Radiographic characteristics of appendicular osteosarcoma in a six years old entire Rottweiler Bitch – A case report and a review of the literature

A six years old entire Rottweiler bitch which was presented with the sole history of mild lameness and mild pain of the right forelimb was diagnosed as appendicular osteosarcoma (APOSA) based on its general condition, the physical and radiographic examinations supported by biochemical findings. The radiographic findings revealed an aggressive osseous growth, a “sunburst” appearance, a Codman's triangle, the presence of a skip metastasis, mixed osteoblastic, osteosclerotic, osteolytic changes, erosion of the cortex of the affected humerus and rapidly growing metastases in the pulmonary system. There were serial elevations of the serum alkaline phosphatase levels during three consecutive occasions when it was assessed from 249 to 307 to 715 IU/L within eleven weeks as against the normal level of 1.0 to 114.0 IU/L. The anamnesis, clinical, radiographic and biochemical findings indicated a grave prognosis. No specific treatment or management protocol was administered as the client opted for none that was suggested. The bitch was eventually euthanized 11 weeks after its initial presentation due to its rapidly deteriorating health and a grave prognosis based on negatively progressive radiographic indices and a rising serum alkaline phosphatase profile. This presentation details the radiographic features recorded (in probably the first documented case of OSA in Nigeria) in an entire six years old Rottweiler bitch.