Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
X-ray signs of subungual keratoacanthomas in dogs
By O'Toole, Chelsea J et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2022·Department of Diagnostic Imaging, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Radiographic features of subungual keratoacanthomas in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of seven dogs with unusual growths under their toenails were diagnosed with subungual keratoacanthomas, a type of benign tumor. These dogs showed signs like swelling and destruction of the bone in their toes, which can sometimes look like more serious conditions. After surgical removal of the tumors, the prognosis was excellent, meaning the dogs were expected to recover well. This case highlights that not all bone changes under the nail indicate cancer, and veterinarians should consider this type of tumor when evaluating similar symptoms.
People also search for: dog toenail growth · dog toe swelling · subungual keratoacanthoma treatment · dog nail tumor signs · dog bone infection under nail
Abstract
Subungual keratoacanthoma (SK) is a digital neoplasm that has rarely been reported in dogs and carries an excellent prognosis following surgical removal. Radiographic features of canine SK have only been briefly discussed in two prior case reports. Both articles described extensive distal phalangeal osteolysis, a feature more commonly associated with malignant digital neoplasms (e.g., subungual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma). This retrospective case series aimed to further characterize radiographic findings of histologically confirmed canine SK. Seven dogs met the inclusion criteria, with a total of seven affected digits. All seven digits (100%) had osteolysis of the distal phalanx's ungual process and crest, as well as regional soft tissue swelling. Osteolysis of the ungual process was severe in all cases, with complete destruction in six of seven digits (86%). Partial ungual crest geographic and expansile osteolysis was noted in four of seven digits (57%), while two digits (28%) had complete ungual crest destruction. Seven of seven digits (100%) had a radiographically thickened claw, and two of seven digits (28%) had associated lysis of the distal aspect of the middle phalanx. Based on these findings, an osteolytic subungual mass should not be considered pathognomonic for malignant neoplasia. Observing the imaging features previously described should prompt veterinarians to consider SK as a differential diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35576241/