Primary osteosarcoma distal to the antebrachiocarpal and tarsocrural joints in nine dogs (1980-1992).

Abstract

The medical records of nine dogs with primary osteosarcoma distal to the antebrachiocarpal or tarsocrural joint were reviewed. Eight of the nine dogs were treated with surgical removal of the primary tumor; seven received adjuvant chemotherapy; and one dog was treated with chemotherapy alone. Median survival of dogs in this series was 466 days. Six of the nine dogs died of causes attributable to osteosarcoma, and both skeletal and pulmonary metastases occurred. Survival of dogs with osteosarcoma distal to the antebrachiocarpal or tarsocrural joint was somewhat longer than survival of dogs with osteosarcoma of more common appendicular sites. However, these are aggressive tumors with a high potential for metastasis.