Invasive urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma (UC) is the most common cancer in the canine urinary tract. Prolonged survival of dogs with UC due to better management of the primary tumor and prevention of urethral obstruction might have contributed to an apparent increase in distant metastasis. Metastasis to bone is particularly concerning because the ensuing pain often leads to euthanasia; however, little is known of the frequency, site, or nature of UC skeletal metastasis. In a retrospective analysis, 17 (9%) of 188 canine UC cases had histologically confirmed skeletal metastasis, mainly to the vertebrae. In a prospective analysis of 21 dogs with UC that underwent total body computed tomography (CT) at euthanasia followed by a standardized pathologic examination, skeletal lesions detected on CT were suspected to be metastatic in 4 dogs and were confirmed as metastatic UC histologically in 3 (14%) dogs. In all 3 cases, skeletal metastasis had been suspected based on history and physical examination; however, 1 dog had additional CT-detected skeletal metastases in a clinically unsuspected location, and 2 dogs had histologically confirmed skeletal metastases that corresponded to nonspecific osseous lesions on CT. These findings suggest that total body CT could be helpful in detecting skeletal metastasis as a cause of bone pain in dogs with UC as well as in identifying clinically "silent" sites of skeletal metastasis.

Placement and maintenance of a PEG tube were tolerated well by the study horses, although peritoneal and systemic inflammation were detectable. Fluid requirements were adequately met with this technique, which could provide an alternative method for managing chronically dysphagic horses. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to evaluate the feasibility of enteral feeding by use of this approach in horses.

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HistoryAn 18-year-old 17.96-kg (39.51-lb) female Vietnamese potbellied pig was evaluated because of a 1-month history of anorexia, diarrhea, and signs of depression. Clinical and Gross FindingsOn physical examination, the pig was tachypneic and had signs of depression. Abdominal palpation revealed an intra-abdominal mass. Results of hematologic evaluation (CBC) and serum biochemical analysis were within reference limits. A 12-cm-diameter, well-demarcated mass in the caudal aspect of the abdominal cavity was detected via abdominal radiography and ultrasonography. The mass contained multiple cystic areas and displaced the intestines cranially, but its precise location could not be determined.

HistoryA 4-month-old female Huacaya alpaca was evaluated because of a poor coat and failure to thrive. According to the owner, the cria was born small and weak, with a skin condition. There had been no weight gain during the 3 months preceding the evaluation, despite its good appetite and the provision of good-quality nutrition. Clinical and Gross FindingsOn physical examination, the cria had generalized dry, scaly, lichenified skin, especially on the head, neck, dorsal aspect of the trunk, tail head, and limbs, with a rough coat (Figure 1). There were also crusts and pustules along the upper lips, conjunctivitis, and misshapen toenails.