Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog lameness from scapular tumor treated by partial scapulectomy
By Norton, C et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2006·Camberwell Veterinary Clinic·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Subtotal scapulectomy as the treatment for scapular tumour in the dog: a report of six cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of six dogs, averaging just over 8 years old, were brought in for lameness in their front legs and had noticeable lumps on their shoulders. After taking X-rays and performing biopsies, the dogs underwent subtotal scapulectomy, a surgery to remove part of the shoulder blade while keeping the joint intact. The tumors were identified as different types, including chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma. After surgery, all dogs showed good limb function, but the long-term outlook varied depending on the type of tumor, with chondrosarcoma having a better prognosis.
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Abstract
The medical records of six dogs treated by sub-total scapulectomy for tumours involving the scapula were reviewed. The mean age of dogs in this study was 8 years and 4 months. Clinical signs on presentation included lameness of the affected forelimb and a palpable mass over the scapular area on physical examination. Pre-operative chest and affected forelimb radiographs were taken in most cases in addition to a biopsy. Subtotal scapulectomy was performed, ensuring margins clear of neoplastic tissue of at least 2 cm, preservation of the glenoid cavity and thus retention of the scapulo-humeral joint. On histopathological examination the tumours where diagnosed as chondrosarcoma (one), haemangiosarcoma (two), anaplastic malignant neoplasia (one) and osteosarcoma (one). Limb function was found to be good in all cases postoperatively. Prognosis was related to histopathological diagnosis of the tumour, favourable with chondrosarcoma and poor with the other tumour types.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17359476/