Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe leg swelling and lameness after dog mastectomy due to cancer
By Kang, J-H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·College of Veterinary Medicine, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Secondary malignant lymphoedema after mastectomy in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs that had surgery to remove breast tumors developed severe swelling in their right back legs, which made them limp. Tests showed that the swelling was caused by blocked lymph fluid due to cancer cells in the lymphatic system. Despite trying medical treatments and physical therapy, the swelling did not get better for either dog. This situation highlights the complications that can arise after cancer surgery in pets.
People also search for: dog limping after surgery · dog lymphoedema treatment · cancer in dogs after mastectomy
Abstract
This case report describes the diagnosis of secondary malignant lymphoedema in two dogs that had undergone a mastectomy. A remarkable severe oedematous lesion associated with lameness in the right hindlimb was observed in both cases. Diagnostic imaging examinations, including direct pedal lymphangiography (case 1) and lymphoscintigraphy (case 2), showed obstruction of lymph flow in the lymphatics of the right hindlimbs. Although the recommended medical management and physiotherapy had been applied to resolve the problems, oedema did not improve in the damaged region in both cases. Results of histopathological examinations suggested that the cause of the obstructed lymph flow was neoplastic cells in the lymphatics of the right hindlimb in both dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17490446/