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Osteosarcoma in adjacent lumbar vertebrae in a dog
G E Moore1, W S Mathey, J S Eggers
1Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 6, 2000
Summary
A Belgian Malinois presented with hind limb weakness due to osteosarcoma. This case highlights unusual skip metastases in adjacent vertebrae, potentially spread via the vertebral venous plexus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary oncology
- Canine oncology
- Skeletal oncology
Background:
- Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs.
- Metastatic patterns of canine osteosarcoma typically involve the lungs and occasionally other bones.
- Skip metastases, defined as metastatic lesions in adjacent bones, are less common but carry a grave prognosis.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old Belgian Malinois exhibited progressive caudal paresis.
- Radiography and computed tomography revealed a destructive soft tissue mass involving L4 and adjacent vertebrae, with distinct lesions in L3 and L5.
- Histopathology confirmed high-grade sarcoma, later identified as osteosarcoma on necropsy.
Findings:
- Necropsy revealed multifocal osteosarcoma involving lumbar vertebrae (L3-L7), the sacrum, and lungs.
- The pattern of distinct, adjacent vertebral lesions was consistent with skip metastases.
- The vertebral venous plexus is a potential route for skip metastasis in this case.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of canine osteosarcoma with extensive skip metastases within the vertebral column.
- The vertebral venous plexus may play a significant role in the dissemination of osteosarcoma in adjacent vertebrae.
- Understanding these rare metastatic patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prognosis in canine osteosarcoma.