Iliectomy with limb preservation for a dog with ilial osteosarcoma: Surgical description and case report

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo report the surgical technique for iliectomy and outcome in a single clinical case.Study designCase report.AnimalA 10‐year‐old female spayed Rottweiler.MethodsA dog presented with left pelvic limb lameness due to a mass involving the left ilium. Fine needle aspirates were indicative of a sarcoma and suspicious for osteosarcoma. Computed tomography of thorax, abdomen, and pelvis was performed as well as skeletal scintigraphy, with no evidence of metastasis seen. The dog underwent iliectomy with preservation of the ipsilateral limb and was ambulatory 24 hours after surgery. Results of histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an osteosarcoma.ResultsA right ischial fracture was noted 8 days postoperatively and was conservatively managed. Local recurrence was reported 385 days postoperatively, with no overt metastatic disease revealed by computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen. The dog was euthanized because of local recurrence 430 days after surgery.ConclusionIliectomy was well tolerated in this dog and afforded good function of the pelvic limbs. Local recurrence developed with no evidence of metastasis at the last follow‐up. Iliectomy can be considered for a mass confined to the ilium when preservation of the limb is desired. Additional studies are required to determine the local recurrence and complication rates associated with this procedure in dogs with axial skeletal osteosarcoma.Clinical significanceTo the authors' knowledge, this case report represents the fist surgical description and clinical outcome for an iliectomy in dogs.