Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with scapula tumor treated by total scapulectomy with good
By Clarke, Ben S & Findji, Laurent·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2012·VRCC Veterinary Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Total scapulectomy for the treatment of chondrosarcoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was brought in for a firm mass on its right shoulder blade. A biopsy revealed that the mass was a chondrosarcoma, a type of tumor. The veterinarian performed a total scapulectomy, which is the removal of the shoulder blade, to completely excise the tumor. Remarkably, the cat was able to bear weight on the leg just 12 hours after surgery and showed excellent limb function six months later, returning to its normal activities like jumping and playing. There was no sign of the tumor returning during follow-up.
People also search for: cat shoulder mass · chondrosarcoma treatment in cats · cat surgery recovery time · cat jumping after surgery · cat tumor removal outcome
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was admitted for treatment of a mass affecting the right scapula. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A firm soft tissue mass located over the craniolateral aspect of the right scapula was evident during palpation. The mass extended close to the shoulder joint but did not cause lameness of the affected limb. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Examination of a biopsy specimen obtained from the mass indicated chondrosarcoma. Total scapulectomy was performed to allow wide excision of the tumor. Weight bearing on the operated limb was tolerated 12 hours after surgery. Six months after surgery, limb function was assessed and considered excellent. The owner reported that the cat had its typical amount of activity and was able to jump and play normally. No recurrence of the tumor was evident 6 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of the functional outcome after surgery, total scapulectomy may be a viable limb-sparing technique for the treatment of local neoplasms in cats. Subtotal scapulectomy has been reported previously, with a good to excellent clinical outcome expected. Total scapulectomy associated with only a fair clinical outcome has been reported previously, which has led to the general recommendation that scapulectomy be performed with preservation of the shoulder joint. The information provided in this report revealed that total scapulectomy can be associated with an excellent outcome in a cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22812474/