Bone Sarcoma Found in Canine Rib Mass
By Cheryl Maguire, DVM
A 13-year-old, neutered male, Miniature Dachshund cross breed dog presented for a firm, 3 cm growth on the 5thrib. The mass was aspirated and submitted to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) for cytology examination. Results indicated that this mass was a neoplasm highly suggestive of a sarcoma.
Malignant bone tumors are common in dogs and occur most commonly in the appendicular skeleton; but between 20-25% originate from bones of the axial skeleton. Often they are rapidly progressive and require aggressive treatment. Although histologic examination is currently considered the gold standard method; a recent study1found that cytology examination of fine needle aspirates (FNA) offers some advantages including ease of collection, lower morbidity, and the possibility to carry out sampling at multiple points, increasing the likelihood of collecting neoplastic cells. The dog’s owner in this case desired a minimally invasive test that would provide diagnostic information as quickly as possible; FNA with cytology examination accomplished both of these goals.
For more information about this case, contact Veterinary Diagnostician Dr. Cheryl Maguire. To learn more about TVMDL’s test offerings, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call 1.888.646.5623.
References:
1. Sabattini S, Renzi A, Buracco P, et al. Comparative assessment of the accuracy of cytological and histologic biopsies in the diagnosis of canine bone lesions. J Vet Intern Med. 2017; 31:864‐871.
Figure 1. Photomicrograph depicting neoplasm suggestive of a sarcoma.