Prognostic Factors In Dogs Research Articles

Prognostic factors and long-term outcome in dogs diagnosed with primary and secondary immune thrombocytopenia in Ireland.

The objectives of this study were to describe the outcome and prognostic factors in dogs diagnosed with primary and secondary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Medical records of dogs diagnosed with primary and secondary ITP in a referral hospital in Ireland were retrospectively evaluated. Short- and long-term survivals were analysed using Cox proportional-hazards regression models. Medical records from 49 dogs were included. Primary and secondary ITP were diagnosed in 81.25% and 18.75% of dogs, respectively. The survival rate was 69% at 2 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54 to 0.80), 63% at 3 months (95% CI: 0.48 to 0.75) and 51% at 2 years (95% CI: 0.37 to 0.65). The overall median survival time was 985 days (primary ITP only: 1084 days; secondary ITP only: 225 days). Dogs surviving 30 days post-diagnosis had a median long-term survival time of 10 years. A lower haematocrit was negatively associated with survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.99]. Neutrophilia (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.96) was associated with a 66% decreased risk of death. Band neutrophilia was associated with shorter hospitalisation (regression coefficient -3.56, 95% CI: -5.70 to -1.42). Presence of petechiae and ecchymoses (regression coefficient 2.41, 95% CI: 0.41 to 4.42), and the use of a second-line immunosuppressive agent (SLI) (regression coefficient 2.11, 95% CI: 0.11 to 4.12) were significantly associated with longer hospitalisation but not with survival. A lower haematocrit was the only variable associated with a worse prognosis in dogs diagnosed with ITP. Dogs with confirmed secondary ITP had an overall shorter median survival time. Dogs surviving over 30 days had an excellent prognosis.

Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin and suspected necrotic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging: 37 cases (2007-2020).

To describe the long-term outcomes, overall survival, progression-free survival, and prognostic factors in dogs with necrotizing encephalitis (NE). 37 client-owned dogs clinically diagnosed with NE. All dogs underwent MRI and CSF analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine factors related to the risk of relapse and death, including signalment, history, diagnostic investigation results, and treatments before the first relapse. The medians of the overall and progression-free survival times were 639 days (IQR, 342 to 1,482 days) and 233 days (IQR, 111 to 775 days), respectively. Overall survival was highly correlated with progression-free survival. Four dogs (11%) died or were euthanized within 3 months of diagnosis. Relapse within 6 months was associated with a shorter overall survival. However, no prognostic factors for overall survival were found. The category of patients with presenting clinical signs that lasted 29 days to 6 months (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.35 to 7.90) was associated with a higher risk of relapse. Seizures were presented in 75.7% of dogs, with a recurrence rate of 100%. This report provides comprehensive follow-up information for dogs with NE, revealing a fair prognosis and low early mortality rate. Seizure is a very common clinical sign with a high recurrence rate.

Flow Cytometry for the Detection and Quantification of Mast Cells in Lymph Nodes: A Prospective Study in 64 Dogs With Mast Cell Tumour.

Nodal metastasis is a negative prognostic factor in dogs with mast cell tumours (MCTs), thus early detection enables more informed decision-making and provides valuable prognostic information. The aim of this study is to assess the concordance between histopathologic findings of LNs and cytology and flow cytometry (FC), respectively, and to evaluate the ability of FC to differentiate between metastatic (HN2-HN3) and non-metastatic (HN0-HN1) LNs. Overall, 117 LNs from 64 dogs with first occurring MCTs were submitted for cytology, histology and FC. LNs were cytologically and histologically classified according to Krick and Weishaar systems, respectively. Using FC, mast cells (MCs) were identified as IgE+ CD117+ CD5- CD21- cells and quantified as a percentage. When compared with histologic classification, cytology showed an accuracy of 88.2% in distinguishing between metastatic and non-metastatic LNs but did not detect 25.3% of metastatic cases. FC revealed an increase in the median percentages of MCs across histologic classes, progressing from HN0 to HN3. ROC curves pinpointed 0.3% as the optimal cut-off for distinguishing between metastatic and non-metastatic LNs, with an accuracy of 84.3%. A 1.1% cut-off proved valuable in identifying HN3 LNs. The combined interpretation of cytology and FC increased accuracy to 92.2%. An algorithm for guiding the combined interpretation of cytology and FC is suggested based on these findings. In conclusion, FC proves beneficial in enhancing the early detection of metastatic LNs, particularly when utilised alongside cytology. Histopathology remains essential for confirmation, enabling the discrimination of HN classes or, in doubtful cases, for the detection or exclusion of nodal metastases.

Evaluation serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor with diagnosis and prognosis in canine solid tumour: 34 cases.

The soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) serve as a valuable biomarker for tumors in human patients, as its levels increase during the activation of T lymphocytes in clinical states such as inflammation, infection, and tumor. This study aimed to demonstrate that sIL-2R levels can be also elevated in dogs with tumors and evaluate its applicability as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in canine cancer patients. Serum was collected from 6 healthy dogs and 34 dogs with solid tumors. The concentration of sIL-2R was measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The median sIL-2R concentration was significantly higher in dogs with solid masses than in healthy dogs (117.3 vs 68.33 pg/ml, p=0.016). The highest median sIL-2R concentration was found in dogs with malignant tumors, followed by those with benign tumors, and healthy dogs (119.6 vs 93.74 vs 68.33 pg/ml, respectively). In dogs with malignant tumors, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the group with high sIL-2R levels than in the group with low sIL-2R levels. Dogs with solid tumors, particularly those with malignant tumors, had higher concentrations of sIL-2R than healthy dogs. Among dogs with malignant tumors, a correlation between sIL-2R concentration and mortality rate was confirmed. Serum sIL-2R levels may be used to detect malignant tumors and serve as a prognostic factor in dogs with malignant tumors.

Quantification of respiratory sinus arrhythmia in control dogs and in dogs with various severity classes of myxomatous mitral valve disease

Loss of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a negative prognostic factor in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). The aim of this study was to calculate the percentage (%) of RSA in healthy dogs and dogs in various MMVD classes. Control and MMVD dogs were prospectively included in the study. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was calculated from a dual channel electrocardiography and breathing curve recording using the peak-to-trough method, in percent of the average heart rate. One hundred and forty-nine dogs were studied, including 24 control and 125 MMVD dogs of different severity classes. An overall %RSA decrease was documented with increasing disease severity up to the Ca class along with a relative %RSA increase in the Cc class. The %RSA magnitude differed between B2 and Ca (P<0.001), and between Ca and Cc (P = 0.001) groups, respectively. The %RSA showed a medium negative correlation with the La:Ao ratio (r2 = -0.568, P<0.001) and with the E-wave velocity (r2 = -0.561, P<0.001). A decrease in %RSA was shown with increased disease severity up to acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Dogs receiving cardiac therapy leading to stabilized CHF might restore their ability to exhibit RSA, often revealing a higher %RSA compared to those in acute CHF. Low number of respiratory cycles for analysis. Therapy effect not evaluated. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for future risk stratification and carry the potential of proving an additional clinical marker for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions making when managing MMVD dogs.

Prognostic indicators for canine parvoviral enteritis in a Teaching Hospital in Italy: a retrospective study of 76 cases.

Potential prognostic indicators have been associated with decreased survival during canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), such as body weight, sex, and clinicopathological parameters. Few studies reported the prognostic factors for CPE in Italy; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with the survival of dogs admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Perugia University, naturally infected with canine parvovirus. Seventy-six medical records of dogs with a definitive diagnosis of parvoviral infection admitted from 2017 to 2021 have been reviewed and included in the study. From medical records were extracted data on signalment, history, clinical examination, hematology, serum biochemistry, treatments, progression of clinical signs during hospitalization and outcome. The data have been subjected to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. Our results showed winter season, male sex, dog ownership, small breed, normal sensory status, normal heart rate, normal hydration status, abdominal pain, increased capillary reperfusion time, and normal white blood cell count as positive prognostic factors. The survival model confirmed that parameters such as male sex, small breed, and ownership increased the survival rate during hospitalization. Data reported in the present study are partially in agreement with previous studies and added new information on the possible prognostic factors in dogs affected by CPE in Italy.

Clinical presentation, outcome and prognostic factors in dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia: a retrospective single-centre study of 104 cases in Ireland (2002–2020)

BackgroundImmune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) has a high mortality rate within the first weeks to months of diagnosis. Identifying dogs at increased risk of death may help guide decision-making for owners and veterinarians. Prior studies have identified several but inconsistent prognostic factors. The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical presentation and outcome of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in Ireland and to assess for independent factors associated with survival including long-term survival. Medical records from a single centre were reviewed between 2002 and 2020 to identify dogs with immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia using the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus statement algorithm. Survival analysis was performed using univariable Cox proportional hazards regression models with Breslow method for ties to identify prognostic factors.ResultsOne hundred and four cases were included. The diagnosis of immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia was classified as definitive, supportive and suspicious in 42 (40%), 50 (48%), and 12 dogs (12%) respectively. Twenty-two dogs (21%) were diagnosed with associative IMHA and 82 dogs were diagnosed with non-associative IMHA (79%). 65% of the cases received more than one immunosuppressive medication during the course of treatment. The mortality rate at one and three months was 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9–26) and 31% (95% CI 21–43) respectively. Excluding dogs that died within three months, the median survival time was 2664 days. The relapse rate during the follow-up period was 7%. Survival did not improve over the course of the study period. Thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinaemia were identified as negative prognostic indicators (Hazard ratio 2.2 and 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–4.1 and 1.1–5.6, respectively).ConclusionsExcluding dogs that died within three months, the outcome was good in dogs with non-associative immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in Ireland. The relapse rate was low regardless of the presence of associative causes. Thrombocytopenia and hyperbilirubinaemia were the only independent negative prognostic factors. The one-month and three-month mortality rates were similar compared to prior studies and survival did not improve over time during the study period: the mortality rate of canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia remains high in the acute phase.

Prognostic factors and survival following radiation therapy for canine nasal tumors: A single-institution retrospective study of 166 cases.

Prognostic factors in dogs with nasal tumors include several variables. However, factors that can measure prognosis have not yet been identified due to considerable divergence among reports. To describe the computed tomography (CT) imaging, treatment, and outcomes of dogs with nasal tumors, as well as detect negative prognostic factors through the analysis of a substantial number of cases from a single institution. Furthermore, based on CT findings, this study aimed to identify independent prognostic factors for nasal tumors in dogs. A total of 166 client-owned dogs were diagnosed with nasal tumors at Gifu University Veterinary Hospital between 2015 and 2019. Data were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical records. Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in survival time between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in 166 canine nasal tumors treated with megavoltage (MeV) radiation therapy at a single institution (p = .015). There was a significant difference in survival time between carcinoma and sarcoma (p = .04). Regarding CT imaging findings, significant differences in survival time were observed for frontal sinus invasion (p = .007), cribriform plate destruction (p < .001), and lymph node metastasis (p = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess frontal sinus invasion, cribriform plate destruction, histopathologic subtypes, and lymph node metastasis as negative prognostic factors; however, only cribriform plate destruction was a significant negative prognostic factor for survival time (p = .004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cribriform plate destruction was the main factor in predicting a negative prognosis among 166 canine nasal tumors treated with MeV radiation therapy at a single institution. Therefore, we propose a new 2-tier staging classification for canine nasal tumors with the presence or absence of cribriform plate destruction based on CT examination as the only evaluation factor.

Large granular lymphocyte lymphoma in 65 dogs (2005-2023).

Large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (LGLL) is a rare form of lymphoma in dogs. Limited information exists regarding presentation, treatment response, and outcome. The aim of this single-institute, retrospective study was to characterise clinical presentation, biologic behaviour, outcomes, and prognostic factors for dogs with LGLL. Cytologic review was also performed. Sixty-five dogs were included. The most common breed was the Labrador retriever (29.2%), and the most common presenting signs were lethargy (60.0%) and hyporexia (55.4%). The most common primary anatomic forms were hepatosplenic (32.8%) and gastrointestinal (20.7%). Twenty dogs (30.8%) had peripheral blood or bone marrow involvement. Thirty-two dogs were treated with maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy (MTDC) with a response documented in 74.1% of dogs. Dogs ≥7 years, and those with neutropenia or thrombocytopenia at diagnosis had the reduced likelihood of response to treatment. For dogs treated with MTDC median progression-free interval (PFI) was 17 days (range, 0-481), the median overall survival time (OST) 28 days (range, 3-421), and the 6-month and 1-year survival rates were 9.4% and 3.1%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, monocytosis and peripheral blood involvement were significantly associated with shorter PFI and OST. Long-term survival (≥100 days) was significantly associated with intermediate lymphocyte size on cytology. Dogs with LGLL have moderate response rates to chemotherapy but poor overall survival. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate prognostic factors and guide optimum treatment recommendations.

Prognostic value of increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and lymphocytic clonality in dogs with chronic enteropathy or small-cell lymphoma

The clinical significance of severe infiltration of small intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and the results of polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) and small-cell lymphoma (SCL) are controversial. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the IEL and PARR results in dogs with CE or SCL. Although definitive diagnostic histopathological criteria for SCL in dogs have yet to be established, dogs with the histopathological findings of severe IEL infiltration were diagnosed with SCL in this study. One hundred and nineteen dogs were recruited, with 23 dogs classified as having SCL and 96 dogs as having CE. The positive rate of PARR was 59.6 % (71/119) in the duodenum and 57.7 % (64/111) in the ileum. Subsequently, three dogs with SCL and four dogs with CE developed large-cell lymphoma (LCL). The median overall survival (OS) of dogs with SCL was 700 days (range, 6-1410 days), and that of dogs with CE was not reached. In the log-rank test, shorter OS was observed in cases with histopathological SCL (P=0.035), clonal TCRγ rearrangement in the duodenum (P= 0.012), and clonal IgH rearrangement in the ileum (P< 0.0001). The Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for sex and age showed that histopathological SCL (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.83-3.65), duodenal clonal TCRγ rearrangement (HR, 1.80; 95 % CI, 0.86-3.75), and ileal clonal IgH rearrangement (HR, 2.28; 95 % CI, 0.92-5.70) could shorten overall survival, although their 95 % CIs included 1.0. These results indicate that severe IEL infiltration could be a useful histopathological feature for diagnosing SCL, and clonality-positive results could be a negative prognostic factor in dogs with CE. Furthermore, the development of LCL should be carefully monitored in dogs with CE and SCL..

CD204⁺ tumor-associated macrophages are associated with clinical outcome in canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma

Tumor-associated macrophages are abundant infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Macrophages can be classified into several types of subsets based on their immune responses. Among those subsets, M2 macrophages contribute to anti-inflammatory responses and create an immunosuppressive environment that promotes tumor cell proliferation. In a previous study, human cancer patients with high M2 macrophages showed a worse prognosis for many types of tumors. However, studies examining the relationship between M2 macrophages and clinical outcomes in canine tumors are limited. In the previous human and canine studies, CD204 has been used as the marker for detecting M2 macrophages. Then we evaluated CD204+ and total macrophages infiltration and its association with clinical outcomes in canine solid tumors. In this study, we examined dogs with oral malignant melanoma (OMM), pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PA), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Compared to healthy tissues, CD204+ and total macrophages were increased in OMM, PA, and TCC, but not in HCC. High CD204+ macrophage levels were significantly associated with lung metastasis in TCC (P=0.030). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high CD204+ macrophage levels were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in canine patients with PA (P=0.012) and TCC (P=0.0053). These results suggest that CD204+ macrophages contribute to tumor progression and could be a prognostic factor in dogs with PA and TCC.

A retrospective study on bone metastasis in dogs with advanced-stage solid cancer.

To review clinical characteristics, treatment, outcome and prognostic factors in dogs with solid cancer-bearing bone metastases. Records were reviewed from dogs with histologically-proven solid cancer and bone metastases. Clinicopathologic variables, bone metastases characteristics and skeletal-related events were recorded. Endpoints were time to bone metastases and survival. Fifty dogs were included, 20 of them with synchronous and 30 of them with metachronous bone metastases. In the latter group, median time to diagnosis of bone metastases was 210 days (range, 30 to 1835). Most common primary cancer locations included mammary gland (n=6), spleen (n=5) and tonsil (n=5). Most common histotypes were carcinoma (n=32) and hemangiosarcoma (n=10). Nineteen dogs had multiple bones involvement, with humeri and vertebrae more commonly affected. Twenty-four dogs received antitumoural therapy, five symptomatic treatment and 21 were not treated. Overall median survival after bone metastases diagnosis was 30 days (range, 11 to 49); 83% of dogs died because of skeletal-related events. Lack of antitumoural therapy was significantly associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio: 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 5.6) and with increased risk of skeletal-related death (hazard ratio: 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 7.4). Dogs with endocrine/neuroendocrine tumours (odds ratio: 8.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 63.9), without appendicular metastases (odds ratio: 5.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 25.8), without extra-skeletal metastases (odds ratio: 5.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 24.5) and receiving antitumoural therapy (odds ratio: 14.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.7 to 131.4) had an increased chance of surviving more than 100 days. Bone metastases in dogs with solid cancers are associated with poor prognosis and a high risk of skeletal-related events. Treatment appears to have an impact on survival.

Prognostic value of pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by echocardiography in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Progression to combined post- and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) provides prognostic information in human patients with post-capillary PH. Pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by echocardiography (PVRecho) is useful for the stratification of dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and detectable tricuspid regurgitation. To evaluate the prognostic value of PVRecho in dogs with MMVD. Fifty-four dogs with MMVD and detectable tricuspid regurgitation. Prospective cohort study. All dogs underwent echocardiography. The PVRecho was calculated based on tricuspid regurgitation and the velocity-time integral of the pulmonary artery flow. To evaluate the influence of echocardiographic variables on cardiac-related deaths, Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves classified by PVRecho tertiles were made and compared using log-rank tests to evaluate the influence of PVRecho on all-cause mortality and cardiac-related death. The median follow-up time was 579 days. Forty-one dogs with MMVD (PH severity [number]: no or mild, 21/33; moderate, 11/11; severe, 9/10) died during the study. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusted for age, sildenafil administration, and American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine stage of MMVD, left atrial to aortic diameter ratio and PVRecho remained significant (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.2 [1.1-1.3] and 2.1 [1.6-3.0], respectively). Higher PVRecho showed a significant association with lower survival rates. Left atrial enlargement and high PVRecho were independent prognostic factors in dogs with MMVD and detectable tricuspid regurgitation.

Prognostic value of serum cystatin C concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Impaired renal function is 1 of the poor prognostic factors in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). However, the value of cystatin C (Cys-C), a marker of renal function, as a prognostic marker for MMVD in dogs has not yet been explored. This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of Cys-C in dogs with MMVD. Fifty client-owned small-breed dogs with MMVD were included in this study. This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. The prognostic value of serum Cys-C concentration was assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox hazard regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for MMVD-specific survival in dogs stratified into high and low Cys-C groups were generated and analyzed using the log-rank test. Serum Cys-C concentrations were significantly associated with MMVD-related death (P < .01) in both univariable (hazard ratio [HR], 5.086; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.950-13.270) and multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis (HR, 4.657; 95% CI, 1.767-12.270). The high Cys-C group (n=14) had a significantly shorter MMVD-specific survival time than the low Cys-C group (n=36; P < .01). In dogs with normal blood creatinine concentrations, the high Cys-C group (n=10) had a significantly shorter MMVD-specific survival time than the low Cys-C group (n=36; P < .01). High serum Cys-C concentrations were associated with a worse prognosis of MMVD. Furthermore, serum Cys-C could be a predictor of MMVD prognosis even in dogs with normal blood creatinineconcentration.

Thyroidectomy in dogs with thyroid tumors: Survival analysis in 144 cases (1994-2018).

Few studies have assessed predictors of outcome in dogs with thyroid tumors undergoing thyroidectomy. To estimate the survival and identify prognostic factors in dogs with thyroid tumors treated by thyroidectomy. A total of 144 client-owned dogs with thyroid neoplasia that underwent thyroidectomy. Retrospective study. Data for analysis included hospital attended and year of surgery, signalment, thyroxine concentration, thyroid tumor features (lobe involvement, size, invasiveness, histopathological type), thrombosis, metastasis, additional surgery and therapy, administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. The association of predictors with survival (time from surgery to death) were assessed by calculating cause-specific hazard ratios (HRcs ) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Causes of death were classified as thyroid-related or because of other cause. Overall median survival time was 802 days (CI95%=723-1015 days); 89 dogs (77.4%) survived >500 days. Metastases were identified at admission in 12 (8.3%) dogs and were associated with higher thyroid cancer-related fatality (HR=5.83, CI95%=1.56-21.78; P= .009). Thrombosis occurred in 40 dogs and was associated with increased risk of death because of other cause (HR=2.73, CI95%=1.18-6.35; P= .019). Nonfollicular carcinoma (HR=4.17, CI95%=1.27-13.69; P= .018) and administration of chemotherapy (HR=3.45, CI95%=1.35-8.82; P= .01) were associated with higher risk of thyroid cancer-relateddeath. Dogs with thyroid tumors undergoing thyroidectomy have a long life expectancy. Despite the rare presence of nonfollicular carcinoma and metastases, thyroidectomy should still be considered in some of these dogs.

Serum thymidine kinase 1 activity as a prognostic biomarker in dogs with chemotherapy-treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is frequently treated with chemotherapy incorporating cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP), which induces remission in 80% to 95% of cases. However, not all dogs derive meaningful benefit from CHOP, and prognostic factors for dogs with DLBCL are poorly defined. Serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) activity, a marker of tumour cell proliferation, has shown promising initial results as a prognostic biomarker in dogs with multicentric lymphomas. The purpose of this study was to determine if baseline serum TK1 activity is associated with clinical outcome in dogs with CHOP-treated DLBCL. Baseline serum TK1 activity was measured in banked sera from 98 dogs with CHOP-treated DLBCL using a commercially available ELISA kit. Data on other potential prognostic factors were abstracted retrospectively from electronic medical records. Multivariable statistical methods were used to identify associations between TK1 and other potential prognostic factors with progression-free survival (PFS) and attainment of complete remission. TK1 activity at baseline was not associated with PFS (p=.299) or attainment of complete remission (p=.910) following CHOP chemotherapy. Of the other prognostic factors analysed, only purebred (vs. mixed breed) status (HR 8.81, 95% CI 1.68-46.30, p=.010), attainment of complete (vs. partial) remission (HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.49, p=.006), and baseline serum C-reactive protein concentration (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.32, p=.001) were independently associated with PFS. Based on these findings, baseline serum TK1 activity does not appear to be a useful prognostic biomarker in dogs with CHOP-treated DLBCL.

Greater baseline serum C-reactive protein concentrations are associated with reduced survival in dogs receiving cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy for primary nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Prognostic factors for dogs with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are poorly characterized. Prior reports suggest that dogs with a systemic inflammatory response at the time of lymphoma diagnosis experience inferior survival times. However, no specific biomarkers of inflammation have been identified as prognostic indicators in dogs with DLBCL. Baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were measured in banked sera from 91 dogs with chemotherapy-treated DLBCL using a commercially available laboratory assay. Associations between baseline serum CRP concentrations and other variables of potential prognostic significance with progression-free survival (PFS) were tested using Cox proportional hazards modeling. In the final multivariable model, only a complete (rather than partial) remission to chemotherapy (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.02; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.01-0.07; P<0.001) and serum CRP concentration >1.0mg/dL (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.02-2.92; P=0.042) were significantly associated with PFS. The median PFS for dogs with CRP concentration ≤1.0mg/dL (within the test reference interval) was 315 days, while that for dogs with CRP concentration >1.0mg/dL was 232 days (P=0.06). These results suggest that baseline serum CRP concentration is independently associated with progression-free survival in dogs with DLBCL, making it a potentially useful prognostic biomarker for dogs with this cancer.

Prognostic factors in dogs with common causes of proteinuria.

Little is known about the prognostic value of increased urine protein to creatinine ratios (UPC) comparing different underlying diseases in dogs. Therefore, between 2014 and 2015, dogs with a UPC of 2,0 or higher measured were retrospectively analysed at least once. They were divided into groups of the most common underlying diseases, namely primary glomerulopathy, Cushing's disease, leishmaniasis and in a group of different diseases. Possible prognostic factors, like UPC at time of diagnosis, creatinine, urine specific gravity, albumin and haematocrit, were assessed. Eighty-nine dogs with severe proteinuria were included in the study. Median time of survival was 42 days. UPC and time of survival did not differ significantly between the groups. Among the dogs with primary glomerulopathy, identified significant risk factors for death included increased UPC (p=0,03), increased creatinine (p.

Relative tumor volume has prognostic relevance in canine sinonasal tumors treated with radiation therapy: A retrospective study.

Tumor volume is controversially discussed as a prognostic factor in dogs treated with radiation therapy for sinonasal tumors. Dogs' body sizes vary widely and relative rather than absolute tumor volume might provide better prognostic information. Our hypothesis was that relative rather than absolute tumor volume (gross tumor volume, GTV) influences time to progression (TTP) and that a larger tumor volume is correlated with a higher tumor stage. We retrospectively investigated possible correlations of initial GTV to weight, body surface area (BSA), nasal cavity size and the tumor stage in 49 dogs with sinonasal tumors. Here, also presumed sinonasal tumors, esthesioneuroblastomas and histologically benign tumors were included. The possible impact of absolute and relative GTV on response and outcome were assessed according to imaging findings in 34 dogs with available follow-up computed tomographies (CTs) after definitive-intent radiation therapy with either a regular (10x4.2 Gy) or a simultaneously- integrated boost protocol (SIB; GTV boosted to 10x4.83 Gy). In contrast to absolute GTV (p<0.001), the relative GTVs were not correlated with dogs' body sizes. Absolute GTV, GTV relative to weight and BSA were not associated with TTP based on CT imaging. However, GTV relative to nasal cavity showed a prognostic influence with a hazard ratio of 10.97 (95%CI:1.25-96.06). When looking at GTV relative to nasal cavity, stage 3 and 4 tumors were significantly larger than stage 1 and 2 tumors (p = 0.005). Our results suggest that GTV relative to nasal cavity could be prognostic for TTP and a larger tumor volume relative to nasal cavity is correlated with a higher tumor stage.

Survival of dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism treated twice daily with low doses of trilostane.

Twice daily low trilostane doses have proven to be effective to manage canine Cushing's syndrome. However, survival and prognostic factors in dogs treated with this protocol have not been evaluated. The aim of the study was to evaluate survival and prognostic factors, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) at diagnosis, in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) treated with low trilostane doses. Medical records of 91 dogs newly diagnosed with PDH initially treated with 0.2-1.1mg/kg of trilostane twice daily were retrospectively included. Survival times were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Overall, median survival was 998 days (range 26-1832 days, 95% confidence interval=755-1241 days). In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR]=1.337, p<0.001), presence of calcinosis cutis (HR=5.271, p<0.001), body condition score (BCS) ≤3/9 (HR=8.100, p<0.001) and higher platelet count (HR=1.002, p=0.022) were negatively correlated with survival. SBP was not associated with survival. Low-dose trilostane treatment twice daily provides slightly longer survival than previously reported for dogs with PDH treated once or twice daily at higher doses. Older age, presence of calcinosis cutis, low BCS and higher platelet count, but not systemic hypertension, are predictive of poorer prognosis in dogs with PDH.