Pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and albumin-to globulin ratio may aid with diagnosis and optimal treatment planning. Further investigation into their prognostic implications is warranted.
Canine mast cell tumours (MCTs) are variable in their biological behaviour and treatment decisions depend heavily on the histopathological grade. Biomarkers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin to globulin ratio are used to predict the biological behaviour of human neoplasms, but have not been widely studied in dogs. A retrospective analysis identified 62 cases of gross MCT (14 high-grade, 48 low-grade tumours). Median NLR was significantly different between high- and low-grade MCT and tumours at different locations. A multivariable model identified increasing NLR (OR 2.0) and age (OR 1.7) to be associated with an increased risk of high-grade MCT. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an NLR threshold value of 5.67 (sensitivity 85.7 per cent; specificity 54.2 per cent) for predicting a high-grade MCT. An NLR threshold of 5.67 could be useful alongside existing tools (appearance, location, etc.) to help to predict the grade of MCT. With further validation, this biomarker could be used to guide clinical decisions before obtaining a histopathological diagnosis.
This study suggests that even after referral to specialist palliative care services variation in place of death by deprivation persists. Greater deprivation is associated with increased likelihood of dying in hospital and decreased likelihood of dying in a hospice, although no difference was noted for home deaths.
An eight-year-old male neutered boxer and a 10-year-old female neutered lurcher were presented with palpable masses in the region of the right parotid salivary gland. In both cases, fine needle aspirates yielded adipose cells, normal salivary epithelium and some blood contamination. CT images showed a mixed fat attenuating mass in the region of the right parotid salivary gland, without a normal ipsilateral parotid salivary gland. Surgical excision was performed in both cases and histopathology was consistent with sialolipoma. Neither mass has recurred 7 and 16 months after surgery. Sialolipoma should therefore be considered as a differential in dogs with a mass in this location. Fine needle aspirates showing salivary epithelium and adipose cells should not be dismissed as non-diagnostic. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the two first reported cases of sialolipomas of the parotid salivary gland in dogs and the first description of cross-sectional imaging of sialolipomas.
Background
There is a paucity of veterinary literature on the safety or outcome of zoledronic acid (ZA) use in dogs for either bone pain or hypercalcemia.
Hypothesis/Objectives
The primary aim was to report the adverse events in dogs receiving intravenous administration of ZA.
Animals
Ninety‐five dogs with ZA use.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed; all dogs that received at least 1 dose of ZA and had a serum biochemistry profile performed before and after treatment were reviewed. Diagnosis, indication for treatment, adverse events and survival times were recorded.
Results
Ninety‐five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Thirty‐one (33%) received multiple intravenous infusions of ZA (range, 2‐7), making a total of 166 administrations in all dogs. The dose range was 0.13 to 0.32 mg/kg, given at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks. Thirteen adverse events were recorded in 10 dogs: azotemia (n = 8), vomiting (n = 2), pancreatitis (n = 1), cutaneous ulceration (n = 1), and diarrhea (n = 1). Zoledronic acid could not be confirmed as the cause of azotemia in any case. The change in serum creatinine concentration from dose to dose was not related to the total dose received (
P
= .46). Five dogs (5%) changed Veterinary Comparative Oncology Group Common Terminology Criteria (VCOG‐CTAE) renal/genitourinary grade after administration of ZA; their total dose 0.4 mg/kg (range, 0.26‐0.66) was not significantly different to the group which did not change VCOG‐CTAE renal/genitourinary grade 0.35 mg/kg (range, 0.2‐1.50;
P
= .93).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Multiple doses of ZA were well tolerated in dogs within this study. A small number of dogs developed progressive azotemia which was not associated with cumulative dose.
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