Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with two pulmonary tumours and myocardial metastases in a dog: a case report

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: A 16-year-old dog was presented to the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital for dyspnoea and tachypnoea, which had been occurring over the previous 48 h prior to presentation.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings included marked wheezing and inspiratory noises on thoracic auscultation. Diagnostic tests performed revealed a large pulmonary mass, the presence of hypertrophic osteopathy in the forelimbs and an abnormal myocardium. The patient continued to deteriorate while in hospital, and was euthanased at the owner's request. A post-mortem examination was carried out, which revealed the presence of two separate pulmonary masses, one of which was completely occluding the mainstem bronchus.

DIAGNOSIS: One tumour was histologically classified as an adenocarcinoma, the other as an extraskeletal osteosarcoma. The osteosarcoma had metastasised to the myocardium, spleen and kidneys. The forelimb changes were consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first reported case of two separate pulmonary masses in a dog, one of which metastasised to the myocardium. Hypertrophic osteopathy is a common pathological condition associated with a broad spectrum of diseases. The aim of this case report is to highlight the condition and remind clinicians of its relatively common incidence, as well as to prompt clinicians to look for underlying pathology. The current understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertrophic osteopathy is also discussed.

Key Words:

• Hypertrophic osteopathy
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• extraskeletal osteosarcoma
• platelet-derived growth factor