothelial proliferation, 26 of mesothelioma and five of normal pericardium were identified on the basis of haematoxylin and eosin staining. Cytokeratin and vimentin were expressed in all biopsies, confirming mesothelial origin. Normal pericardial samples had the lowest scores for insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3, glucose transporter 1 and desmin. Mesothelioma and atypical proliferative samples were similar to each other, with higher scores for insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3 and glucose transporter 1 than the reactive samples. Desmin staining was variable. Insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3 was the best to distinguish between disease groups. Clinical Significance: An immunohistochemistry panel of cytokeratin, vimentin, insulin‐like growth factor II mRNA‐binding protein 3 and glucose transporter 1 could provide superior information compared with haematoxylin and eosin staining alone in the diagnosis of cases of mesothelial proliferation in canine pericardium, but further validation is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]