Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with sudden lameness and stifle swelling due to tumor
By Booth, M J et al.·Published in Journal of the South African Veterinary Association·1998·Department of Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the deep peri-articular tissue of the stifle in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year and 9-month-old Belgian shepherd was brought in for sudden non-weight bearing lameness in the left hind leg, along with swelling around the knee joint. Tests revealed a malignant tumor called malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which was growing rapidly in the tissues around the joint. Unfortunately, the tumor was too advanced for surgery to remove it completely, and the decision was made to euthanize the dog to prevent further suffering. This case highlights the aggressive nature of this type of tumor in dogs.
People also search for: dog knee swelling · Belgian shepherd lameness · malignant fibrous histiocytoma in dogs · dog tumor treatment options · dog euthanasia decision
Abstract
A Belgian shepherd dog aged 4 years and 9 months was presented with acute onset of non-weight bearing lameness and stifle effusion of the left hind limb, caused by the deep form of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma originating in the deep musculature and fascia surrounding the stifle joint. The tumour progressed rapidly in the tissues along the femoral diaphysis with marked periosteal new bone formation. Cytology of a stifle joint aspirate revealed numerous large polygonal neoplastic cells with considerable anisocytosis and anisokaryosis. These cells were present in clusters, with cytoplasmic projections between the cells, but occasionally also occurred singly. Several cells contained multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles and occasional giant cells were also encountered. Adequate tumour-free margins were not possible with radical limb amputation and the dog was euthanased. Macroscopically the tumour appeared as an extensive pale tan, firm mass with scattered small haemorrhages and foci of yellow discolouration. Histologically the tumour consisted of dense neoplastic expanses or multiple nodules, composed of spindle-shaped fibroblastic cells, polygonal histiocytic cells or cell clusters and scattered giant cells with 2-3 nuclei. The polygonal neoplastic cells were frequently present around and invading lymphatics and blood vessels, causing neoplastic emboli. This is the 1st report of the clinical behaviour, radiography and cytology of the deep form of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the dog.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10192091/