Canine thymic epithelial tumours (TET) are uncommon and little is known about their behaviour. Previous attempts at histologic classification have varied, and as such reliable prognostic information is unavailable. The aim of this retrospective multi-institutional study was to evaluate cases of canine TETs, irrespective of subtype, in order to identify useful histopathologic and clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Cases were included if the tumour arose from the cranial mediastinum and a diagnosis of TET was made on the basis of histopathology. Fifty-one dogs were included. In addition to clinicopathologic data, histology samples were reviewed for the following features: mitotic count, percentage of necrosis, presence of Hassall's corpuscles, lymphocytic infiltrate, cellular pleomorphism and vascular or capsular invasion. The median survival time for all dogs was 449 days. The 1-and 2-year survival rate was 52.6% and 26.3% respectively. On multivariable analysis surgical excision of the thymic tumour was associated with significantly prolonged survival; the presence of metastasis, myasthenia gravis and moderate or marked cellular pleomorphism were associated with significantly reduced survival. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate prognostic factors to aid treatment recommendations.
Background
Tonsillar carcinomas are rarely reported in dogs. Information on outcome after treatment is sparse and prognosis is guarded to poor.
Hypothesis/Objectives
Assess treatment outcome and potential prognostic factors in a population of dogs with cytological or histopathological diagnosis of tonsillar carcinoma.
Animals
A total of 123 client‐owned dogs with diagnosis of tonsillar carcinoma confirmed by cytology or histopathology.
Methods
Retrospective, multi‐institutional study. Medical records of 12 institutions were reviewed from 2012 to 2021.
Results
Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy (conventional, tyrosine kinase inhibitors or metronomic chemotherapy), radiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a combination of these. Surgery was performed in 68 cases, chemotherapy was administered in association with NSAIDs in 64 cases, NSAIDs were used alone in 14 cases and in association with surgery in 21 cases, whereas radiotherapy was used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy in 20 cases. Overall survival time (OST) was 126 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 88‐164). Significantly longer survival (P < .001) was seen in dogs without evidence of metastatic disease (median survival time, 381 days; 95% CI, 116‐646). Other significant positive prognostic factors included absence of clinicals signs at presentation, surgery (tonsillectomy), use of adjuvant chemotherapy and use of NSAIDs.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance
Asymptomatic dogs, those treated with surgery, those that received adjuvant chemotherapy, and those that received NSAIDs may have a better prognosis than previously expected, but overall survival remains short for dogs with tonsillar carcinoma.
Visceral hemangiosarcomas (HSA) are rare in cats and typically associated with aggressive biologic behavior and poor prognosis. A 4‐year‐old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 3‐month history of hematuria and stranguria; ultrasonography identified a large bladder mass. Complete excision was achieved by partial cystectomy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry for von Willebrand factor confirmed HSA. The cat was treated using adjuvant cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and meloxicam for 8 months. Abdominal ultrasonography repeated at 2 months and computed tomography repeated at 5 and 19 months after diagnosis showed no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis. The cat was alive at last follow‐up (896 days). Although the cat described in this report experienced a more favorable prognosis compared to other visceral HSA locations, additional cases are needed to further understand the biological behavior of bladder HSAs and guide treatment decisions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.