Search Results

Abstract

Objective—To compare outcomes of dogs with pyothorax treated medically versus surgically and to identify prognostic indicators for dogs with pyothorax.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—26 dogs.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, results of physical and laboratory evaluations at the time of initial examination, results of bacterial culture of pleural fluid, radiographic abnormalities, treatment (surgical vs medical), complications, whether the disease recurred, disease-free interval, survival time, and cause of death.

Results—Calculated proportions of dogs free from disease 1 year after treatment were 25 and 78%, respectively, for dogs treated medically and surgically. Treatment was 5.4 times as likely to fail in dogs treated medically as in dogs treated surgically. Two regression models relating treatment group (medical vs surgical) to disease-free interval were found to be significant. The first contained terms for medical treatment and isolation of Actinomyces spp from pleural fluid; the second contained terms for medical treatment and radiographic detection of mediastinal or pulmonary lesions at the time of initial examination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that surgical treatment is associated with a better outcome than medical treatment in dogs with pyothorax. In addition, surgery should be considered if radiographic evidence of mediastinal or pulmonary lesions is detected or if Actinomyces spp is isolated from the pleural fluid. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 221:86–92)

Abstract

Objective—To identify the predominant perforating artery in the canine latissimus dorsi muscle and demonstrate that perfusion of the predominant perforating artery improves blood flow in segments of the latissimus dorsi muscle that are located distally from the thoracodorsal artery.

Sample Population—Latissimus dorsi muscles dissected from 7 dogs.

Procedures—Colored microspheres were used to determine the degree of perfusion of the latissimus dorsi muscle via the thoracodorsal artery, predominant perforating artery, or the thoracodorsal artery and predominant perforating artery together. The latissimus dorsi muscle was divided into 4 proximal to distal segments relative to the thoracodorsal artery (segments A, B, C, and D, respectively).

Results—The perforating artery, located at the level of the fifth intercostal space, predominantly supplied perfusion to segments B, C, and D. The number of microspheres received by segment C was significantly higher when the thoracodorsal artery and perforating artery were used for muscle perfusion (181.40 ± 44.90 microspheres/300 g of tissue for every 3,000 spheres injected), compared with use of the thoracodorsal artery alone (60.00 ± 13.70 microspheres/300 g of tissue for every 3,000 spheres injected).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Blood flow via the predominant perforating artery improves perfusion to the middle part of the latissimus dorsi muscle in dogs. A bipedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap would provide a healthier muscle for cardiac assist in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1255–1259)

Abstract

Case Description—A 10-year-old spayed female Corgi mix was examined for a 3-week history of lethargy and weight gain.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings included muffled heart sounds and a distended abdomen with a fluid wave on ballottement. Thoracic radiography revealed a globoid cardiac silhouette, and thoracic ultrasonography indicated pericardial effusion and a pedunculated mass originating from the right auricle.

Treatment and Outcome—Initial treatment consisted of pericardiocentesis. One week later, thoracoscopic right atrial mass resection was performed. No surgical complications were noted, and the dog was discharged approximately 28 hours after surgery. Results of histologic examination of the mass indicated a grade 2 hemangiosarcoma with incomplete margins. Treatment with doxorubicin was initiated 35 days after surgery. The dog survived for 177 days after mass resection, when it was euthanized because of complications related to metastatic disease.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that thoracoscopic right atrial mass removal combined with adjunct doxorubicin treatment may be a viable alternative to thoracotomy in dogs with right atrial masses.

Abstract

Objective–To describe the clinical features, surgical and histologic findings, biological behavior, and outcome of dogs with retroperitoneal sarcomas.

Design–Retrospective study.

Animals–14 dogs.

Procedures–Medical and pathology records from 1992 to 2002 of dogs with tumors originating in the retroperitoneal space were reviewed. Dogs with retroperitoneal tumors originating from the adrenal glands, kidneys, or ureters were excluded. Inclusion criteria included observation of a tumor arising from the retroperitoneal space during exploratory surgery or necropsy and histologic confirmation of tumor type. Details of clinical signs, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcome were determined from medical records and telephone interviews with veterinarians and owners.

Results–Retroperitoneal sarcoma was diagnosed in 14 dogs, 2 at necropsy and 12 during exploratory surgery. Hemangiosarcoma was the most common histologic diagnosis. Seven dogs had regional extension of the sarcoma into adjacent organs, and 4 dogs had metastatic disease. Grossly complete resection was possible in 6 dogs. Cytoreductive surgery or incisional biopsy was performed in the remaining dogs. Two dogs were treated with palliative radiation therapy (1 intraoperatively and 1 postoperatively). Three dogs received adjunctive chemotherapy, although none completed the targeted course because of development of local recurrence or metastatic disease. Local recurrence was reported in 2 of 12 dogs and metastasis in 10 of 14 dogs. Thirteen dogs died or were euthanatized as a result of the retroperitoneal sarcoma; 1 dog was alive and disease-free 410 days after surgery. Median survival time was 37.5 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance–In dogs, retroperitoneal sarcomas are aggressive tumors with a high rate of local recurrence and metastasis, and a poor survival time. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224: 1471–1477)