11536 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Phone: 206-364-3733 Fax: 206-364-3667
DIAGNOSTICS
Additional diagnostics are often indicated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your pet's initial status, and for monitoring during and following therapy.
cytology - small needle aspiration to obtain cells from masses, lymph nodes or bone marrow;
imaging - via radiographs or ultrasound, CT scan (CAT scan) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging);
For many cases, biopsy is essential to the process of creating a plan for further diagnostics, estimating prognosis, and determining therapy options.
histopathology - is evaluation of the biopsy sample;
immunohistochemistry - special stains applied to a biopsy sample, for further classification; and
flow cytometry - used to identify specific subtypes of white blood cells
Veterinary pathologists are specially trained to diagnose disease processes from biopsy samples.
In most cases, diagnosis is relatively straightforward.
In others, specialized staining techniques are required for the most accurate information.
www.specialtyvetpath.com
"Ranger" Hewitt pre amputation
"Ranger" Hewitt post amputation
"Since Ranger's surgery, his spirit is back and that's what we were really hoping for, he obviously feels so much better to have the tumor gone. We agonized over what to do for him, and now know we made that right decision." - Stephanie H.
Ranger developed a tumor surrounding the tarsal joint of his right rear leg, which was invading local bone and causing him significant pain. Based on the biopsy report, a diagnosis of sarcoma was made. Different types of sarcomas can affect the joint, and each carries a different prognosis.
Histopathology is the test requested when a piece of tissue (biopsy sample) is submitted to the lab. Sometimes cells have features consistent with multiple tumor types, and additional "special stains" are requested. This is called immunohistochemistry (IHC) and can provide for a more specific diagnosis.
Tumors arising from the joint capsule itself, synovial cell sarcomas, may have a good prognosis after amputation, with one report indicating a median survival time (MST) of greater than one year; whereas, a histiocytic sarcoma affecting the joint could result in a very short MST after amputation.
Since, the features of Ranger's tumor were potentially attributable to either of these origins or an altogether other type of soft tissue sarcoma, immunhistochemistry was ordered.
This led to a diagnosis of a high grade peripheral nerve sheath tumor - a type of soft tissue sarcoma not commonly associated with joints. Based on this information, Ranger's owners elected to pursue amputation for him. Amputation is well tolerated by most dogs, particularly those who are already not using a painful leg.
