Carpal Joint Chondrogenic Osteosarcoma in Young Dog and its Successful Surgical Management

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent bone tumour in  dogs, accounting for almost 80% of malignant bone  tumours (Meuten, 2002). Morello et al. (2011) stated that it  usually appears in dogs between the ages of 6 and 10 years  and primarily affects large and gigantic breeds including  Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Doberman  Pinschers, and Irish Setters. The tumour is most commonly  seen in the appendicular skeleton (64% of cases), followed  by the axial skeleton (28.5%), which includes the skull and  ribs, and extra-skeletal muscles (7.5%)(Trost et al., 2012).  Appendicular osteosarcoma is predominantly located in the  forelimbs rather than the hind limbs. Diagnosis depends on  physical examination, lesion radiography, and fine needle  biopsy to ascertain tumour type (Thompson and Pool, 2002).  A chest X-ray is advised as a supplementary diagnostic tool  because of the increased likelihood of metastasis. Selvarajah  and Kirpenstejin (2010) asserted that amputation is the  principal intervention, improving survival rates, reducing  suffering, and hence postponing euthanasia. The current  study describes the detailed diagnosis of osteosarcoma  variant in young dog and its surgical management shortening  anaesthetic duration, and decreasing costs relative to limb sparing techniques (Jehn et al., 2007).