Pathologic fracture in dogs with suspected or confirmed osteosarcoma

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Canine Oncology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Pathologic fractures in dogs are frequently associated with underlying bone tumors, most commonly osteosarcoma.
• Understanding the clinical presentation, treatment outcomes, and survival times is crucial for veterinary oncologists and surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical presentation of pathologic fractures in dogs with suspected or confirmed osteosarcoma.
• To assess the efficacy of various treatment modalities and determine survival times.

Main Methods:

• A case series review of medical records from January 1997 to May 2008.
• Inclusion criteria included radiographic evidence of pathologic fracture and a presumptive or definitive diagnosis of osteosarcoma in 25 dogs.
• Data collected included radiographic details, histopathology, cytology, treatment, and survival outcomes.

Main Results:

• The most common breeds were Rottweilers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Greyhounds. Most fractures resulted from minor trauma, with 60% of dogs exhibiting prior lameness.
• Pulmonary metastases were absent at admission. Euthanasia was performed in 68% of cases. Treated dogs (amputation, chemotherapy, internal fixation) had a median survival time (MST) of 406.5 days, compared to an overall MST of 1 day.
• Histologic confirmation of osteosarcoma was obtained in all treated dogs and 6 euthanatized dogs.

Conclusions:

• Pathologic fractures associated with osteosarcoma in dogs can be managed with treatments other than amputation or euthanasia.
• Considering alternative treatments may offer improved survival times and quality of life for affected dogs when desired by owners.