Soft tissue sarcoma formation following partial tarsal arthrodesis in dogs: Report of 2 cases

This case report describes the occurrence of soft tissue sarcoma at the surgical site of partial tarsal arthrodesis in 2 dogs within 8 mo after surgery. Surgical correction was uncomplicated in both cases, and the dogs did clinically well postoperatively, until masses were noted over the surgical sites. Each dog underwent amputation of the affected leg, as the masses were deemed unresectable. This report describes an uncommon potential complication of partial tarsal arthrodesis in dogs. Key clinical message: The cases reported herein are apparently the first descriptions of soft tissue sarcoma as a possible surgical complication related to partial tarsal arthrodesis in the dog. They highlight soft tissue sarcoma as a differential diagnosis to consider for surgical site swellings of the tarsus; however, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.