Congenital megaesophagus with hypertrophic osteopathy in a 6-year-old dog

Hypertrophic Osteopathy Concurrent with an Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery in a Dog

A 13-year-old spayed female cocker spaniel was presented with a 2-month history of swelling in several digits and intermittent hindlimb lameness. Radiographs revealed marked soft-tissue swelling and periosteal new bone formation without cortical bone destruction, characteristic of hypertrophic osteopathy (HO), in the distal parts of all extremities except for the right forelimb. However, no notable findings were detected in thoracic radiographs. An ultrasonography indicated cranial bladder wall thickening, which resolved following antibiotic therapy. Computed tomographic angiography identified a potential underlying cause as an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) originating from the aortic arch, compressing the esophagus and causing mild esophageal cranial dilation to the aberrant vessel. No other intrathoracic or neoplastic lesions were observed. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as regurgitation, were absent. Although an ARSA was likely the cause of HO, surgical correction was declined by the owner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HO concurrent with ARSA in dogs.

A Holistic Approach to Bone Tumors in Dogs and Cats: Radiographic and Histologic Correlation

The skeletal system is a common site for neoplasia in dogs and cats, and primary bone tumors may develop from any of the mesenchymal tissues present in bone. Imaging and histopathology are routinely used in the diagnosis of bone tumors, and the 2 techniques are highly complementary. While imaging may be highly suggestive of a specific diagnosis and treatment may be instituted based on this, definitive diagnosis requires histopathology of either incisional or excisional biopsies or an amputation specimen. However, there are a number of diagnostic dilemmas when the pathologist interprets bone biopsy samples, such as distinguishing reactive bone and tumor bone, fracture callus and tumor bone, different benign fibro-osseous lesions, and different types of bone sarcoma. This review outlines the characteristic radiographic and histologic changes associated with these diagnostic problems to aid in resolving them. When a holistic approach is taken to evaluation of the signalment, history, and clinical, radiologic, and microscopic features, a diagnosis may be possible. The pathologist is greatly assisted in the interpretation of bone samples by having access to imaging and should routinely request either the images or the imaging reports if they are not received from submitting veterinarians.

Paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy in 30 dogs

Paraneoplastic hypertrophic osteopathy (pHO) is known to occur in both canine and human cancer patients. While the pathology of pHO is well-described in the dog, very little information exists regarding the true clinical presentation of dogs affected with pHO. The primary objective of this study was to provide a more comprehensive clinical picture of pHO. To this end, we retrospectively identified 30 dogs and recorded data regarding presenting complaints and physical examination (PE) findings on the date of pHO diagnosis. As a secondary objective, any blood test results were also collected from the computerized records. The most common clinical signs included leg swelling, ocular discharge and/or episcleral injection, lameness, and lethargy. The most common haematological and serum biochemical abnormalities included anaemia, neutrophilia and elevated alkaline phosphatase. In addition to presenting a more detailed clinical description of pHO in the dog, these data support the previously described haematological, serum biochemical and PE abnormalities published in individual case reports.

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

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.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with pulmonary Eikenella corrodens infection in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 4-year-old English Pointer was examined because of chronic, progressive signs of pulmonary disease and failure to respond to medical treatment.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

At examination, radiography of the thorax revealed increased pulmonary opacity and air bronchograms in the right caudal lung lobe, and radiography of the forelimbs revealed periosteal bone production typical of hypertrophic osteopathy. Attempts to isolate a causative organism included bacterial culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and a lung tissue specimen obtained via fine-needle aspiration. Despite a cytologic diagnosis of septic suppurative inflammation in the lavage fluid, those specimens did not yield bacterial growth. However, a biopsy specimen obtained during a lung lobectomy procedure yielded growth of Eikenella corrodens.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Despite successful surgical removal of the consolidated lung lobe and initiation of antimicrobial treatment, the dog died 6 days after surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The authors are not aware of reports of pulmonary infection with E. corrodens in animals. Infection with the organism is rare, but it is possible that infections are underreported given that the organism is difficult to culture and biopsy may be necessary to obtain enough tissue to yield a diagnosis.