IW Health Talk

01-25-2008, 02:22 PM
Kathy Wilson

Hi Michelle,

I had not heard of bone cysts in wolfhounds,, so I googled "canine bone cyst." The most informative article was on both the UPenn and IVIS websites, and described what bone cysts are. Below is some of the info.

Of these, three cysts were found in the distal ulna, two in the distal radius, one in the distal femur, one in the distal humerus, and in one dog the site was unknown. The age of affected animals ranged from 4 l/2 months to 2 1/2 years, with most under 1 year of age. Breeds affected included the German shepherd, Weimaraner, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan hound, Saluki, Great Dane, and Doberman pinscher.

"Most bone cysts do not produce clinical signs until they reach a fairly large size. Pain, swelling, and stiffness of the nearest joint may be noted, or the animal may show severe pain and swelling due to a pathologic fracture at the site of the cyst.

"Radiographs are essential to make a diagnosis of bone cysts. The radiographic findings are a benign, expansile, radiolucent area in the metaphysis, near to but not usually affecting the physis or epiphysis."

Please let us know how your friend's wolfhound is doing, and what the vet is doing to treat the cyst.

Take care,
Kathy

01-26-2008, 12:44 AM
OffLead

"Radiographs are essential to make a diagnosis of bone cysts. The radiographic findings are a benign, expansile, radiolucent area in the metaphysis, near to but not usually affecting the physis or epiphysis."

Could someone explain in plain language what this means? I guess I'm curious how, from a layman's view, it would differ from osteosarcoma if I were looking at an x-ray. Just curious.

Jen

01-27-2008, 01:13 PM
altimm

They can look similar, thus the need for biopsy. Typically, osteosarcoma originates in the metaphysis and has periosteal proliferation. It may look sclerotic and you might also see pathologic fractures.

Alice

02-06-2008, 01:21 PM
Rita

Hi... I am the owner of the IW (his name is Gospel) with a possible bone cyst that Michelle wrote about. Unfortunately, I just received his path report and he has 'spindle cell sarcoma, high grade and necrotic'... not good. He acts perfectly normal, eats well, VERY happy and loving, etc. He had surgery last Friday and along with the 'cyst' (they thought it was) they removed a soft tissue tumor which was growing out of his elbow joint so they were unable to get good surgical margins. Does anyone have any experience with this type of cancer? Gospel is not a good candidate for amputation. He is just 3 years old and extremely precious to me.

Thanks for any info you may be able to share.

02-07-2008, 10:22 AM
altimm

Rita -

With spindle cell sarcoma you have a few options. If you choose curative intent then the best option is amputation and radiation. Your second option is debulking and radiation. Some of these cases can go several months to years afterward.

If you opt for palliative care only you could choose radiation alone and/or palliative medical options (pain relievers, etc.).

For high-grade tumors the chance for reoccurence is high -especially if it was only debulked. They can come back quickly.

Chemotherapy is not recommended for this particular neoplasia.

I definitely think this warrants a second opinion from an oncologist.

Alice Timmerman, DVM

02-07-2008, 01:38 PM
Rita

Alice,

Thank you for your information. I have called oncology at the U of Minn for treatment options (Gospel was seen there a few months ago.) I very much appreciate your reply!

Rita

02-13-2008, 10:55 AM
Jill Bryson

I wish I could be of help, Rita & Gospel

06-17-2008, 11:18 PM
iwhound

My thoughts are with you and Gospel. I've been through it all before, as many here have.
Give him hugs....