Thoracoscopic resection of right auricular masses in dogs: 9 cases (2003-2011)

Objective-To determine the feasibility of thoracoscopic resection of masses located on the right auricle in dogs. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-Dogs (n = 9) with a mass on the right auricle. Procedures-Hospital records from 2003 to 2011 were reviewed. Only dogs that underwent thoracoscopic resection of a mass on the right auricle were selected. Data collected included history, clinicopathologic findings, surgical technique, and outcome. Results-All dogs with pericardial effusion were examined by means of echocardiography. Cardiac masses on the right auricle were identified in 5 dogs. Eight dogs had clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and right-sided heart failure. All dogs underwent thoracoscopic resection of a mass on the right atrium. Eight hemangiosarcomas and 1 pyogranulomatous lesion were resected. One dog with a mass located at the base of the right auricle died during surgery. No postoperative complications were noted. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Right auricular masses were successfully removed in 8 dogs. Masses close to the base of the right atrial appendage may not be amenable to resection with thoracoscopy. Resection of small masses at the tip of the right auricular appendage can be performed thoracoscopically. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;242;237-241)