Osteosarcoma with multiple metastases and subcutaneous involvement in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
BACKGROUND
Osteogenic sarcomas are rare in rabbits, but cases involving the mandible, ribs, frontal bones, and tibia have been reported.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and pathologic findings in a rabbit with osteosarcoma and multiple metastases with subcutaneous involvement.


METHODS
A 1-year-old female Polish rabbit was evaluated for dysorexia, lameness, gait difficulties with the hind limbs, and the presence of 2 subcutaneous nodules, on the left thigh and in the dorsal region. A hard swelling was also present at the base of the tail. Radiographic findings revealed multiple abnormalities in several bones, which were more severe in the sacrococcygeal region and femur. Several areas of calcification involving the thorax and abdomen as well as skeletal muscles, also were noted. The thigh nodule was surgically removed, and cytologic and histologic evaluations were performed. Following the rabbit's death, postmortem radiographs were taken and necropsy was performed. Samples of tissues and organs, involved bone segments, and other subcutaneous nodules were collected and examined by cytology and histology.


RESULTS
Both the subcutaneous nodules and the majority of tissues and organs contained neoplastic cells whose appearance was consistent with osteogenic sarcoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data supported a diagnosis of osteosarcoma with multiple metastases and subcutaneous involvement.
Mazzullo
Giuseppe
G
Department of Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. gmazzull@unime.it
Russo
Mario
M
Niutta
Pietro Paolo
PP
De Vico
Gionata
G
D000818:Animals; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000662:veterinary; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*; D012516:Osteosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*; D011817:Rabbits; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary / Q000662:veterinary*