Clinical Consults What’S Your Diagnosis?

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Clinical Consults What’S Your Diagnosis? Volume 11 | Issue 10 | December 2019 Clinical Consults What’s Your Diagnosis? PATIENT HISTORY RECTAL EXAMINATION— SIGNALMENT: “Chelsea” is a 7.5-year-old female spayed Labradoodle. Weight Important In Every Sick and Well Patient! 70 lb/34 kg. PERTINENT PAST HISTORY: “Chelsea” has been a very healthy dog. She has experienced historical intermittent urinary Donna J. Spector , DVM, DACVIM, Internal Medicine tract infections (UTIs) but no other major systemic issues. She eats dry adult commercial dog food. She is current on recommended vaccinations and takes monthly preventatives as recommended by TABLE 1. her primary care veterinarian. “CHELSEA’S” BLOODWORK CURRENT HISTORY: “Chelsea” had recently Calcium (ref. range 8.4-11.8 mg/dL) 18.9 mg/dL begun experiencing an increase of urination Phosphorus (ref. range 2.5-6.1 mg/dL) 2.9 mg/dL and urinary accidents in the house. The owner initially did not describe an BUN (ref. range 9-31 mg/dL) 42 mg/dL accompanying increase of water drinking. (ref. range 0.5-1.5 mg/dL) 1.6 mg/dL The owner brought in a free-catch urine Creatinine sample for analysis which revealed pyuria ALKP (ref. range 5-160 U/L) 177 U/L (20-30 WBC/hpf) and rare bacteria. “Chelsea” was prescribed amoxicillin 500 mg USG 1.012 PO BID for 7 days to treat a presumptive UTI. The owner reported the amoxicillin helped Chelsea” was diagnosed with severe hypercalcemia and mild renal failure likely secondary to the with the clinical signs for a short period but severe hypercalcemia. An Internal Medicine consultation was recommended ASAP. “Chelsea” became polydipsic and polyuric fairly soon after stopping and within one month she began experiencing mild INTERNAL MEDICINE EVALUATION stranguria. She was rechecked at this time The owners reported “Chelsea” to have a picky appetite and she had lost a total of 10 pounds in the and physical examination was reportedly previous 12 months. She had experienced a mild amount of vomiting but was still having normal stool unremarkable. Amoxicillin was refilled for 14 quality. The owner felt she was quite lethargic and drinking and urinating excessively. The owners days. When her clinical signs of pu/pd and were still reporting some degree of stranguria and mild tenesmus. Upon physical examination, “Chelsea” stranguria were persistent, “Chelsea” was bright, alert and responsive, and well hydrated with normal thoracic and cardiac auscultation. Her returned for bloodwork 10 days later. A abdomen palpated normally. She had normal external genitalia. When her tail was lifted you could see lateral abdominal radiograph revealed no an asymmetric bulge in the left perianal region. On rectal examination, she had a very large stones (see Figure 1). See Table 1 for her (>6cm) irregular anal gland mass. Palpable sublumbar lymphadenopathy was also be noted on rectal bloodwork abnormalities. exam. The concern was for anal gland adenocarcinoma with associated paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. and other carcinomas also cause hypercalcemia of malignancy. Idiopathic hypercalcemia is a common differential for hypercalcemia in cats – but not dogs. Clinical Signs Dogs with hypercalcemia may be asymptomatic or they may have clinical signs of lethargy, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, weakness, twitching and/or seizures. Many patients with hypercalcemia (especially related to primary hyperparathyroidism) suffer from uroliths and may have associated pollakiuria, hematuria and/or stranguria. Physical Examination A thorough physical examination is an Clinical Note: “Chelsea’s” examination returned one week later at which time her absolute necessity in the workup of demonstrates the importance of performing a ionized calcium was 1.86 mmol/L – hypercalcemia and must involve palpation of thorough rectal examination on every patient improved but still moderately to markedly long bones, mammary glands, lymph nodes, presented for urinary complaints. “Chelsea’s” elevated. Surgery was performed to remove prostate, all organs, anal sacs, etc. A retinal anal gland mass must have been present for the the anal gland mass and her sublumbar examination must be included to evaluate preceding several months and could have been lymph nodes. Surgery was relatively thoroughly for fungal disease. identified at an earlier stage in the disease uneventful and histopathology confirmed process. All patients presenting for urinary and apocrine gland adenocarcinoma with Laboratory Abnormalities gastrointestinal complaints but also EVERY metastasis to the sublumbar lymph node. Marked lipemia, hemolysis, hemoconcentration healthy patient at an annual examination should Her hypercalcemia resolved immediately and hyperproteinemia can falsely elevate total be undergoing rectal examination! post-operatively. serum calcium. It is always prudent to obtain a second sample on a fasted (non-lipemic), Review of the abdominal radiographs (see DIAGNOSIS non-hemolyzed sample prior to pursuing Figure 1) revealed ventral deviation of the additional diagnostics for hypercalcemia. colon which was concerning for sublumbar Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma Clinical Note: All abnormalities in serum total lymphadenopathy. An abdominal ultrasound – left calcium always warrant further investigation! and three-view thoracic radiographs were The CBC usually has non-specific changes. recommended for further staging of this disease. Sublumbar lymph node metastasis The chemistry panel will reveal hypercalcemia Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia and the phosphorus concentration may give Abdominal ultrasound revealed markedly enlarged sublumbar lymph nodes (7.5 cm long x 3.5 cm wide) with a diffusely infiltrated DISCUSSION TABLE 2. appearance (see Figure 2). There was no A detailed discussion of hypercalcemia and MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HYPERCALCEMIA other lymphadenopathy or ascites noted. A apocrine gland adenocarcinoma is beyond fine needle aspirate of the enlarged lymph the scope of this article and the reader is Hypercalcemia of malignancy – lymphoma, nodes was obtained and revealed metastatic directed to the listed references. multiple myeloma, anal gland adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma. The thoracic radiographs other carcinomas revealed no cardiac or pulmonary abnormalities. Hypercalcemia Hypoadrenocorticism Etiology Primary hyperparathyroidism There are many causes of hypercalcemia in An ionized calcium was performed and was Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism markedly elevated at 2.44 mmol/L (ref. range dogs (see Table 2). The most common 1.12-1.4 mmol/L). “Chelsea” was admitted etiology in dogs is hypercalcemia of Osteolytic disease to the hospital for intravenous saline diuresis. malignancy. Neoplasia will be diagnosed in Acute or chronic renal failure Once her azotemia resolved, an injectable approximately 2/3 of dogs with hypercalcemia. Vitamin D toxicosis dosage of zoledronic acid was administered Lymphoma is an extremely important Granulomatous disease (blastomycosis, to help control her hypercalcemia and make differential, although anal gland histoplasmosis, etc.) her a more stable surgical candidate. She adenocarcinoma (AGAA), multiple myeloma clues as to etiology. Low to normal phosphorus Clinical Note: I find it helpful to pull ionized Treatment of Hypercalcemia levels are generally consistent with calcium and serum PTH levels at the same Treatment is aimed at identifying and then hypercalcemia of malignancy or primary time so they are matched samples. I submit treating the underlying cause. However, hyperparathyroidism. If serum phosphorus is the ionized calcium to the laboratory for emergency medical management is often elevated, renal disease, vitamin D toxicosis and evaluation and freeze the time-matched PTH required while diagnostic tests are being hypoadrenocorticism may be more likely. sample. If the ionized calcium returns as performed. Dogs typically show adverse elevated, I will then add-on/submit the PTH clinical signs at serum calcium concentrations Advanced Diagnostic Testing sample. This avoids the patient having to >15 mg/dL. Patients with serum calcium An ionized calcium should always be come back for another sampling and helps concentrations >18 mg/dL are usually quite ill performed in the evaluation of a total serum avoid the expense of another ionized calcium and require intervention. calcium elevation. Total serum calcium exists as it is imperative that the PTH be analyzed in three fractions: 1) protein bound, 2) at the same time as the ionized calcium. Dehydration exacerbates hypercalcemia by complexed or chelated to a variety of increasing renal tubular absorption of calcium, substances such as citrate, lactate, carbonate Parathyroid hormone-related Protein (PTHrP) decreasing renal calcium excretion through and 3) ionized. The ionized calcium, which assay is a humoral factor made by some reduced GFR and by hemoconcentration. makes up about 50% of total serum calcium, neoplastic cells. It has a structure and Correction of dehydration with intravenous fluid is the biologically active form of calcium. The function similar to PTH so is capable of therapy helps reduce the severity of protein bound calcium serves as a storage pool causing hypercalcemia. PTHrP is hypercalcemia. After dehydration is corrected, for the ionized form. Clinical Note: If the autonomously secreted by cancer cells and is diuresis with physiologic saline promotes ionized calcium is within normal limits, the not suppressed by serum calcium levels. continued renal excretion of calcium. hypercalcemia is not pathologic and does not Absence
Recommended publications
  • Outcome and Clinical, Pathological, and Immunohistochemical Factors
    Small Animals Outcome and clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical factors associated with prognosis for dogs with early-stage anal sac adenocarcinoma treated with surgery alone: 34 cases (2002–2013) Katherine A. Skorupski DVM OBJECTIVE To determine survival time and metastatic rate for dogs with early-stage Christina N. Alarcón DVM anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASACA) treated with surgery alone and assess Louis-Philippe de Lorimier DVM whether specific clinical, pathological, or immunohistochemical factors Elise E. B. LaDouceur DVM were predictive of outcome for those dogs. Carlos O. Rodriguez DVM, PhD DESIGN Retrospective case series. Robert B. Rebhun DVM, PhD From the Departments of Veterinary Surgical and ANIMALS Radiological Sciences (Skorupski, Rodriguez, Rebhun) 34 dogs with early-stage, nonmetastatic ASACA that were treated with and Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunol- surgery only. ogy (Alarcón, LaDouceur), School of Veterinary Medi- cine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616; PROCEDURES and the Centre Vétérinaire Rive-Sud, 7415 Taschereau Medical record databases of 2 referral hospitals were searched to identify Blvd, Brossard, QC J4Y 1A2, Canada (de Lorimier). Dr. Alarcón’s present address is Biomedical Sciences dogs examined between 2002 and 2013 that had a diagnosis of nonmeta- Program, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, static ASACA that was < 3.2 cm at its largest diameter. Only dogs that CA 92093. Dr. LaDouceur’s present address is Joint received surgical treatment alone were included in the study. For each dog, Pathology Center, 606 Stephen Sitter Ave, Silver information extracted from the medical record included signalment, clini- Spring, MD 20910. Dr. Rodriguez’s present address is Vista Veterinary Specialists, 7425 Greenhaven Dr, Sac- cal and diagnostic test findings, tumor characteristics, and outcome.
    [Show full text]
  • Canine Anal Sac Adenocarcinomas: Clinical Presentation and Response to Therapy
    J Vet Intern Med 2002;16:100–104 Canine Anal Sac Adenocarcinomas: Clinical Presentation and Response to Therapy Peter F. Bennett, Denis B. DeNicola, Patty Bonney, Nita W. Glickman, and Deborah W. Knapp A retrospective study of 43 dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC) was performed to characterize the clinical presentation and response to treatment. Clinical signs at presentation varied considerably, with signs related either to sublumbar nodal metastasis (tenesmus or constipation) or hypercalcemia (polyuria-polydipsia and anorexia) being the most frequent findings. At the time of presentation, 23 (53%) dogs had hypercalcemia and 34 (79%) had metastases, with the regional lymph nodes (31 dogs, 72%) being the most common site of metastasis. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents were administered, with partial remission (PR) recorded in 4 of 13 (31%) dogs treated with cisplatin and in 1 of 3 (33%) dogs treated with carboplatin. The median survival for all dogs was 6 months (range, 2 days–41 months). There was no statistical association between the presence of hypercalcemia and survival, although the power of the study to detect an increase in survival of 3 months was low (.33). We conclude that platinum chemo- therapy has antitumor activity in canine apocrine gland carcinoma and that further study of these agents is warranted. Key words: Anal tumors; Chemotherapy; Dog; Surgery. nal sac disease in the dog is common and affects ap- Clinical signs of ASAC are varied, and signs relate to A proximately 12% of the canine population.1 The ma- the size of the tumor at presentation and whether hyper- jority of anal sac disease consists of impactions and infec- calcemia is present.
    [Show full text]
  • ANAL SAC ADENOCARCINOMA Suzanne Rau, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
    VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 • 2019 WINTER EDITION ANAL SAC ADENOCARCINOMA Suzanne Rau, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas direct extension of tumor from the (AGASACA) comprise about 17% sublumbar lymph nodes to the lumbar percent of perianal malignancies, vertebrae can occur. and 2% of all skin and subcutaneous tumors. The average age at diagnosis TREATMENT is nine to eleven years. Treatment for this disease involves both local control of the primary mass itself, DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING as well as controlling tumor metastasis. Some dogs with AGASACA present with signs related to the mass itself, SURGERY such as a swelling in the perianal region, Surgery to remove the primary mass a mass palpated on routine rectal in the anal region and/or removal of exam, scooting, or straining to defecate. enlarged sublumbar lymph nodes Other dogs may present for signs within the abdomen is often the first step. indirectly related to the mass if the Ideally these tumors should be removed tumor is causing hypercalcemia, with wide margins, however, given Dr. Suzanne Rau which is reported to occur in about their close proximity to the rectum and 25% of dogs with AGASACA. These important neurovascular structures, hypercalcemic dogs may be polyuric resection is often marginal. and polydypsic. aortic bifurcation. However, they are Risk of incontinence is low and typically usually well encapsulated and can be The reported rate of metastasis at the transient with unilateral anal sacculectomy, successfully removed without major time of diagnosis ranges from 50-80%. and only slightly increased for bilateral complications. Therefore, prior to surgery and other anal sacculectomy; bilateral anal sac therapies, staging with three view chest tumors have been reported in RADIATION THERAPY x-rays and an abdominal ultrasound approximately 10% of cases.
    [Show full text]
  • Malignant Perineal Tumors in Dogs: the Contribution of Computed Tomography for Staging and Surgical Planning1 Carla A.B
    Pesq. Vet. Bras. 38(12):2241-2245, dezembro 2018 DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-PVB-5822 Original Article Pequenos Animais/Small Animals Diseases ISSN 0100-736X (Print) ISSN 1678-5150 (Online) PVB-5822 SA Malignant perineal tumors in dogs: the contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning1 Carla A.B. Lorigados2*, Ana Carolina C.B. Fonseca Pinto3, Julia Maria Matera3, and Diego F.A. Modena3 ABSTRACT.- Lorigados C.A.B, Fonseca Pinto A.C.C.B., Matera J.M. & Modena D.F.A. 2018. Malignant perineal tumors in dogs: the contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 38(12):2241-2245. SPDepartamento 05508-270, deBrazil. Cirurgia, E-mail: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, [email protected] The contribution of computed tomography for staging and surgical planning of malignant perineal tumors in dogs is discussed. Five dogs diagnosed with malignant perineal neoplasms underwent to computed tomography (CT) examination. The CT image enabled investigation of cleavage planes between neoplastic lesions and adjacent structures such as the rectum, anus, vagina, urethra and perineal muscles. Accurate assessment regional lymph nodes and adjacent bone structures was also possible. All tumors evaluated in this region presented heterogeneous appearance in pre and postcontrast CT images, but only the anal sac adenocarcinomas presented lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography proved to be a valuable tool for tumor staging and determination of lesion extension and invasion of adjacent tissues, providing significant contributions to clinical and surgical therapeutic planning.
    [Show full text]
  • Anal Sac (Apocrine Gland) Adenocarcinoma Handout
    Anal sac (apocrine gland) adenocarcinoma Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumour that occurs within the anal sacs, located beneath the skin on either side of the anus. These tumours arise from sweat glands within the lining of the sacs. These glands normally secrete a foul smelling liquid that coats the faeces or stool, similar to the scent glands found in skunks. Tumours of the anal sac are almost always malignant and tend to affect dogs over 8 years of age. As with most tumours in animals (and people) we do not know what causes them to occur. Clinical signs The most common presenting complaints include local irritation, bleeding, straining to defecate, scooting and licking of the anus. Often the tumour cannot be seen but occasionally there will be a visible mass or swelling around the rectum. In some patients enlarged internal lymph nodes can cause changes in stools (i.e. flat and ribbon-like) or straining to defecate. Approximately 25% of anal gland tumours can produce a hormone that results in increased blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia). This can lead to increased water consumption, increased urination, weight loss, weakness or vomiting. Some anal gland tumours are discovered as incidental findings during routine examination. Diagnosis and staging To diagnose an anal sac tumour a fine needle aspirate or biopsy is performed. Once a diagnosis has been made further tests (staging) are recommended to screen for cancer spread to internal organs (these are called metastases). Anal sac adenocarcinomas can metastasise early and have often already spread to the abdominal lymph nodes before the diagnosis has been made.
    [Show full text]
  • Canine Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA)
    MEDICAL ONCOLOGY Canine Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) WHAT IS AN ANAL GLAND TUMOR? Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGASACA) are malignant tumors of the anal glands. These are paired glands located on either side of the rectal opening. Anal glands are sweat glands that contain a brown, malodorous liquid that is eliminated upon defecation. AGASACAs are locally invasive tumors with a high rate of metastasis to regional lymph nodes (including sublumbar and medial iliac lymph nodes inside the abdomen and inguinal nodes located in the groin). Tumors can also spread to distant sites including the liver, spleen, and lungs. Metastasis is possible even in cases where the primary tumor is only a few millimeters in size. Tumor cells sometimes secrete a hormone that causes blood levels of calcium to rise above normal. Dogs affected with high blood calcium levels show increased thirst, urination, lethargy, and in some cases this can lead to severe heart and kidney damage. Spaniels are affected more frequently than other breeds. Typically, only one gland is affected, however disease can occur in both glands either simultaneously or several years apart. WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS? Clinical signs include “scooting,” licking/chewing the affected area, straining to defecate and/or urinate, constipation, bloody stool, vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy (weakness/tiredness), increased thirst or urination, or an external swelling in the rectal region. The mass may be found incidentally on routine physical examination or by a groomer attempting to empty a pet’s anal glands. WHAT DIAGNOSTICS ARE PERFORMED? If an anal gland mass is noted on examination, a fine needle aspirate is recommended.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Expression and Function of VEGFR-2, PDGFR-Α, PDGFR-Β
    Evaluation of Expression and Function of VEGFR2, PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, KIT, and RET in Canine Apocrine Gland of the Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma and Thyroid Carcinoma Thesis Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Bridget Karen Urie, BS, MA, DVM Graduate Program in Comparative and Veterinary Medicine The Ohio State University 2012 Thesis Committee: Cheryl A. London, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Co-Advisor William C. Kisseberth, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Co-Advisor Ducan S. Russell, BMVS [Hons], DACVP Copyrighted by Bridget Karen Urie 2012 Abstract Biological responses to toceranib phosphate have been reported in both canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGASACA) and thyroid carcinomas (TC). However, little is known about the molecular biology of either of these tumor types and the mechanism of the biological activity of toceranib. In the present study, we investigated the presence and expression of known targets of toceranib and interrogated AGASACA and TC samples for the expression of VEGFR2, PDGFR, KIT and RET at both the message and protein level to begin to dissect the molecular basis for this observed activity. Samples from 24 primary AGASACA, 11 with paired metastatic lymph nodes, and 15 TC were evaluated using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection of mRNA, phosphoprotein arrays to screen for evidence of protein phosphorylation, and tissue microarrays for immunohistochemical evaluation of protein expression. Messenger RNA from VEGFR2, PDGFR, KIT and RET was detected in all AGASACA samples. Messenger RNA for VEGFR2, PDGFR, and Kit was detected in all TC samples, while mRNA for Ret was amplified in 10/15 TC samples.
    [Show full text]
  • Volume 7, Issue 3 V4.Indd
    VETcpd - Oncology Peer Reviewed Canine anal sac adenocarcinoma – a review Anal sac adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm arising from canine anal sacs. Metastasis, particularly to the local lymph nodes, is a relatively frequent feature of the disease and paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia can result. Thorough staging is therefore indicated once a diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma has been made. Surgical excision of the affected anal sac is the treatment of choice for the primary tumour and concurrent lymphadenectomy Julia Riggs is advocated where regional nodal metastasis has occurred. Chemotherapy and MA VetMB AFHEA DipECVS MRCVS radiotherapy may also be used alongside or instead of surgery to help manage EBVS European Specialist in the disease. Unfortunately, the majority of dogs with a diagnosis of anal sac Small Animal Surgery adenocarcinoma will develop progressive disease in spite of treatment and therefore RCVS Specialist in repeat staging is usually recommended. Small Animal Surgery By incorporating evidence from the recent veterinary literature, this article will review Having completed a surgical residency at the diagnostic and therapeutic options for canine anal sac adenocarcinoma and the University of Cambridge and passed outline the prognosis for dogs affected by this disease. the certifying examinations, Julia became Key words: Anal sac, anal sac adenocarcinoma, apocrine gland a European Specialist in Small Animal adenocarcinoma, anal sacculectomy Surgery in 2018. She subsequently spent two years working as a Soft Tissue Surgeon in a private referral practice Introduction before returning to work in the Soft Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a highly Barnes and Demetriou 2017; Skorupski Tissue Surgery team at the University of malignant neoplasm arising from the et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma; Not Always a Pain in the Rear
    October 2012, Issue 48 Hope you have a safe & In This Issue Happy Halloween AMVS Event Updates Upcoming Events! Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma; Not Always a Pain in the Rear In addition to our regular ER hours, From AMVS provides Aspen Meadow emergency and Veterinary Specialists critical care services to your patients AMVS Event Updates! Fridays, all day CALL AECC & AMVS's CE on October 25th had a great turn out, 303-678-8844 We hope that those of you that attended had a great time and learned a lot about how to treat common toxicity poisoning and look forward to seeing you all at our CE's in the winter. Upcoming Events! AMVS will be taking family and pet holiday portraits with Santa, at our facility in Longmont, CO so keep your AMVS is: eyes open for more PACE certified, information to be announced... LEED certified, and You can also find information a zero-waste about our upcoming events by checking out our facebook page. facility. Simply click on the link below. Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma; Not Always a Pain in the Rear By: Jim Perry, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Oncologist; Orthopedic Surgical Resident Practice Points: 1. Anal sac adenocarcinoma is a top differential in any Archives of our past animal presenting with hypercalcemia newsletters containing timely 2. Metastasis is present at the time of diagnosis in greater and useful medical than 50% of animals with anal sac adenocarcinoma; information are on staging should included blood work, UA, thoracic our website. radiographs and abdominal ultrasound. 3. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment even when metastatic disease is evident within the local lymph nodes.
    [Show full text]
  • Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma; a Hidden Cancer
    Research & Development Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma; A Hidden Cancer Tumours of the perianal region occur frequently in dogs Metastatic Disease (Bennett et al. 2002), with benign adenomas comprising 58- In many cases, the primary lesion may be asymptomatic and 96% of tumours at this site (Turek & Withrow 2013). In some the dog presents with signs consistent with metastasis to the cases these may transform to become malignant perianal regional lymph nodes (medial iliac, sacral, hypogastric, pelvic adenocarcinomas, and these need to be distinguished from etc.) (Williams et al. 2003; Polton & Brearley 2007; Wouda adenocarcinomas which derive from the apocrine secretory et al. 2013). Metastatic disease in this region can present epithelium within the wall of the anal sacs (Polton & Brearley as difficulty passing faeces, straining to defecate, abnormal 2007). Neoplasia of the squamous epithelial lining of the posturing or altered faecal shape. Although less common, anal sac is uncommon (Polton et al. 2006; Mellett et al. 2014). metastasis to bone can be seen. A single case report of a Anal gland/sac adenocarcinomas (ASA) represent 2% of all young dog presenting with progressive hind limb ataxia and skin and subcutaneous tumours in dogs, and around 17% paresis, worsening to paralysis over a short period of time, was of all perianal malignancies (Bennett et al. 2002; Turek attributed to an anal sac adenocarcinoma with metastatic & Withrow 2013; Potanas et al. 2015). They are clinically spread to the vertebrae and subsequent pathological important because of their high metastatic potential and fractures (Bray 2011). association with paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia; this review will therefore focus on this tumour type (Polton et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Care Beyond a Cure: Extraordinary Advances in Cancer Care 2014
    COMPASSIONATE CANCER CARE Care Beyond a Cure: Extraordinary Advances in Cancer Care 2014 Gregory K. Ogilvie, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Specialties of Internal Medicine, Oncology), Diplomate ECVIM-CA (Oncology) Director, CVS Angel Care Cancer Center President, Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals Professor, Division Director, University of California San Diego Veterinary Oncology 2310 Faraday Ave Carlsbad, CA, USA http://www.CVSAngelCare.com http://SpecialCareFoundation.org http://radonc.ucsd.edu/fands/faculty.asp COMPASSIONATE CANCER CARE Dr. Ogilvie is director of the Angel Care Cancer Center at California Veterinary Specialists as well as Professor and Division Director of Veterinary Oncology, Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California-San Diego, Moores Cancer Center. Prior to his move to Southern California, Greg was a full tenured professor, internist, and head of medical oncology and director of the Medical Oncology Research Laboratory, Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University from 1987 until 2003. During this 16 year period at CSU, Greg also spent one year on sabbatical teaching and developing new, innovative cancer therapies at the medical school and the Laboratoire Nutrition, Croisance et Cancer at the Université François Rabelais in Tours France. Dr. Ogilvie received his DVM from Colorado State University and was in private practice in Connecticut before completing a residency at Tufts University/Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. From there he joined the faculty as a professor at the University of Illinois before moving on to his professorship in Colorado. Dr. Ogilvie is board certified in both the specialties of both internal medicine and oncology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and in oncology and is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-Companion Animals, Specialty of Oncology.
    [Show full text]
  • Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma in Cats: 30 Cases (1994–2015)
    Small Animals Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma in cats: 30 cases (1994–2015) Pierre M. Amsellem DVM, MS OBJECTIVE To describe the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, and outcome Ryan P. Cavanaugh DVM for cats with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) that Po-Yen Chou BVM, MVM underwent surgical excision. Nicholas J. Bacon MA, VetMB DESIGN Sandra P. Schallberger DrMedVet Retrospective case series. James P. Farese DVM ANIMALS Charles A. Kuntz DVM, MS 30 client-owned cats. Julius M. Liptak BVSC, MVetClinStud PROCEDURES Databases of 13 Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology member–affiliated William T. N. Culp VMD institutions were searched for records of cats with a histologic diagnosis of Cecilia S. Robat DVM AGASACA that underwent tumor excision. For each cat, information re- garding signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment, and out- Barbara E. Powers DVM, PhD come was extracted from the medical record. The Kaplan-Meier method From the Department of Companion Animals, Atlan- was used to determine median time to local recurrence (TLR), disease-free tic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Is- land, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada (Amsellem, interval (DFI), and survival time. Cox regression was used to identify fac- Chou); the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sci- tors associated with TLR, DFI, and survival time. ences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 (Cavanaugh, Bacon, RESULTS Schallberger, Farese); Southpaws Specialty Surgery for Perineal ulceration or discharge was the most common clinical sign in af- Animals Hospital and Consulting Suites, 3 Roper St, fected cats. Eleven cats developed local recurrence at a median of 96 days Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia (Kuntz); Alta Vista Animal Hospital, 2616 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1T 1M9, after AGASACA excision.
    [Show full text]