Vetnews August 2024 - Osteosarcoma in a dog, 7 years after plate osteosynthesis for a femoral fracture

Introduction

A 9-year-old, spayed, female dog presented with a complaint of acute left hindlimb lameness. Seven years prior to presentation, plate osteosynthesis was performed to stabilise a left femoral fracture. A radiographic examination performed under light general anaesthesia revealed osteolytic lesions of the left femoral diaphysis associated with the bone plate, consistent with osteosarcoma. There was no radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastasis. A diagnosis of osteosarcoma was confirmed on histopathological examination of bone samples obtained surgically from the affected area. The affected limb was amputated by coxo-femoral disarticulation. The dog was managed post-operatively with oral meloxicam, tramadol, gabapentin, and cephalexin. Short-term outcomes were favourable.