Front Page VSPN Message Boards Chat Library Continual Education Search MyVSPN - Coming Soon Help Frequently Asked Questions Send us Feedback! Go to VIN Industry Partners Go to VetQuest Go to Veterinary Partner Go to Y2Spay
 
Menu bar   Go to the VIN.com Portal
 

ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Veterinary and comparative oncology
Volume 19 | Issue 1 (March 2021)

Clinical outcome in 23 dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma.

Vet Comp Oncol. March 2021;19(1):109-114.
Christopher J Pinard1, Samuel E Hocker2, Kristen M Weishaar3
1 Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.; 2 Ontario Veterinary College Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.; 3 Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Abstract

Exocrine pancreatic carcinoma is uncommon in the dog and the veterinary literature surrounding the disease is minimal. Twenty-three cases of canine exocrine pancreatic carcinoma were reviewed in a retrospective manner to obtain information on clinical presentation, behaviour and survival associated with the disease. Presenting clinical signs were nonspecific and included anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and abdominal pain. The overall median survival time was only 1 day but was confounded by the large number of dogs that were euthanized shortly after diagnosis. Metastatic disease was detected in 78% of cases at the time of diagnosis, attesting to the aggressive nature of the disease. Neither lymph node metastasis, tumour size nor tumour location had an impact on overall survival. Only one patient was a previous diabetic who is contrary to reports of the disease in people and felines. This retrospective study reaffirms the need for early detection measures to optimize disease control. However, the benefits of therapy with surgery or radiation and adjuvant chemotherapy remain to be elucidated in dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma.

Companion Notes

Retrospective report on the clinical outcome of 23 dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma

   

Introduction on exocrine pancreatic carcinoma (EPC) in the dog

- uncommon prevalence, with incidence rate under 0.5%

- in human medicine, 78%-80% die from the disease

- in feline medicine

- rare prevalence

- increasing age is predisposing risk factor (in dogs and cats)

- in a retrospective report of 34 cats

- high propensity for metastasis

- median survival time: 97 days

- in cats undergoing surgery ± chemotherapy: 165 days

- in canine medicine

- in 1 report, Airedale terrier at highest risk (R = 16.9)

   

Study design

- study population: dogs seen at Colorado State University (CSU)

- 23 dogs with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma

- inclusion criteria:

- cytologic or histopathologic diagnosis of a carcinoma of the pancreas

- with no endocrine appearance

- procedure: records from 02-17 retrospectively reviewed

   

Results

- history and signalment

- median age at diagnosis: 11 years with a range of 5-16 years

- median weight: 27.3 kg with a range of 5.5-50.9 kg

- breeds represented by 2 or more cases

- mixed breed dog, 6 cases

- golden retriever, 2

- English cocker spaniel, 2

- Labrador retriever, 2

- previous diagnosis of diabetes (well-controlled), 1 dog

- diabetes reported a predisposition for EPC in cats

- also reported a predisposition in 50% of humans with EPC

- median duration of clinical signs prior to presentation: 7 days; range: 0-60 days

- presenting clinical signs were nonspecific and included the following:

(in 3 dogs, pancreatic masses were found incidentally)

- lethargy, 14 of the 23 (61%)

- anorexia, 8

- vomiting, 8

- abdominal pain, 1

- CBC and serum biochemistry, performed in 9 cases

- inflammatory leukogram, 1

- increased alanine aminotransferase, 2

- increased alkaline phosphatase, 2

- increased amylase, 2, based on referral bloodwork

(CSU lab does not routinely assess pancreatic enzymes)

- increased lipase, 2, based on referral bloodwork

- diagnostic testing

- diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma made via the following:

- necropsy, 11 (48%)

- cytology, 9 (39%)

- surgical biopsy, 3 (13%)

- tumor location in the 20 dogs with location recorded

- diffuse involvement of the pancreas, 8

- affecting right lobe, 6

- along body of the pancreas, 4

- affecting left lobe, 2

- outcome

- overall median survival time: 1 day

- confounded by large number of dogs euthanized shortly after diagnosis

- about 15 dogs were euthanized within 24 hours of diagnosis

- due to clinical decline or the diagnosis

- 3 dogs were euthanized due to another comorbidity

- before diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma

- metastatic disease, detected in 78% (18 dogs) at diagnosis

- liver, 12 of the 23 (52%)

- 3 had metastasis to the liver only

- regional lymph nodes, 10

- spleen, 2

- diaphragm, 2

- more diffuse carcinomatosis, 2

- factors found to not affect overall survival

- lymph node metastasis

- tumor size

- tumor location

- treatment

- surgical excision or biopsy of pancreatic mass, 5

- 2 received adjuvant therapy postop

- 2 were euthanized at surgery

- one due finding of pancreatic mass

- one due to inoperable pancreatic tumor

- pancreaticoduodenectomy, 1 dog

- owner elected euthanasia 6 days postop

- due to complications and acute decline

- partial pancreatectomy, 1 dog surviving postop period

- lost to followup after 1st dose of carboplatin 2 weeks postop

   

“Ultrasonographically, some patients with diffuse carcinoma had described changes and imaging diagnoses of pancreatitis or pancreatic oedema. This is important to note as there may be dogs that are clinically assessed as having pancreatitis but may ultimately be diagnosed with carcinoma.”

Keywords
canine; carcinoma; neoplasm; oncology; pancreas; small animal;

Article Tools:
   Medline
   Email to me

Archives Highlights:
Challenges and Outlook of Veterinary Education in Iran: A Survey of Veterinary Students at Urmia University During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Regarding future employment, 45.8% of participants wanted to start their own business or practice, whereas 54.2% preferred employment opportunities. A significant 81.6% of participants said they would consider emigrating to pursue better career prospects.
[Disease Caused by Filoviruses: An Update].
The Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family and are known to cause emerging zoonotic diseases. These viruses have a high case fatality rate and are easily transmissible from person to person, which makes them capable of triggering outbreaks, including in non-endemic regions, and are also considered agents of bioterrorism. This review aims to improve clinical knowledge and the approach to suspected cases of FD. Improved surveillance and preparedness for potential global outbreaks are essential measures to effectively respond to these public health threats and to ensure that healthcare professionals are well-informed and prepared to deal with these diseases.
The Prevalence and Diagnosis of Feline Heartworm Infection
Visualization of supposed worm structures on echocardiography, in conjunction with a positive antigen test result, is as close to a definitive antemortem confirmation of adult heartworm infection as can be achieved.
Lameness in Cattle-Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment.
The most important effective preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of limb diseases with symptoms of lameness are periodic hoof examinations and correction, nutritional control, and bathing with disinfectants. A clean and dry environment for cows should also be a priority.
The Ideal Canine Companion: Re-Exploring Australian Perspectives on Ideal Characteristics for Companion Dogs.
The ideal dog was characterised as medium-sized, with a short- low- or non-shedding coat, and acquired as a puppy from a shelter/rescue. Desired traits included being affectionate, healthy, non-aggressive, safe with children, housetrained, non-destructive when alone, and not prone to escaping.

Back Print Save Bookmark in my Browser Email this article to me. Top of Page. VSPN AOW : Clinical outcome in 23 do...
Contact Us