Hemangiosarcoma in the radius of a dog treated by limb-sparing surgery

ABSTRACT

Background: Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm particularly rare as a primary bone tumor. The standard treatment for dogs with this neoplasm usually takes limb amputation. The aim of this paper is to report a primary hemangiosarcoma on the distal radius, treated by limb-sparing surgery. Case An 11-year-old mixed breed male intact dog with body weight of 30 kg was admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (HCV-UFRGS) with previous history of progressive lameness on the right forelimb for a few months. Physical examination was unremarkable. The orthopedic examination revealed grade 4/5 lameness, swelling of the distal radioulnar joint with severe pain at palpation. Radiographs revealed intense osteolysis of the distal radial epiphysis with no involvement of the ulna and carpal bones. Biopsy revealed bone hemangiosarcoma. Chest radiographs and abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities or signs of metastases. The treatment of choice was limb-sparing surgery with the use of allogeneic cortical graft from bone bank preserved in glycerol 98% at room temperature. Arthrodesis was performed with a 4.5 mm dynamic compression plate with 10 holes and eight screws. Histological analysis of the bone fragment confirmed the diagnosis. The dog recovered satisfactory limb function and within 15 days postoperatively presented grade 2/5...(AU)