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BMC Ecology and Evolution Sep 2021Chemical communication is an important aspect of the behavioural ecology of a wide range of mammals. In dogs and other carnivores, anal sac glands are thought to convey...
BACKGROUND
Chemical communication is an important aspect of the behavioural ecology of a wide range of mammals. In dogs and other carnivores, anal sac glands are thought to convey information to conspecifics by secreting a pallet of small volatile molecules produced by symbiotic bacteria. Because these glands are unique to carnivores, it is unclear how their secretions relate to those of other placental mammals that make use of different tissues and secretions for chemical communication. Here we analyse the anal sac glands of domestic dogs to verify the secretion of proteins and infer their evolutionary relationship to those involved in the chemical communication of non-carnivoran mammals.
RESULTS
Proteomic analysis of anal sac gland secretions of 17 dogs revealed the consistently abundant presence of three related proteins. Homology searches against online databases indicate that these proteins are evolutionary related to 'odorant binding proteins' (OBPs) found in a wide range of mammalian secretions and known to contribute to chemical communication. Screening of the dog's genome sequence show that the newly discovered OBPs are encoded by a single cluster of three genes in the pseudoautosomal region of the X-chromosome. Comparative genomic screening indicates that the same locus is shared by a wide range of placental mammals and that it originated at least before the radiation of extant placental orders. Phylogenetic analyses suggest a dynamic evolution of gene duplication and loss, resulting in large gene clusters in some placental taxa and recurrent loss of this locus in others. The homology of OBPs in canid anal sac glands and those found in other mammalian secretions implies that these proteins maintained a function in chemical communication throughout mammalian evolutionary history by multiple shifts in expression between secretory tissues involved in signal release and nasal mucosa involved in signal reception.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study elucidates a poorly understood part of the biology of a species that lives in close association with humans. In addition, it shows that the protein repertoire underlying chemical communication in mammals is more evolutionarily stable than the variation of involved glands and tissues would suggest.
Topics: Anal Sacs; Animals; Carrier Proteins; Dogs; Female; Mammals; Odorants; Proteomics
PubMed: 34565329
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01910-w -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Sep 2023An 11-year-old castrated mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with a unilateral anal sac mass. Anal sacculectomy was performed without complication. Histopathology of the mass...
An 11-year-old castrated mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with a unilateral anal sac mass. Anal sacculectomy was performed without complication. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with a well-differentiated mast cell tumor. Analyses for the Ki-67 protein, KIT expression pattern, and the presence of mutations were done. Recovery from surgery was unremarkable and repeat staging revealed no evidence of mast cell disease at 4, 8, and 12 mo after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, primary mast cell neoplasia of the anal sac has not previously been reported in the veterinary literature. Key clinical message: Although mast cell tumors of the perineal region are commonly encountered in veterinary practice, the anal sac represents a novel location for this disease. Cytology of anal sac masses can be a useful diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis, guide staging, and assist in treatment decisions.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Anal Sacs; Mast Cells; Perineum; Neoplasms; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37663027
DOI: No ID Found -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Jun 2019The aim of this report is to describe a modified Foley catheter technique for anal sacculectomy. A standard approach used for a closed anal sacculectomy was performed....
The aim of this report is to describe a modified Foley catheter technique for anal sacculectomy. A standard approach used for a closed anal sacculectomy was performed. The duct of the anal sac was then freed from the surrounding tissues and ligated. The duct was transected lateral to the ligature and a purse string suture placed. The anal sac balloon catheter was inserted through the duct into the anal sac and the purse string was tightened. Once inflated, the catheter was then used as a handle to facilitate manipulation and dissection of the anal sac from surrounding tissues. This technique permits circumferential dissection of the anal sac with good visualization, accuracy, and control, especially at the medial portion of the anal sac adjacent to the rectum. This technique can be considered for application to cases of chronic anal sacculitis and small anal gland adenocarcinomas.
Topics: Anal Canal; Anal Sacs; Animals; Dogs; Sutures; Urinary Catheterization; Urinary Catheters
PubMed: 31156259
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023This report describes a new, simple and rapid surgical technique for the removal of anal sac in small dogs and cats. The anal sacs were simply everted using mosquito...
This report describes a new, simple and rapid surgical technique for the removal of anal sac in small dogs and cats. The anal sacs were simply everted using mosquito hemostatic forceps and excised with the aid of an electrocautery surgical unit. On the evaluation of postoperative complications, only one dog of 28 animals experienced short-term minor complications of mild fecal incontinence and scooting. Thus, we suggest that this new surgical technique is easy, inexpensive and time-saving and some of the complications with previously reported methods used for small dog breeds and cats may be avoided by using this technique.
PubMed: 36968460
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1105826 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Jul 2018OBJECTIVE To determine survival time and metastatic rate for dogs with early-stage anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASACA) treated with surgery alone and assess whether specific...
Outcome and clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical factors associated with prognosis for dogs with early-stage anal sac adenocarcinoma treated with surgery alone: 34 cases (2002-2013).
OBJECTIVE To determine survival time and metastatic rate for dogs with early-stage anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASACA) treated with surgery alone and assess whether specific clinical, pathological, or immunohistochemical factors were predictive of outcome for those dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 34 dogs with early-stage, nonmetastatic ASACA that were treated with surgery only. PROCEDURES Medical record databases of 2 referral hospitals were searched to identify dogs examined between 2002 and 2013 that had a diagnosis of nonmetastatic ASACA that was < 3.2 cm at its largest diameter. Only dogs that received surgical treatment alone were included in the study. For each dog, information extracted from the medical record included signalment, clinical and diagnostic test findings, tumor characteristics, and outcome. When available, archived tumor specimens were histologically reviewed and tumor characteristics were described; Ki-67 and E-cadherin expressions were evaluated by use of immunohistochemical methods. Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical factors were assessed for associations with survival time and tumor recurrence and metastasis rates. RESULTS Median survival time was 1,237 days. Seven dogs had tumor recurrence and 9 dogs developed metastatic disease at a median of 354 and 589 days, respectively, after primary tumor removal. Cellular pleomorphism was positively associated with development of metastatic disease. No other factors evaluated were associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated dogs with early-stage nonmetastatic ASACA generally had a favorable outcome following surgical removal of the primary tumor alone. Routine rectal examination may be a simple and useful method for detection of dogs with early-stage ASACA.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Anal Gland Neoplasms; Animals; Cadherins; California; Dogs; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Ki-67 Antigen; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pathology, Clinical; Prognosis; Records; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29911942
DOI: 10.2460/javma.253.1.84 -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Sep 2022To report intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications associated with removal of metastatic iliosacral lymph nodes in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac...
OBJECTIVE
To report intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications associated with removal of metastatic iliosacral lymph nodes in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma.
ANIMALS
There were 136 client-owned dogs in the study.
PROCEDURE
Retrospective multi-institutional study. The database of collaborating institutions was searched for dogs with metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma that underwent lymphadenectomy for removal of one or more iliosacral lymph nodes. Information of signalment, hematological abnormalities, abdominal computed tomography or ultrasound findings, number and size of enlarged lymph nodes, intraoperative and postoperative complications, treatment and outcome were collected.
RESULTS
The overall complication rate associated with metastatic iliosacral lymphadenectomy was 26.1%. The only intraoperative complication recorded was hemorrhage and was reported in 24 (17.6%) surgeries, 11 (45.8%) of which received a blood transfusion. Postoperative complications were reported in 10.4% of surgeries, and included edema formation ( = 4, 2.6%), unilateral or bilateral paraparesis ( = 4, 2.6%), hypotension ( = 3, 2.0%), surgical site infection ( = 2, 1.3%), abdominal incision dehiscence ( = 1, 0.6%), urinary incontinence ( = 1, 0.6%), and death ( = 1, 0.6%). The size of the iliosacral lymph nodes was significantly associated with a greater risk of complications, hemorrhage, and the need of transfusion during lymphadenectomy for metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSION
Complications associated with iliosacral lymphadenectomy for metastatic apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma are relatively common and mostly relate to hemorrhage. These complications are significantly associated with the size of the extirpated metastatic lymph nodes.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This retrospective study provides information for the clinician regarding the potential surgical complications for extirpation of metastatic iliosacral lymph nodes. These complications, although not common, can be severe and should be discussed with owners before surgery.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Anal Gland Neoplasms; Anal Sacs; Animals; Apocrine Glands; Bone Neoplasms; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Lymph Node Excision; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36060485
DOI: No ID Found -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jul 2022The aim was to prospectively measure the shrinkage of primary apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) tumors after 24 and 48 h of formalin fixation. Dogs that...
The aim was to prospectively measure the shrinkage of primary apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) tumors after 24 and 48 h of formalin fixation. Dogs that were diagnosed with AGASACA pre-operatively by aspiration cytology were prospectively enrolled in the study. Tumor extirpation was performed in a closed technique. The tumor and associated tissues were examined on the back table away from the patient and the widest dimension of the tumor was measured using a sterile ruler (Medline; Northfield, IL, USA). This measurement was recorded in mm (t). The tissue was placed in 10% buffered formalin and stored at room temperature. Two further measurements were taken after 24 (t) and 48 (t) hours of formalin fixation. Once the 48 h measurement was taken, the tissue was submitted for histopathology. The percentage of shrinkage between time points was calculated by using the following equation: (1 - [time b/time a]) × 100. Overall, 23 dogs with 23 tumors were enrolled. The mean percentage of shrinkage after 24 and 48 h of formalin fixation was 4.8% and 7.2%, respectively. The median diameter of the tumors reduced by 1 mm over 48 h and was not significantly different at any time point. These data will aid clinicians in interpreting measurements of AGASACA tumors following formalin fixation and shows that minimal change in tumor size is expected following 48 h.
PubMed: 35892519
DOI: 10.3390/ani12151869 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2017Across multiple taxa, population structure and dynamics depend on effective signalling between individuals. Among mammals, chemical communication is arguably the most...
Across multiple taxa, population structure and dynamics depend on effective signalling between individuals. Among mammals, chemical communication is arguably the most important sense, underpinning mate choice, parental care, territoriality and even disease transmission. There is a growing body of evidence that odours signal genetic information that may confer considerable benefits including inbreeding avoidance and nepotism. To date, however, there has been no clear evidence that odours encode population-level information in wild mammals. Here we demonstrate for the first time the existence of 'odour dialects' in genetically distinct mammalian subpopulations across a large geographical scale. We found that otters, Lutra lutra, from across the United Kingdom possess sex and biogeography-specific odours. Subpopulations with the most distinctive odour profiles are also the most genetically diverse but not the most genetically differentiated. Furthermore, geographic distance between individuals does not explain regional odour differences, refuting other potential explanations such as group odour sharing behaviour. Differences in the language of odours between subpopulations have the potential to affect individual interactions, which could impact reproduction and gene-flow.
Topics: Anal Sacs; Animals; Female; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Male; Mammals; Odorants; Otters; United Kingdom; Volatile Organic Compounds
PubMed: 29051500
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12706-8 -
Journal of Veterinary Science Sep 2016This study was conducted to provide normal reference features for canine and feline anal sacs using ultrasound, low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiograph...
This study was conducted to provide normal reference features for canine and feline anal sacs using ultrasound, low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiograph contrast as diagnostic imaging tools. A total of ten clinically normal beagle dogs and eight clinically normally cats were included. General radiography with contrast, ultrasonography and low-field MRI scans were performed. The visualization of anal sacs, which are located at distinct sites in dogs and cats, is possible with a contrast study on radiography. Most surfaces of the anal sacs tissue, occasionally appearing as a hyperechoic thin line, were surrounded by the hypoechoic external sphincter muscle on ultrasonography. The normal anal sac contents of dogs and cats had variable echogenicity. Signals of anal sac contents on low-field MRI varied in cats and dogs, and contrast medium using T1-weighted images enhanced the anal sac walls more obviously than that on ultrasonography. In conclusion, this study provides the normal features of anal sacs from dogs and cats on diagnostic imaging. Further studies including anal sac evaluation are expected to investigate disease conditions.
Topics: Anal Sacs; Animals; Cats; Dogs; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Radiography; Reference Values; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 26645338
DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.3.331 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2002A retrospective study of 43 dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC) was performed to characterize the clinical presentation and response to treatment. Clinical signs at...
A retrospective study of 43 dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC) was performed to characterize the clinical presentation and response to treatment. Clinical signs at presentation varied considerably, with signs related either to sublumbar nodal metastasis (tenesmus or constipation) or hypercalcemia (polyuria-polydipsia and anorexia) being the most frequent findings. At the time of presentation, 23 (53%) dogs had hypercalcemia and 34 (79%) had metastases, with the regional lymph nodes (31 dogs, 72%) being the most common site of metastasis. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents were administered, with partial remission (PR) recorded in 4 of 13 (31%) dogs treated with cisplatin and in 1 of 3 (33%) dogs treated with carboplatin. The median survival for all dogs was 6 months (range, 2 days-41 months). There was no statistical association between the presence of hypercalcemia and survival, although the power of the study to detect an increase in survival of 3 months was low (.33). We conclude that platinum chemotherapy has antitumor activity in canine apocrine gland carcinoma and that further study of these agents is warranted.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Anal Gland Neoplasms; Anal Sacs; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Breeding; Carboplatin; Cisplatin; Combined Modality Therapy; Dactinomycin; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Doxorubicin; Female; Fluorouracil; Indiana; Male; Records; Retrospective Studies; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 11822797
DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2002)016<0100:casacp>2.3.co;2