Cancer management in cats and dogs: Clinical study from diagnosis to therapy

Objective: In the presented thesis, the incidence and types of cancer in cats and dogs brought to Adu Veterinary Faculty Surgery Department, the applicability of current treatment methods and the success rates of treatment protocols were investigated. Thus, it is aimed to expand the perspective on cancer and to increase the welfare level of patients with up-to-date and promising treatment protocols. Materials and Methods: In the study, a total of 109 cancer patients, 19 cats and 90 dogs, out of 3682 registered patients brought to Adnan Menderes University (ADU) Faculty of Veterinary Surgery Department between 2020-2022 were evaluated. After the clinical examination, 3-way chest X-rays were taken for each patient, without exception, and the organs of the chest cavity were visualized. Advanced imaging methods (MR and CT) were used in cases where metastasis was suspected or imaging with x-ray was not sufficient due to tumor location. Tumor sampling (biopsy or total resection) was performed with the most appropriate method determined according to the patient's history and clinical condition. Uniform anesthesia protocol in all surgical applications; xylazine HCL 1 mg/kg (Xylazin Bio, Bioveta), ketamine HCL 10 mg/kg (Keta-Control, Doğa İlaç), isoflurane 2% (Isofluran 2%, Adeka drug) were used. After the tumor type determination was made, the most up-to-date and effective treatment protocol suitable for each tumor type was quickly planned and implemented. ECT was used as a treatment method in 5.5% of the cases, only surgery in 30.2%, only chemotherapy in 31.1%, and both surgery and chemotherapy in 33%. Results: Various types of cancer were detected in 2.9% (109/3682) of 3682 registered patients who applied to Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery between the years 2020-2022. It was determined that 82.5% (90/109) of these 109 patients were dogs and 17.4% (19/109) were cats. Distribution of cancer patients according to tumor types; 5.5% (6/109) adenocarcinoma, 22.9% (25/109) fibroma, 11.9% (13/109) hemangiosarcoma, 0.91% (1/109) chondrosarcoma, 10% (11/109) ) lymphoma, 7.33% (8/109) injection site sarcoma, 5.5% (6/109) mast cell tumor, 11% (12/109) osteosarcoma, 17.4% (19/109) TVT, % 7.33 (8/109) were determined as squamous cell carcinoma. Gender distributions in dogs; While 65.5% (59/90) are male and 34.4% (31/90) are females, in cats; 52.6% (10/19) male and 47.3% (9/19) female. The average age range was 7 for dogs and 6.5 for cats. Breed distribution in dogs; 2 Siberian Huskies (2.2%), 1 Terrier cross (1.1%), 29 crossbred dogs (32.3%), 3 Pointers (3.3%), 13 Golden Retrievers (14.4%), 7 German Shepherd Dog (7.7%), 3 Presa Canario (3.3%), 9 Sivas Kangal (10%), 2 Staffordshire Bull Terrier (2.2%), 3 Terrier (3.3%), 3 Pitbull (3.3%), 2 Bull Terriers (2.2%), 3 Rottweilers (3.3%), 4 Labrador Retrievers (4.4%), 1 Boxer (1.1%), 1 Miniature Pincher (% 1.1), 1 Kopay hunting dog (1.1%), 2 Dogo Argentiono (2.2%), 1 Maltese Terrier (1.1%). The breed distribution in cats is; 14 crossbred cats (73.6%), 4 Van cats (21%) and 1 Scottish Fold (5.2%) were determined. Conclusion: ECT treatment in the treatment of adenocarcinoma is superior to other methods when compared with the literature data; wide margin resection is sufficient in the treatment of fibroma; in visceral hemangiosarcoma cases, even if combined treatment was applied, there was no significant change in survival; innovative chemotherapeutic treatment of lymphoma, mast cell tumor and squamous cell carcinoma makes a difference; in osteosarcoma, combined therapy provides longer survival; It has been concluded that chemotherapy alone is sufficient in the treatment of TVT. Keywords: Electrochemotherapy, cancer, cat, chemotherapy, dog