Abstract
A 5-year-old male German shepherd dog presented with lameness and a swollen thigh muscle that resisted various antibiotic therapies. Only blood was aspirated from the swollen area. Haematology showed anaemia and neutrophilia. Enzyme assay revealed increased values for aspartate amino transferase (50/ml), alanine amino transferase (68/100 ml) and alkaline phosphate (68/NL). Radiographic examination revealed massive tissue enlargement. Seventy-two-hour culture of the aspirated blood on nutrient agar yielded no growth, but swab culture from the incision wound which showed significantly delayed healing yielded Staphylococcus aureus. These microorganisms showed resistance to various antibiotics used. Histological sections of some organs/tissues showed large round to polygonal cells with faint cytoplasm cross-striations. The final diagnosis was mxyosarcoma originating from the connective tissue of the thigh muscles based on the clinical signs and lesions observed.
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Ezema, W.S., Udegbunam, S.O., Udegbunam, R.I. et al. Myxosarcoma in a male German shepherd dog: clinical and pathological findings. Comp Clin Pathol 18, 477–479 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-008-0800-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-008-0800-9