A group of 21-day-old, spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received either aspirin (75-100 mg/kg)... more A group of 21-day-old, spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received either aspirin (75-100 mg/kg), metoprolol (1.0-1.5 mg/kg) or both in their drinking water for 56 days. Controls received plain water. Groups of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) received the same drug treatment as did the SHR. Blood pressure, heart rate and body weight were determined weekly, and water consumption was monitored on a daily basis. Renal prostaglandin (PG) activities were determined in a separate group of rats at 7 and at 56 days on each protocol. Blood pressures in the SHRs remained in the range of the WKY during 56 days of treatment with aspirin or metoprolol, but increased to hypertensive levels after exposure to plain water. Blood pressures in the WKY receiving aspirin or metoprolol were also lower than those receiving plain water, but the antihypertensive effect was somewhat slower in onset. The antihypertensive effects of aspirin and of metoprolol were lost in the SHR but not in the WKY when b...
Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 21-day interval has been described in dogs with stage... more Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 21-day interval has been described in dogs with stage II and III insulinoma. Myelosuppression was not observed, suggesting the possibility of increasing dose intensity by decreasing the interval between doses. To describe the tolerability of a biweekly STZ protocol. A secondary objective was to describe the outcome of dogs treated with this protocol. Nineteen dogs with residual local, metastatic, or recurrent insulinoma. After surgery for insulinoma, or at the time of recurrence, dogs were treated with a previously described STZ and saline diuresis protocol. Treatments were administered every 14 days. All dogs received antiemetic treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded. Outcome endpoints assessed were progression-free survival (PFS) and survival. None of the dogs experienced neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal toxicity was the most common AE. Diabetes mellitus was observed in 8 dogs and, in 6, resulted in euthanasia or death. Two dogs developed nephrotoxicity manifested as Fanconi syndrome in 1 and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in the other. Six dogs developed increased alanine amino transferase activity. Hypoglycemia at the end of the STZ infusion, resulted in collapse in 1 dog and a generalized seizure in another. The median overall PFS and survival time were 196 and 308 days, respectively. Streptozotocin can be safely administered to dogs with insulinoma, but serious AEs are possible. Additional investigation is required to better define the role of STZ in managing dogs with insulinoma.
Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. This retrospective study evaluated adjuvant ... more Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. This retrospective study evaluated adjuvant carboplatin chemotherapy (with or without radiation therapy) in 17 dogs with malignant oral melanoma following surgical resection. The median dosage and number of doses of carboplatin administered to the 17 dogs was 300 mg m(-2) (range, 150-300 mg m(-2)) and 4 (range, 2-11), respectively. The overall median progression-free survival for all dogs was 259 days [95% confidence interval (CI95), 119-399 days]. The first progression-free survival event was local recurrence in seven dogs (41%) and metastases in seven dogs (41%). The median overall survival for all dogs was 440 days (CI95, 247-633 days). The tumour was the cause of death in 10 dogs (59%). On the basis of this study, systemic therapy with carboplatin may be an appropriate adjunct to local treatment for canine malignant melanoma, although future prospective controlled studies are needed to compare treatment modalities for this aggressive neoplasia.
Background We hypothesized that the addition of toceranib to metronomic cyclophosphamide/piroxica... more Background We hypothesized that the addition of toceranib to metronomic cyclophosphamide/piroxicam therapy would significantly improve disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) in
When a preliminary experiment in sodium-replete ponies revealed an increase, but not a significan... more When a preliminary experiment in sodium-replete ponies revealed an increase, but not a significant increase, in salt consumption after furosemide treatment, the experiment was repeated using sodium-deficient horses in which aldosterone levels might be expected to be elevated to test the hypothesis that a background of aldosterone is necessary for salt appetite. Ten Standardbred mares were injected intravenously with furosemide or an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride as a control to test the effect of furosemide on their salt appetite and blood constituents. Sodium intake and sodium loss in urine, as well as water intake and urine output, were measured and compared to determine accuracy of compensation for natriuresis and diuresis. Plasma protein and packed cell volume showed significant increases in response to furosemide treatment (F = 29.31, P less than 0.001 and F = 11.20, P less than 0.001, respectively). There were no significant changes in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality in response to the treatment (P greater than 0.05). The furosemide-treated horses consumed 126 +/- 14.8 g salt, significantly more than when they were given the control injection (94.5 +/- 9.8 g; t = 2.22, P = 0.05). In response to furosemide, horses lost 962 +/- 79.7 and consumed 2,170 +/- 5 meq sodium; however, compared with control, they lost 955 meq more sodium and ingested only 570 meq more sodium, so they were undercompensating for natriuresis. The furosemide-treated horses drank 9.6 +/- 0.8 kg of water, significantly more than when they received the control injection (6.4 +/- 0.8 kg; t = 6.9, P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, Jan 21, 2015
A 2.5-year-old, male, neutered cat presented with a 5-month history of progressive right hind lim... more A 2.5-year-old, male, neutered cat presented with a 5-month history of progressive right hind limb lameness and an enlarged right popliteal lymph node. Radiographs revealed significant bony lysis of the tarsus and distal tibia, and fine-needle aspirate of the bone lesion and lymph node revealed a neoplastic population of cells with uncertain origin. Amputation was elected, and the mass was submitted for histology and cellular culture for better characterization. Histologic examination revealed a mixture of spindle-shaped cells and larger, round to polygonal cells. All cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, and only the larger polygonal cells were also positive for cytokeratin. All cells were negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin, cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD18, CD79a, macrophage antibody (MAC)387, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Cultured neoplastic cells failed to express CD18, and were not able to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, inte...
Spontaneously occurring canine mammary cancer represents an excellent model of human breast cance... more Spontaneously occurring canine mammary cancer represents an excellent model of human breast cancer, but is greatly understudied. To better use this valuable resource, we performed whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, and/or high-density arrays on twelve canine mammary cancer cases, including seven simple carcinomas and four complex carcinomas. Canine simple carcinomas, which histologically match human breast carcinomas, harbor extensive genomic aberrations, many of which faithfully recapitulate key features of human breast cancer. Canine complex carcinomas, which are characterized by proliferation of both luminal and myoepithelial cells and are rare in human breast cancer, seem to lack genomic abnormalities. Instead, these tumors have about 35 chromatin-modification genes downregulated and are abnormally enriched with active histone modification H4-acetylation, whereas aberrantly depleted with repressive histone modification H3K9me3. Our findings indicate the li...
The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the biological behaviour of canine mandib... more The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the biological behaviour of canine mandibular osteosarcoma (OSA) and to examine factors for their impact on metastasis-free interval (MFI) and survival time (ST). Records from dogs treated with mandibulectomy for OSA (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007) were reviewed. Archived tumour samples were evaluated for mitotic index (MI) and tumour grade. Fifty dogs were included, 21 received chemotherapy. Twenty-nine dogs (58%) developed metastatic disease. The median MFI was 627 days, and median ST was 525 days. In univariate analysis MI > 40 was prognostic for decreased MFI and ST. Grade also influenced MFI and ST, with 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours metastasis-free at one year versus 16/22 (72%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.002); and 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours alive versus 17/22 (77%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, histological grade and adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic for MFI and ST.
Background: Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pre... more Background: Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pressing need. A micellar formulation of paclitaxel (paclitaxel [micellar]) has shown promise in early-phase studies.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2010
Osteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and app... more Osteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and appears to be a similarly rare variant in dogs. Two dogs with oral malignant melanoma with neoplastic bone formation are reported in this study. Both tumors were characterized by malignant melanocytes that transitioned into neoplastic bone at the deep margins of the neoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed S100-and Melan-A-positive neoplastic cells adjacent to, and occasionally embedded within, an osteoid and chondroblastic matrix. Scattered clusters of neoplastic cells were also positive for osteocalcin. The findings indicate that in dogs, as in humans, neoplastic melanocytes have metaplastic potential and can be osteogenic.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2005
Ten veterinary pathologists independently assigned histologic grades to the same 60 canine cutane... more Ten veterinary pathologists independently assigned histologic grades to the same 60 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors using the Patnaik classifications. The degree of agreement in grading among the pathologists was compared with the degree of agreement among the same pathologists in a previous study, in which each pathologist used the reference for grading that he/she uses routinely. Mean agreement improved significantly from 50.3% to 62.1% with uniform use of the Patnaik classifications (P ϭ 0.00001), suggesting that there is value in uniform application of a single grading scheme for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. Agreement among pathologists was still not 100%, suggesting that a more objective grading scheme should be developed and that other histologic indicators of prognosis should be investigated.
This prospective experimental simulation study evaluated the efficiency, ease of use (EOU) and co... more This prospective experimental simulation study evaluated the efficiency, ease of use (EOU) and cost of administering chemotherapy with two closed system transfer devices (CSTD, Equashield™ and PhaSeal(®) ) and no CSTD. Forty-six veterinary technicians (VT) working in oncology specialty practices were timed during chemotherapy administration simulated with water and a model canine limb 10 times with each system and with no CSTD. EOU and likelihood of recommending each system were rated by VT using visual analog scales. Costs were obtained from veterinary distributors. Administration was fastest with Equashield™ (P = 0.0003), but the difference was not enough to affect case flow. Equashield™ was easier to use than PhaSeal(®) or no CSTD (P = 0.002), however VT recommended both CSTD more strongly than no CSTD (P < 0.0001). Equashield™ cost less than PhaSeal(®) but was sold only in bulk quantities. CSTD did not decrease efficiency in administering chemotherapy and were readily accepted by VT.
Expression of histamine, serotonin, and KIT was evaluated in 61 archived feline mast cell tumors ... more Expression of histamine, serotonin, and KIT was evaluated in 61 archived feline mast cell tumors (MCTs) from the skin (n ¼ 29), spleen (n ¼ 17), and gastrointestinal (GI) tract (n ¼ 15) using immunohistochemistry. Twenty-eight percent of cutaneous MCTs, 18% of splenic MCTs, and 53% of GI MCTs displayed histamine immunoreactivity. Serotonin immunoreactivity was detected in 3 GI and 1 cutaneous MCT. Sixty-nine percent of cutaneous MCTs, 35% of splenic MCTs, and 33% of GI MCTs were positive for KIT. Expression of these biogenic amines and KIT was less common than expected. Results of this study suggest heterogeneity in feline MCTs based on anatomic location. Further studies are needed to explain the significance of these differences.
A retrospective analysis was done to assess the toxicity and efficacy associated with an alternat... more A retrospective analysis was done to assess the toxicity and efficacy associated with an alternating chemotherapy protocol of ifosfamide (375 mg m À2 ) and doxorubicin (30 mg m À2
A chemotherapy protocol using a consolidation phase of alkylating agents was used for treating 94... more A chemotherapy protocol using a consolidation phase of alkylating agents was used for treating 94 dogs with lymphoma. Fifty-seven percent of dogs were in stage V, 63% were ill and 38% had T-cell lymphoma. The complete remission (CR) rate was 70% and is comparable to results achieved with previously published chemotherapy protocols. Anorexia predicted the remission; of the 40 dogs without anorexia, 35 (88%) achieved CR whereas of 52 dogs with anorexia, 30 (58%) achieved CR. Median first CR duration was 168 days and 1-and 2-year CR rates were 17.4 and 15.5%, respectively. Platelet count affected length of first CR, with a 53.2% reduced chance of coming out of remission with each log increase in platelet count. Median survival time was 302 days. One and 2-year survival rates were 44 and 13%, respectively. Anorexia and no dose reduction of any drug were independent negative variables. Of 93 dogs with toxicity data, 65 dogs (70%) required a dose reduction. Cyclophosphamide was most commonly reduced with reductions in 31 (38%) of 82 dogs. A dose reduction was significantly more likely in dogs with B-cell lymphoma than in those with T-cell lymphoma.
Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treat... more Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treatment and prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of dogs with PTC treated with surgical excision. Medical records of 19 dogs undergoing surgical excision of PTC between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were presented for clinical hypercalcaemia or incidental hypercalcaemia noted by referring veterinarians on routine serum chemistry profiles. A parathyroid nodule was identified with cervical ultrasound in 17/17 dogs. Hypercalcaemia resolved in 18/19 dogs within 4 days postoperatively. Nine developed hypocalcaemia. None were confirmed to develop recurrent or metastatic PTC. The only death associated with PTC was a dog that was euthanized for intractable hypocalcaemia 9 days after surgery. Estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 72, 37 and 30%, respectively. Excision of PTC results in resolution of hypercalcaemia and excellent tumour control.
A group of 21-day-old, spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received either aspirin (75-100 mg/kg)... more A group of 21-day-old, spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received either aspirin (75-100 mg/kg), metoprolol (1.0-1.5 mg/kg) or both in their drinking water for 56 days. Controls received plain water. Groups of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) received the same drug treatment as did the SHR. Blood pressure, heart rate and body weight were determined weekly, and water consumption was monitored on a daily basis. Renal prostaglandin (PG) activities were determined in a separate group of rats at 7 and at 56 days on each protocol. Blood pressures in the SHRs remained in the range of the WKY during 56 days of treatment with aspirin or metoprolol, but increased to hypertensive levels after exposure to plain water. Blood pressures in the WKY receiving aspirin or metoprolol were also lower than those receiving plain water, but the antihypertensive effect was somewhat slower in onset. The antihypertensive effects of aspirin and of metoprolol were lost in the SHR but not in the WKY when b...
Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 21-day interval has been described in dogs with stage... more Administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at a 21-day interval has been described in dogs with stage II and III insulinoma. Myelosuppression was not observed, suggesting the possibility of increasing dose intensity by decreasing the interval between doses. To describe the tolerability of a biweekly STZ protocol. A secondary objective was to describe the outcome of dogs treated with this protocol. Nineteen dogs with residual local, metastatic, or recurrent insulinoma. After surgery for insulinoma, or at the time of recurrence, dogs were treated with a previously described STZ and saline diuresis protocol. Treatments were administered every 14 days. All dogs received antiemetic treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded. Outcome endpoints assessed were progression-free survival (PFS) and survival. None of the dogs experienced neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal toxicity was the most common AE. Diabetes mellitus was observed in 8 dogs and, in 6, resulted in euthanasia or death. Two dogs developed nephrotoxicity manifested as Fanconi syndrome in 1 and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in the other. Six dogs developed increased alanine amino transferase activity. Hypoglycemia at the end of the STZ infusion, resulted in collapse in 1 dog and a generalized seizure in another. The median overall PFS and survival time were 196 and 308 days, respectively. Streptozotocin can be safely administered to dogs with insulinoma, but serious AEs are possible. Additional investigation is required to better define the role of STZ in managing dogs with insulinoma.
Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. This retrospective study evaluated adjuvant ... more Melanoma is the most common oral malignancy in dogs. This retrospective study evaluated adjuvant carboplatin chemotherapy (with or without radiation therapy) in 17 dogs with malignant oral melanoma following surgical resection. The median dosage and number of doses of carboplatin administered to the 17 dogs was 300 mg m(-2) (range, 150-300 mg m(-2)) and 4 (range, 2-11), respectively. The overall median progression-free survival for all dogs was 259 days [95% confidence interval (CI95), 119-399 days]. The first progression-free survival event was local recurrence in seven dogs (41%) and metastases in seven dogs (41%). The median overall survival for all dogs was 440 days (CI95, 247-633 days). The tumour was the cause of death in 10 dogs (59%). On the basis of this study, systemic therapy with carboplatin may be an appropriate adjunct to local treatment for canine malignant melanoma, although future prospective controlled studies are needed to compare treatment modalities for this aggressive neoplasia.
Background We hypothesized that the addition of toceranib to metronomic cyclophosphamide/piroxica... more Background We hypothesized that the addition of toceranib to metronomic cyclophosphamide/piroxicam therapy would significantly improve disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) in
When a preliminary experiment in sodium-replete ponies revealed an increase, but not a significan... more When a preliminary experiment in sodium-replete ponies revealed an increase, but not a significant increase, in salt consumption after furosemide treatment, the experiment was repeated using sodium-deficient horses in which aldosterone levels might be expected to be elevated to test the hypothesis that a background of aldosterone is necessary for salt appetite. Ten Standardbred mares were injected intravenously with furosemide or an equivalent volume of 0.9% sodium chloride as a control to test the effect of furosemide on their salt appetite and blood constituents. Sodium intake and sodium loss in urine, as well as water intake and urine output, were measured and compared to determine accuracy of compensation for natriuresis and diuresis. Plasma protein and packed cell volume showed significant increases in response to furosemide treatment (F = 29.31, P less than 0.001 and F = 11.20, P less than 0.001, respectively). There were no significant changes in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality in response to the treatment (P greater than 0.05). The furosemide-treated horses consumed 126 +/- 14.8 g salt, significantly more than when they were given the control injection (94.5 +/- 9.8 g; t = 2.22, P = 0.05). In response to furosemide, horses lost 962 +/- 79.7 and consumed 2,170 +/- 5 meq sodium; however, compared with control, they lost 955 meq more sodium and ingested only 570 meq more sodium, so they were undercompensating for natriuresis. The furosemide-treated horses drank 9.6 +/- 0.8 kg of water, significantly more than when they received the control injection (6.4 +/- 0.8 kg; t = 6.9, P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc, Jan 21, 2015
A 2.5-year-old, male, neutered cat presented with a 5-month history of progressive right hind lim... more A 2.5-year-old, male, neutered cat presented with a 5-month history of progressive right hind limb lameness and an enlarged right popliteal lymph node. Radiographs revealed significant bony lysis of the tarsus and distal tibia, and fine-needle aspirate of the bone lesion and lymph node revealed a neoplastic population of cells with uncertain origin. Amputation was elected, and the mass was submitted for histology and cellular culture for better characterization. Histologic examination revealed a mixture of spindle-shaped cells and larger, round to polygonal cells. All cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, and only the larger polygonal cells were also positive for cytokeratin. All cells were negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin, cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD18, CD79a, macrophage antibody (MAC)387, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Cultured neoplastic cells failed to express CD18, and were not able to secrete the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, inte...
Spontaneously occurring canine mammary cancer represents an excellent model of human breast cance... more Spontaneously occurring canine mammary cancer represents an excellent model of human breast cancer, but is greatly understudied. To better use this valuable resource, we performed whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, and/or high-density arrays on twelve canine mammary cancer cases, including seven simple carcinomas and four complex carcinomas. Canine simple carcinomas, which histologically match human breast carcinomas, harbor extensive genomic aberrations, many of which faithfully recapitulate key features of human breast cancer. Canine complex carcinomas, which are characterized by proliferation of both luminal and myoepithelial cells and are rare in human breast cancer, seem to lack genomic abnormalities. Instead, these tumors have about 35 chromatin-modification genes downregulated and are abnormally enriched with active histone modification H4-acetylation, whereas aberrantly depleted with repressive histone modification H3K9me3. Our findings indicate the li...
The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the biological behaviour of canine mandib... more The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the biological behaviour of canine mandibular osteosarcoma (OSA) and to examine factors for their impact on metastasis-free interval (MFI) and survival time (ST). Records from dogs treated with mandibulectomy for OSA (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007) were reviewed. Archived tumour samples were evaluated for mitotic index (MI) and tumour grade. Fifty dogs were included, 21 received chemotherapy. Twenty-nine dogs (58%) developed metastatic disease. The median MFI was 627 days, and median ST was 525 days. In univariate analysis MI > 40 was prognostic for decreased MFI and ST. Grade also influenced MFI and ST, with 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours metastasis-free at one year versus 16/22 (72%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.002); and 5/21 (24%) dogs with grade II/III tumours alive versus 17/22 (77%) dogs with grade I tumours (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, histological grade and adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic for MFI and ST.
Background: Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pre... more Background: Effective treatments for dogs with advanced stage mast cell tumors (MCT) remain a pressing need. A micellar formulation of paclitaxel (paclitaxel [micellar]) has shown promise in early-phase studies.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2010
Osteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and app... more Osteogenic melanoma is a rare variant of metaplastic malignant melanoma in human medicine and appears to be a similarly rare variant in dogs. Two dogs with oral malignant melanoma with neoplastic bone formation are reported in this study. Both tumors were characterized by malignant melanocytes that transitioned into neoplastic bone at the deep margins of the neoplasm. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed S100-and Melan-A-positive neoplastic cells adjacent to, and occasionally embedded within, an osteoid and chondroblastic matrix. Scattered clusters of neoplastic cells were also positive for osteocalcin. The findings indicate that in dogs, as in humans, neoplastic melanocytes have metaplastic potential and can be osteogenic.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2005
Ten veterinary pathologists independently assigned histologic grades to the same 60 canine cutane... more Ten veterinary pathologists independently assigned histologic grades to the same 60 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors using the Patnaik classifications. The degree of agreement in grading among the pathologists was compared with the degree of agreement among the same pathologists in a previous study, in which each pathologist used the reference for grading that he/she uses routinely. Mean agreement improved significantly from 50.3% to 62.1% with uniform use of the Patnaik classifications (P ϭ 0.00001), suggesting that there is value in uniform application of a single grading scheme for canine cutaneous mast cell tumors. Agreement among pathologists was still not 100%, suggesting that a more objective grading scheme should be developed and that other histologic indicators of prognosis should be investigated.
This prospective experimental simulation study evaluated the efficiency, ease of use (EOU) and co... more This prospective experimental simulation study evaluated the efficiency, ease of use (EOU) and cost of administering chemotherapy with two closed system transfer devices (CSTD, Equashield™ and PhaSeal(®) ) and no CSTD. Forty-six veterinary technicians (VT) working in oncology specialty practices were timed during chemotherapy administration simulated with water and a model canine limb 10 times with each system and with no CSTD. EOU and likelihood of recommending each system were rated by VT using visual analog scales. Costs were obtained from veterinary distributors. Administration was fastest with Equashield™ (P = 0.0003), but the difference was not enough to affect case flow. Equashield™ was easier to use than PhaSeal(®) or no CSTD (P = 0.002), however VT recommended both CSTD more strongly than no CSTD (P < 0.0001). Equashield™ cost less than PhaSeal(®) but was sold only in bulk quantities. CSTD did not decrease efficiency in administering chemotherapy and were readily accepted by VT.
Expression of histamine, serotonin, and KIT was evaluated in 61 archived feline mast cell tumors ... more Expression of histamine, serotonin, and KIT was evaluated in 61 archived feline mast cell tumors (MCTs) from the skin (n ¼ 29), spleen (n ¼ 17), and gastrointestinal (GI) tract (n ¼ 15) using immunohistochemistry. Twenty-eight percent of cutaneous MCTs, 18% of splenic MCTs, and 53% of GI MCTs displayed histamine immunoreactivity. Serotonin immunoreactivity was detected in 3 GI and 1 cutaneous MCT. Sixty-nine percent of cutaneous MCTs, 35% of splenic MCTs, and 33% of GI MCTs were positive for KIT. Expression of these biogenic amines and KIT was less common than expected. Results of this study suggest heterogeneity in feline MCTs based on anatomic location. Further studies are needed to explain the significance of these differences.
A retrospective analysis was done to assess the toxicity and efficacy associated with an alternat... more A retrospective analysis was done to assess the toxicity and efficacy associated with an alternating chemotherapy protocol of ifosfamide (375 mg m À2 ) and doxorubicin (30 mg m À2
A chemotherapy protocol using a consolidation phase of alkylating agents was used for treating 94... more A chemotherapy protocol using a consolidation phase of alkylating agents was used for treating 94 dogs with lymphoma. Fifty-seven percent of dogs were in stage V, 63% were ill and 38% had T-cell lymphoma. The complete remission (CR) rate was 70% and is comparable to results achieved with previously published chemotherapy protocols. Anorexia predicted the remission; of the 40 dogs without anorexia, 35 (88%) achieved CR whereas of 52 dogs with anorexia, 30 (58%) achieved CR. Median first CR duration was 168 days and 1-and 2-year CR rates were 17.4 and 15.5%, respectively. Platelet count affected length of first CR, with a 53.2% reduced chance of coming out of remission with each log increase in platelet count. Median survival time was 302 days. One and 2-year survival rates were 44 and 13%, respectively. Anorexia and no dose reduction of any drug were independent negative variables. Of 93 dogs with toxicity data, 65 dogs (70%) required a dose reduction. Cyclophosphamide was most commonly reduced with reductions in 31 (38%) of 82 dogs. A dose reduction was significantly more likely in dogs with B-cell lymphoma than in those with T-cell lymphoma.
Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treat... more Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treatment and prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of dogs with PTC treated with surgical excision. Medical records of 19 dogs undergoing surgical excision of PTC between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were presented for clinical hypercalcaemia or incidental hypercalcaemia noted by referring veterinarians on routine serum chemistry profiles. A parathyroid nodule was identified with cervical ultrasound in 17/17 dogs. Hypercalcaemia resolved in 18/19 dogs within 4 days postoperatively. Nine developed hypocalcaemia. None were confirmed to develop recurrent or metastatic PTC. The only death associated with PTC was a dog that was euthanized for intractable hypocalcaemia 9 days after surgery. Estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 72, 37 and 30%, respectively. Excision of PTC results in resolution of hypercalcaemia and excellent tumour control.
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Papers by N. Northrup