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Anal sac tumours of the dog and their response to cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. S.G. Emms. Austr. Vet. J. June 2005; doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2005.tb15626.x. Quote: A retrospective study of anal sac tumours without pulmonary metastases, from the author's clinical records for the period July 1989 to July 2002, was conducted to establish the response to treatment with surgery and melphalan chemotherapy. Of 21 dogs [including cavalier King Charles spaniels] with tumours of the anal sacs 19 had apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin, one had a benign papillary cystadenoma and another had a malignant melanoma. Two of the 19 dogs had bilateral anal sac adenocarcinomas. Ten of the 19 dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin had sublumbar lymphadenopathy. Five dogs were excluded by their owners from recommended treatment. Fourteen dogs with apocrine gland adenocarcinomas of anal sac origin were treated by surgical cytoreduction and chemotherapy with melphalan. Seven of the 14 dogs had regional lymph node metastases. Cytoreduction was by local excision of the anal sac in all 14 dogs and concurrent removal of the sublumbar retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the seven dogs with regional lymph node metastases. The median survival time of dogs with sublumbar nodal metastasis was 20 months and for dogs with tumour localised to the anal sac the median survival time was 29.3 months. There was no difference in median survival of those dogs with sublumbar metastases compared to those without. This study suggests there is a role for melphalan in the treatment of dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma when combined with cytoreductive surgery, with treatment survival times and the local recurrence rate of the primary tumour comparing favourably with previously published treatment regimes.

Breed, gender and neutering status of British dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma. G. A. Polton, V. Mowat, H. C. Lee, K. A. Mckee, T. J. Scase. Vet. & Comparative Onocology. September 2006; doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5829.2006.00100.x. Quote: This study details the breed, gender and neutering status of a large cohort of British canine patients suffering from histologically confirmed anal sac gland carcinoma [ASGC]. Estimates of the relative risk for the development of this disease attributable to these factors are calculated. To reduce the impact of sampling errors, cases were selected from veterinary histopathology laboratories rather than referral hospital databases, and multiple estimates of the general British canine population were used. The weaknesses of the statistical assumptions made are discussed. There was no evidence to support a gender predisposition for the development of this condition. English cocker spaniels are significantly over-represented, with a mean relative risk estimate of 7.3. ... The data indicated that English cocker spaniels, springer spaniels and cavalier King Charles spaniels exhibited statistically significant probabilities of an increased incidence of ASGC; the cocker spaniels demonstrated absolute consistency across the reference populations, P < 0.001. These three breeds were distinguished and the Fisher’s exact tests repeated so that ‘at-risk’ breeds were excluded from the ‘not-at-risk’ groups. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were then calculated for the at-risk breeds using the modified groupings (Table 3). The data indicate a marked predisposition for the development of ASGC in English cocker spaniels, with an average odds ratio of 7.3; average odds ratios for springer spaniels and cavalier King Charles spaniels were 2.2 and 2.6, respectively. ... The mean relative risk estimate associated with being neutered was 1.4; the effect of neutering appeared to be more significant in male dogs compared with that in female dogs.

Examining the heritability of anal sac gland carcinoma in cocker spaniels. Gerry Polton. J Sm Animal Prac; Jan 2009;50(1):57. Quote: "English cocker spaniels, and to a lesser extent springer and cavalier King Charles spaniels, are at higher risk of developing anal sac gland tumours than other dogs. ... If colleagues have encountered this tumour in an English cocker spaniel, a springer spaniel or a cavalier King Charles spaniel, it would be of great value to this project if a blood sample and/or the affected patient’s pedigree certificate could be submitted for inclusion in the analyses. ... For further information or to submit blood or pedigrees please contact Gerry Polton at North Downs Specialist Referrals, Friesian Building 3&4, Brewerstreet Dairy Business Park, Brewer Street, Bletchingley, Surrey RH1 4QP, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1883 741440, Fax: +44 (0) 1883 347030. E-mail: gerrypolton@gmail.com website: www.ndsr.co.uk"

Evaluation of an anal sac adenocarcinoma tumor in a Spitz dog. Javad Javanbakht, Abbas Tavassoli, Atefeh Sabbagh, Mehdy Aghamohammmad Hassan, Shohreh Alian Samakkhah, Radmehr Shafiee, Ali Lakzian, Vahideh Rahmani Ghalee, and Sonia Shoja Gharebagh. Asian Pac J Tropical Biomed. Jan. 2013; 3(1):74-78. Quote: "Anal Gland Adenocarcinoma is a cancer of the apocrine gland, located inside of the anal sac. Canine anal glands are scent glands that produce an oily secretion. They are found on either side of the dog's anus between the internal and external sphincter. These tumors tend to be locally invasive and can metastasize early. However, this cancer is associated with a prolonged clinical course. Breeds more commonly affected include English Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, German Shepherds and English Springer Spaniels. Both genders of dogs are equally affected. The cause of this tumor is unknown."

Breed-Predispositions to Cancer in Pedigree Dogs. Jane M. Dobson. ISRN Vet.Sci. 2013. Quote: "Cancer is a common problem in dogs and although all breeds of dog and crossbred dogs may be affected, it is notable that some breeds of pedigree dogs appear to be at increased risk of certain types of cancer suggesting underlying genetic predisposition to cancer susceptibility. Although the aetiology of most cancers is likely to be multifactorial, the limited genetic diversity seen in purebred dogs facilitates genetic linkage or association studies on relatively small populations as compared to humans, and by using newly developed resources, genome-wide association studies in dog breeds are proving to be a powerful tool for unravelling complex disorders. This paper will review the literature on canine breed susceptibility to histiocytic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, haemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumours, lymphoma, melanoma, and mammary tumours including the recent advances in knowledge through molecular genetic, cytogenetic, and genome wide association studies. ... In our clinic (Cambridge, UK) ... cavalier King Charles spaniels ... are under-represented [for mast cell tumors]. ... Canine anal sac gland carcinoma (ASGC) is a relatively uncommon malignancy arising from the apocrine glands in the walls of the anal sacs. This tumour is invasive and metastatic in nature and is often associated with a paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia. Although ASGC [anal sac gland carcinoma] may arise in any breed of dog the English cocker spaniel and to a lesser degree other spaniel types (English springer and cavalier King Charles) have been reported to be predisposed to development of this tumour."

Risk factors for postoperative complications following bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog. T. M. Charlesworth. J. Sm. Anim. Pract. July 2014; doi: 10.1111/jsap.12217. Quote: Objectives: To report the complication rate for bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog and to evaluate potential risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. To identify breed groups at risk of requiring anal sacculectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of dogs undergoing bilateral closed anal sacculectomy between 2003 and 2013. Results: Sixty-two dogs were included in the study of which 32·3% developed mild and self-limiting complications including 14·5% dogs that experienced postoperative defaecatory complications. No dog developed permanent faecal incontinence. Dogs less than 15 kg bodyweight were more likely to develop postoperative complications. Dogs that used gel to distend the anal sac were more likely to have postoperative complications than those that did not. Previous abscess formation, recurrent disease and pretreatment with antibiotics had no significant effect on postoperative complication rates. Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Labrador-type dogs were over-represented within this study population. ... the CKCS and Labrador/Labrador crosses were likely to be truly over-represented and may be at increased risk of requiring anal sacculectomy. ... Clinical Significance: Anal sacculectomy is a safe procedure with a relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications. Smaller (<15 kg) dogs are more likely to experience postoperative complications but the risk of permanent faecal incontinence is low.

Prevalence of disorders recorded in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Jennifer F Summers, Dan G O’Neill, David B Church, Peter C Thomson, Paul D McGreevy, David C Brodbelt. Canine Genetics & Epidemiology. April 2015;2:4. Quote: Background: Concerns have been raised over breed-related health issues in purebred dogs, but reliable prevalence estimates for disorders within specific breeds are sparse. Electronically stored patient health records from primary-care practice are emerging as a useful source of epidemiological data in companion animals. This study used large volumes of health data from UK primary-care practices participating in the VetCompass animal health surveillance project to evaluate in detail the disorders diagnosed in a random selection of over 50% of dogs recorded as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs). Confirmation of breed using available microchip and Kennel Club (KC) registration data was attempted. Results: In total, 3624 dogs were recorded as CKCSs within the VetCompass database of which 143 (3.9%) were confirmed as KC-registered via microchip identification linkage of VetCompass to the KC database. 1875 dogs (75 KC registered and 1800 of unknown KC status, 52% of both groups) were randomly sampled for detailed clinical review. Clinical data associated with veterinary care were recorded in 1749 (93.3%) of these dogs. The most common specific disorders recorded during the study period were heart murmur (541 dogs, representing 30.9% of study group), diarrhoea of unspecified cause (193 dogs, 11.0%), dental disease (166 dogs, 9.5%), otitis externa (161, 9.2%), conjunctivitis (131, 7.4%) and anal sac infection (129, 7.4%). The five most common disorder categories were cardiac (affecting 31.7% of dogs), dermatological (22.2%), ocular (20.6%), gastrointestinal (19.3%) and dental/periodontal disorders (15.2%). Discussion and conclusions: Study findings suggest that many of the disorders commonly affecting CKCSs are largely similar to those affecting the general dog population presented for primary veterinary care in the UK. However, cardiac disease (and MVD in particular) continues to be of particular concern in this breed. Further work: This work highlights the value of veterinary practice based breed-specific epidemiological studies to provide targeted and evidence-based health policies. Further studies using electronic patient records in other breeds could highlight their potential disease predispositions.

Surgical management of primary, metastatic and recurrent anal sac adenocarcinoma in the dog: 52 cases. D. C. Barnes, J. L. Demetriou. J. Sm. Anim. Pract. May 2017;58(5):263-268. Quote: Objectives: To report the outcomes and complications of a cohort of dogs with primary and recurrent anal sac adenocarcinoma managed with surgery as the first-line treatment. To report the use of lymph node cytology for identification of metastatic disease. Methods: Retrospective review of case records of a single referral centre population of dogs diagnosed with anal sac adenocarcinoma. Results: Fifty-two clinical cases were identified [including one cavalier King Charles spaniel]. Altered ultrasonographic appearance of lymph nodes was highly consistent with metastatic disease as assessed by cytology and histopathology. Seven of 58 (12%) perineal surgeries had reported minor complications and seven (12%) others required further surgical intervention. Minor controllable intra-operative bleeding was the only complication noted associated with lymph node extirpation in two of 39 (5%) metastectomy procedures. Six dogs (12%) suffered local recurrence and 22 (42%) developed subsequent or recurrent nodal metastatic disease. From the time of detection of disease recurrence, median additional survival associated with a second surgical intervention was 283 days. Clinical Significance: Coeliotomy for lymph node metastatectomy in dogs with adenocarcinoma of the anal sac has low morbidity and should be considered in patients presenting with evidence of regional metastatic disease both at initial presentation and with recurrent disease.

Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research-neglected syndrome. Dan G. O'Neill, Anke Hendricks, Jennifer A. Phillips, Dave C. Brodbelt, David B. Church, Anette Loeffler. Vet. Rec. July 2021: doi: 10.1002/vetr.203. Quote: Background: Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders (ASD) are frequent presentations for dogs in primary-care practice but evidence-based information on disease occurrence and risk is sparse. This study estimates prevalence, breed associations and other risk factors as well as reporting on clinical management. Methods: A cohort study of dogs attending VetCompass practices between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression methods. Results: Of 104,212 dogs attending 110 UK practices, the 1-year period prevalence of ASD was 4.40% (95% CI: 4.22–4.57). Compared to crossbreds, six breeds showed increased odds of ASD (Cavalier King Charles spaniel, King Charles spaniel, Cockapoo, Shih-tzu, Bichon Frise and Cocker spaniel), and six breeds showed reduced odds (Labrador Retriever, Border collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lurcher, German Shepherd Dog and Boxer). Brachycephalic types had 2.6 times the odds for ASD compared to dolichocephalic types. Medication prescribed for ASD included antimicrobials (n = 480, 20.24%) and analgesics (n = 284, 11.97%). Anal sacculectomy was performed in under 1% of cases. ... There is also some limited evidence on breed as a risk factor for ASD. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were reported with prevalence estimates up to 19% for unspecified anal sac disease. ... The prevalence was well over [three times] the 4.4% level for the Cavalier (14.83%) and King Charles Spaniels (13.78%), while the prevalence was less than half of 4.4% for Boxer (1.53%) and German Shepherd Dog (1.72%). ... Conclusions: High prevalence, strong breed predispositions and evidence of severity suggested from the antimicrobial and analgesic therapies combined with current substantial knowledge gaps identify ASD as a key research-neglected syndrome in dogs.