Angiographic study and therapeutic embolization of soft-tissue fibrosarcoma in a dog: case report and literature

Transarterial chemoembolisation for palliative treatment of renal cell carcinoma in two dogs with pulmonary metastasis

Two dogs with anorexia and rapid weight loss were referred to our hospital due to a right renal mass and several pulmonary nodules. Both dogs underwent needle core biopsy of the mass, followed by transarterial chemoembolisation of the renal mass. A catheter was inserted from the femoral artery and advanced into the right renal artery. A suspension of carboplatin (100 mg/m² ) and equivalent lipiodol was administered via the inserted multipurpose catheter. Immediately after, under fluoroscopic guidance, pulse injections of small amounts of gelatin particles (diameter 1 mm) dissolved in iohexol were administered until complete embolisation of the renal artery. Histopathologic diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma in both dogs. Clinical signs improved for 134 and 358 days after transarterial chemoembolisation. In addition, postoperative radiographs demonstrated a decrease in the tumour size. The dogs died 215 and 525 days after the initial evaluation, respectively. As a palliative treatment, transarterial chemoembolisation might help reduce the tumour volume and improve the quality of life in dogs with renal cell carcinoma and distant metastases.

Coil embolization of a congenital orbital varix in a dog

A 10-week-old Labrador Retriever was examined because of a swelling above the left eye. Ophthalmic examination revealed a tubular, light-pink, slightly raised lesion of the left conjunctiva that extended from the limbus to the fornix and into the dorsal eyelid. The lesion affected the entire margin of the dorsal eyelid and extended 2 cm dorsal to the eyelid margin. With compression of the left jugular vein, the exophthalmos worsened immediately and the subconjunctival and eyelid lesion enlarged. Results of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and contrast venography were consistent with a diagnosis of an orbital varix. Coil embolization was elected for treatment of the varix to prevent the pain and morbidity associated with an orbitotomy. Coils were introduced through a 22-gauge IV catheter inserted through the upper eyelid into the varix. The only complication was moderately severe orbital swelling. The owners reported that the lesion had resolved by 2 weeks after coil embolization.