Primary osteoblastic osteosarcoma in the thyroid gland of a rottweiler – a case report

Abstract

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer in dogs, and can affect other organs and epithelial tissues. This study reports the case of a male Rottweiler presenting a three-month history of extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the thyroid gland. Neck radiography was performed to assess tumor extension, as well as chest and abdominal ultrasonography, which were negative for metastasis. Aspiration cytology of tumor material was suggestive of osteosarcoma. After 25 days, the patient underwent total thyroidectomy, but passed away after surgery completion due to cardiorespiratory complications. Necropsy confirmed the presence of nodules in the pleura and lung that were consistent with metastasis. Histopathological examination later confirmed the diagnosis of a rare case of cancer in dogs