Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with rare bone tumor under footpad diagnosed by CT scan
By Almela, Ramón et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2017·Kleintierspezialisten Augsburg Ü, Germany·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Subcutaneous extraskeletal osteosarcoma in a metatarsal footpad in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old neutered male domestic short hair cat was brought in with mild swelling on the left footpad. After thorough examinations, including imaging and a biopsy, the cat was diagnosed with a rare type of tumor called extraskeletal osteosarcoma. The owners chose not to proceed with limb amputation, but one year later, the cat is still alive and has not shown any signs of disease progression. This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging to rule out other potential issues when a cat has swelling in the footpad.
People also search for: cat footpad swelling · extraskeletal osteosarcoma in cats · cat tumor diagnosis · cat foot problems · cat cancer treatment options
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Extraskeletal osteosarcomas (ESOSAs) are rare neoplasms in humans and animals. In cats, ESOSA has been reported to arise from orbital, ocular, intestinal, mammary and subcutaneous locations. Subcutaneous ESOSA occurs most commonly at sites used for vaccination including interscapular, dorsal lumbar or thigh areas. Previous reports of feline cases have not documented the use of advanced diagnostic imaging to exclude a primary bone tumour. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathological and advanced imaging findings of a subcutaneous ESOSA occurring in a metatarsal footpad of a cat and to report the one year follow-up status. ANIMAL: A 9-year-old neutered male domestic short hair cat. METHODS: Physical, abdominal ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations, and excisional biopsy for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. RESULTS: The cat presented with mild focal erythematous swelling of the left metatarsal pad. ESOSA was diagnosed through advanced diagnostic imaging and histopathological examinations. Histopathological findings were consistent with osteosarcoma. No primary bone disease was observed on computed tomography. The owners declined limb amputation. One year after diagnosis, the cat was alive without disease progression. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue swelling in footpads in cats. Advanced diagnostic imaging is recommended to exclude primary bone tumours.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28627100/