Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with lung tumors and bone disease causing breathing trouble
By Ramoo, S·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2013·University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with two pulmonary tumours and myocardial metastases in a dog: a case report.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 16-year-old dog was brought to the vet because it was having trouble breathing and was breathing rapidly for the past two days. The vet found that the dog had wheezing sounds and discovered a large mass in the lungs, along with changes in the forelimbs related to a condition called hypertrophic osteopathy (a bone growth issue often linked to lung problems). Unfortunately, the dog's condition worsened, and it was euthanized at the owner's request. A post-mortem revealed two tumors in the lungs, one of which was blocking a major airway and had spread to the heart and other organs.
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Abstract
CASE HISTORY: A 16-year-old dog was presented to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital for dyspnoea and tachypnoea, which had been occurring over the previous 48 h prior to presentation. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings included marked wheezing and inspiratory noises on thoracic auscultation. Diagnostic tests performed revealed a large pulmonary mass, the presence of hypertrophic osteopathy in the forelimbs and an abnormal myocardium. The patient continued to deteriorate while in hospital, and was euthanased at the owner's request. A post-mortem examination was carried out, which revealed the presence of two separate pulmonary masses, one of which was completely occluding the mainstem bronchus. DIAGNOSIS: One tumour was histologically classified as an adenocarcinoma, the other as an extraskeletal osteosarcoma. The osteosarcoma had metastasised to the myocardium, spleen and kidneys. The forelimb changes were consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first reported case of two separate pulmonary masses in a dog, one of which metastasised to the myocardium. Hypertrophic osteopathy is a common pathological condition associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. The aim of this case report is to highlight the condition and remind clinicians of its relatively common incidence, as well as to prompt clinicians to look for underlying pathology. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertrophic osteopathy is also discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22905708/