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Study explores impact of lymph node removal on mast cell tumours
The outlook for dogs with Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours has long been considered poor.

Researchers assess outcomes in dogs with Kiupel high-grade cutaneous MCTs.

The surgical removal and dissection of lymph nodes – or lymphadenectomy - significantly improves treatment outcomes for dogs with Kiepuel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs), according to new research.

Published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, the study found that lymphadenectomy – conducted as part of primary surgery alongside adjuvant therapy – significantly improves dogs' progression and survival time compared to dogs that do not undergo the procedure. 

'Lack of lymphadenectomy was the only variable significantly associated with a higher risk of nodal progression,' the authors conclude. 'Lymphadenectomy, along with the resection of the primary tumour and adjuvant medical treatment, improves outcome for dogs with Kiupel high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours and overt nodal metastasis.'

The outlook for dogs with Kiupel high-grade cutaneous MCTs has long been considered poor. In more recent studies, however, the removal of metastatic regional lymph nodes has been linked to a better prognosis in canine cutaneous MCTs.

In the study, researchers compared 31 dogs that underwent lymphadenectomy with 18 dogs that did not undergo the procedure. They found that the average progression time was significantly shorter in dogs that did not undergo lymphadenectomy (150 days) compared to the other dogs (229 days). 

The collaborative study was conducted by researchers at the Universities of Bologna and Liverpool together with two Italian veterinary practices - Centro Veterinario Torinese, Turin, and Clinica Veterinaria Tibaldi, Milan.

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo, said “It is really encouraging to see collaborations from multiple institutions like the study presented here. Including multiple institutions in a retrospective cohort study, does not only ensure a higher sample size but also ensures a higher generalisability of the results. 

“Meaning that it is more likely that the differences observed in this study are also going to be observed at different practices and with different clinicians.” 

Image © Gerry Polton Companion 2008.

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.