Laser and freezing treatment for nose cancer in 10 dogs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most commonly reported neoplasm of the nasal planum and treatment is focused on localized disease. Rostral maxillectomy and/or nasal planectomy are considered standard of care for excision of nasal planum SCC; however, the cosmetic outcome of these procedures can be deemed unacceptable by many pet owners. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of combination carbon dioxide (CO) laser surgery and cryosurgery as a palliative treatment modality in dogs with nasal SCCs. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned dogs with nasal SCC were included: seven neutered males, two spayed females and one intact male, with a median age of 12.5 years (range 9-15 years). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Tumour COlaser ablation was followed by cryosurgical ablation of the visible tumour, adjacent and subjacent tissue. Three rapid freeze-slow thaw cycles were performed. RESULTS: Eight of 10 dogs were Labrador retrievers. The ages ranged from 9 to 14 years. Overall median survival time was 260 days with two dogs still alive at the time of writing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Combined COlaser and cryosurgical ablation was practical, cost-effective and provided an excellent aesthetic outcome in dogs with SCCs restricted to the nasal septum, while providing acceptable palliation of local disease.