Thoracoscopic pericardial window is of low morbidity with short surgery and hospitalisation times. It provides good long-term control of idiopathic pericardial effusion but short-term palliation of clinical signs in dogs with neoplastic disease.

Case summaryA 10-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with nausea and 1.2 kg weight loss over a 6 month period. Physical examination was unremarkable, and haematological and biochemical results were considered clinically unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound revealed an 18 mm diameter heterogeneous mass in the stomach at the pyloric sphincter, protruding into the gastric lumen with loss of gastric wall layering. The remainder of the intestinal tract and abdominal viscera were unremarkable and no free fluid was detected. The mass was surgically resected via celiotomy and the adjacent lymph node excised for histopathology. Histopathology of the mass demonstrated neoplastic spindle cell proliferation, which was considered most likely to be of smooth muscle origin, and so a preliminary diagnosis of gastric leiomyosarcoma was given. Complete excision was confirmed. Immunohistochemistry excluded a gastrointestinal stromal cell tumour as a differential and strongly supported the diagnosis of gastric leiomyosarcoma. The cat recovered well postoperatively with supportive treatment. Repeat abdominal ultrasonography 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed no evidence of mass regrowth. Survival time at the time of reporting is 10 months.Relevance and novel informationTo our knowledge, this is the first report of gastric leiomyosarcoma in a cat. Based on this case, gastric leiomyosarcoma should be a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with a gastric mass.

A three year old male entire Staffordshire bull terrier was referred to University College Dublin Veterinary Hospital, with a two week history of fever, inflammation of the right hock, lameness on the right hindlimb, peripheral lymphadenopathy and gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhoea). For the preceding three months the dog had been treated for atopic dermatitis with oral ciclosporin (5 mg/kg, PO, q 24 hours).Cytological analysis of the affected lymph nodes demonstrated fungal-like organisms predominantly contained within macrophages. Subsequent fungal culture and microscopic identification confirmed the presence of a Byssochlamys sp. This fungus is a saprophytic organism which has been associated with mycotoxin production. It has not previously been identified as a cause of systemic infection in animals or humans.Ciclosporin was discontinued, and a second generation triazole, voriconazole prescribed at a dose of 6 mg/kg for the first two doses, and continued at 3 mg/kg every 12 hours for six months. There was an excellent response. Follow-up examination five weeks after treatment was completed confirmed remission of the disease. The dog remains alive and well three years later.The present case represents an unusual fungal infection in a dog secondary to immunosuppressive therapy with ciclosporin. Such a possibility should be considered in animals presenting with signs consistent with systemic infection when receiving immunosuppressive medication.

A three-year-old female Irish setter dog presented with a history of shallow breathing, pyrexia and regurgitation. CT imaging revealed a 13×7×5 cm caudal mediastinal mass extending from the level of the right atrium to the diaphragm and surrounding the oesophagus. Total excision was achieved by a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy approach. Histological examination was consistent with a sterile abscess. The dog recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the third day after surgery. One year following surgery, the dog was in excellent physical condition with no evidence of recurrence of clinical signs. Total excision using a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy was a feasible and effective surgical option in this case. Benefit of total excision versus partial excision for caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal abscesses in dogs remains to be determined. BACKGROUND