Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm trying to find out what exactly it means but I am not finding any comprehensive information.
In Roxy's histopathology report, it says "Mitoses are two to three per high-powered field."
I'm just wondering if someone can explain it to me in dummy terms or direct me to a resource that will 
Thanks!
Mica
Here is a link to your best resource: your vet!
The absolute best thing to do is to talk to your vet so that you can not only find out what it means but what it means specfically to Roxy. I believe that Mitotic Index has something to do with how many cells in the sample are mitoticly active (in the process of making more cells), and I think that it can be relevent in determining how likely a patient will be to respond to chemo. Your vet and the pathologist who worked with Roxy's biopsy are your best bet when it comes to explaining medical terms in "dummy terms", that is their job! They also have the advantage of having Roxy's whole story and the whole biopsy report in from of them because there are SO many factors that are important considerations to a pet's situation and diagnosis.
HHackett's advice is best for a quick answer. Ask your vet to explain, or get a knowledgeable tech on the phone. Otherwise, consider posting in the Ask A Vet forum.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I've been told that the Mitotic index in OSA is not as "important" in as it is in other cancers, but definitely talk to your vet to know for sure I am also fairly certin that a 2-3 is very low (which is good)
Jill is a 9-year-old tuxedo kitty. She was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in June 2012 on her toe in her right hind leg. Her leg was amputated on 12/12/12 and she completed four rounds of chemo (2 of Carbo, 2 of Doxy) in April 2013. "Like" Jill's facebook page: https://www.fac.....tty?ref=hl Proud member of the WINTER WARRIORS!!!! Her blog can be read at http://jillsjou.....ipawds.com. xoxo
According to Dr. Dressler, in this article, Dog Cancer Decisions in the Gray Zone, the exact definition in layperson's terms is:
The mitotic index!
This is a measure of how many cells are dividing within the tumor. The more cells that are dividing, the more aggressive a given tumor is generally. Mitosis in this case is simply the process of cell division. More cell division, faster growth, higher mitotic index.
The pathologist simply looks at a slide with a very thin slice of your dog’s tumor tissue on it, which has been stained so it is colored. They can tell which cells are dividing (in mitosis). They simply count the numbers of these cells and viola, the mitotic index is calculated.
What is the data?
Lower mitotic index is better. This means that fewer dividing cells means a less aggressive cancer.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Mica, I know that mitotic index is only one measure and that there are so many contributing factors that determine how successfully our dogs fight the cancer. But if it helps to know, Magnum (with osteoscarma) had a very high rate of 39. She lived for 8 months post amputation (including IV chemo). I only knew about the mitotic index after she left us as I gathered more info for her memoirs. It was only then that I also learned there are different types of osteosarcoma, some more aggressive than others and some (telangietatic) more prone to produce similar tumours in other bones (which is what happened to her). So, talk to your vet. Knowledge is power.
Karen
Magnum: 30th May 2002 to 5th May 2012. Lost her back left leg to osteosarcoma on 5th Sep 2011. Lung mets found on 20th Mar 2012 but it was bone mets in the hip that ended her brave battle. Magnum's motto - "Dream as if you'll live for ever, live as if you'll die today" (James Dean). Loyal, loving, courageous and spirited to the end. My beloved heart dog, see her memoirs from Rainbow Bridge ...... http://princess.....pawds.com/
Libby's pathology report showed her mitotic figure was 1 to 3. The vet said she likes to see those low numbers because it tells her it isn't terribly aggressive. I asked what high numbers were and she said she's seen them in the 30's and higher. We were encouraged by that.
You're right though, there's not a lot of information out there on mitotic figures. Shortly after she told us her interpretation, I tried to find other info on the net about it but didn't come up with much.
I think your numbers are encouraging, Mica.
Liberty (Libby) was diagnosed with OSA on 1-22-13. Right front amputation on 1-31-13. No IV Chemo. Metronomic Therapy started 2-19-13 along with supplements and some home cooking. Lungs clear until 1-06-14. She's still her happy, hoppy, bossy self. Living the dog life to the fullest and a proud Winter Warrior. :) RIP my Libby 4-21-03 to 3-19-14
Thanks everyone, I've sent an email to the oncology department because it's easier to get a hold of them that way, but haven't heard back yet.
Amya, were those numbers for osteosarcoma?
I second What Jerry says. However mitotic rate is just one number in the very complex disease that is cancer. So while that number may either weigh in or against your favor realizing that it is just one indicator and that odds are beaten and defied everyday will help you to Not weigh too heavily on Any one number. Best wishes.
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
Maricela and Spirit Bruno
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