Carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in dogs: 113 cases (1985-1995).
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, and response to treatment of carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
113 dogs with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac.


METHODS
Data on signalment, clinical signs, and staging were reviewed and analyzed along with treatment modality for potential association with survival time.


RESULTS
Sex distribution was approximately equal (54% female, 46% male). One hundred four dogs underwent treatment consisting of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or multimodal treatment. Median survival for treated dogs was 544 days (range, 0 to 1,873 days). Dogs treated with chemotherapy alone had significantly shorter survival (median, 212 days) than those receiving other treatments (median, 584 days). Dogs not treated with surgery had significantly shorter survival (median, 402 days) than those that underwent surgery as part of their treatment (median, 548 days). Dogs with tumors > or = 10 cm2 had significantly shorter survival (median, 292 days) than dogs with tumors < 10 cm2 (median, 584 days). Hypercalcemia was identified in 27% (n = 29) of dogs, and those dogs had significantly shorter survival (median, 256 days), compared with those that were normocalcemic (median, 584 days). Dogs with pulmonary metastasis had significantly shorter survival (median, 219 days) than dogs without evidence of pulmonary metastasis (median, 548 days).


CONCLUSIONS
Unlike most previous reports, this study revealed an approximately equal sex distribution, and results suggest a more favorable prognosis.
D000694:Anal Gland Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D000695:Anal Sacs / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D001050:Apocrine Glands / Q000473:pathology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome