Antimicrobial stewardship guidelines (ASGs) represent an important tool to help veterinarians optimize their antimicrobial use with the objective of decreasing antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to map and qualitatively assess the ASGs for antimicrobial use in cats and dogs in Europe. Country representatives of the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT) were asked to identify ASGs published in their countries. All collated ASGs updated since January 2010 containing recommendations on antimicrobial therapy for at least three conditions affecting different organ systems in cats and dogs underwent detailed review including AGREE II analysis. Out of forty countries investigated, fifteen ASGs from eleven countries met the inclusion criteria. Several critical principles of antimicrobial use were identified, providing a framework that should assist development of stewardship guidance. The AGREE II analysis highlighted several methodological limitations of the currently available ASGs. This study sheds light on the lack of national ASGs for dogs and cats in multiple European countries and should encourage national bodies to prioritize guideline development in small animals. A greater awareness of the need to use a structured approach to guideline development could improve the quality of ASGs in the future.

Objectives: Near‐infrared fluorescent imaging has been described for intraoperative mapping of the draining lymph nodes in human cancer and canine oral tumours. The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the results of lymphadenectomies in dogs with mast cell tumours treated either by standard unguided locoregional lymph node dissection or near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection.Methods: Medical records between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed for dogs that were presented for surgical resection of mast cell tumours with concurrent lymphadenectomy either with (near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection) or without near‐infrared fluorescence image guidance (lymph node dissection). The number and location of lymph nodes planned for surgical dissection and actually dissected nodes, presence of metastases and perioperative complications were recorded.Results: Thirty‐five patients underwent near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection, and 43 lymph node dissections. The number of nodes preoperatively planned for resection were 70 and 68, respectively. Fifty‐eight of those (83%) were identified during near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection procedures, compared with 50 (74%) during lymph node dissection. near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection resulted in resection of additional fluorescent nodes not corresponding to locoregional nodes in 15 of 35 dogs. Using near‐infrared fluorescent image‐guided lymph node dissection, we identified at least one metastatic node in 68% of dogs (24 of 35) compared with 33% (14 of 43) when lymph node dissection was used without imaging. No complications related to near‐infrared fluorescent imaging were reported.Clinical Significance: The present study suggests that near‐infrared imaging is a promising technique for intraoperative detection of the draining lymph nodes in dogs with mast cell tumours. Further validation of the technique is required to assess if near‐infrared fluorescent imaging can detect the true sentinel lymph node.

Objectives: The aim of this clinical evaluation was to describe the technique and outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) augmented skin grafting in cats. Methods: Cats with soft tissue and skin defects (n = 6) underwent open wound management. Wounds were initially covered using a NPWT system that was changed to polyurethane foam dressing once infection was controlled and granulation started. Final closure was achieved after establishment of a healthy, fully granulated wound bed by grafting of free full-thickness skin from the lateral abdominal wall. The freshly grafted skin was then treated with an NPWT dressing at a pressure of –125 mmHg for 3 days, with dressing changes performed daily. Percentage graft take, complications, wound bioburden and cosmetic outcome were recorded. Results: The mean duration of open wound management was 21.4 days (range 3.0–45.0 days), with a mean duration of NPWT of 8.0 days (range 3.0–14.0 days). Five cats received a single graft, while one cat had five grafts transferred to the right hindlimb. In 7/10 grafts, graft take was 100%, in two grafts take was 95% and in one graft take was 80% (mean take rate 97%). Therapy was well tolerated in all patients. The grafted site displayed normal hair regrowth in four cats, sparse hair regrowth in one and no hair growth at all in one patient. Skin sensation was normal in all grafted patients. Conclusions and relevance: Skin graft augmentation using NPWT in cats is a feasible option that allows graft fixation, even in anatomically demanding areas. Graft take rate reported here is slightly higher than documented in previous reports.

Lymph node status is an important prognostic factor in multiple oncologic conditions in humans and companion animals. In addition, the resection of the affected nodes can have a substantial therapeutic effect on various cancer subtypes in both species. Given the impact on prognosis and management, it is paramount to identify and remove affected nodes. While this can be achieved by removing predefined patterns of nodes (regional lymphadenectomy/resection of defined lymphatic stations), modern approaches increasingly utilize sentinel node mapping to identify the draining nodes to decrease the mortality of lymphadenectomies. Recent studies have shown that dogs have more comparable anatomy of the lymphatic system to humans than other animal models such as rodents or pigs. Given the fact that dogs develop spontaneous cancer types that share several similarities to their human counterparts, they represent a valuable translational model. The management of the lymphatic basin and sentinel node mapping have gained increased attention in veterinary surgical oncology in recent years. The present review aims at summarizing the resulting findings and their impact on patient management.