Prognostic factors for dogs with mammary inflammatory carcinoma: 43 cases (2003-2008).
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of dogs with inflammatory carcinoma (IC) and identify patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors associated with overall survival time.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
43 client-owned dogs.


METHODS
Records of dogs with a clinical diagnosis of IC that had histologic evidence of dermal lymphatic invasion were reviewed. Data on clinical staging, treatment, toxicoses, response, and survival time were retrieved. Results-26 (60%) dogs had primary IC and 17 (40%) had secondary IC. Thirty-five (81%) dogs had distant metastases and 2 (5%) had local metastases at the time of initial examination. Six of 29 (21%) dogs had a coagulopathy. Sixteen (37%) dogs did not receive specific treatment for IC, 24 (56%) received medical treatment only, 2 (5%) underwent surgical excision and received medical treatment, and 1 (2%) underwent surgical excision only. Forty-one (95%) dogs had progressive disease, and 2 (5%) had stable disease. Mean survival time for all dogs was 60 days (range, 1 to 300 days). Dogs with a coagulopathy survived a significantly shorter time than did dogs without a coagulopathy (odds ratio, 0.28), and dogs that received medical treatment survived significantly longer than dogs that did not (odds ratio, 2.54).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that mammary IC is a biologically aggressive condition in dogs associated with a guarded prognosis. In addition, results suggested that medical treatment may improve outcome, thereby supporting its use in dogs with IC.
Marconato
Laura
L
Clinica Veterinaria L'Arca, Vico Cacciottoli 46, 80129 Naples, Italy. lauramarconato@yahoo.it
Romanelli
Giorgio
G
Stefanello
Damiano
D
Giacoboni
Claudio
C
Bonfanti
Ugo
U
Bettini
Giuliano
G
Finotello
Riccardo
R
Verganti
Sara
S
Valenti
Paola
P
Ciaramella
Luigia
L
Zini
Eric
E
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D015674:Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents