BACKGROUND: This report describes the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examination of a 16-year-old goat with extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax. CASE PRESENTATION: The lead clinical signs were abnormal condition and demeanour, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and dilated jugular veins. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax revealed a precardial mass, measuring 16.4 by 11.4 by 14.2 cm. Computed tomographic examination showed dorsocaudal displacement of the trachea, heart and lungs to the right. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal or pleural neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanased and necropsied. A definitive diagnosis was based on histological examination of the mass. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in goats and serves to broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic diseases in this species. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic tumours

Braun, Ueli

Colin C Schwarzwald

Eva Forster

Mareike Becker-Birck

Nicole Borel

Stefanie Ohlerth

Ueli Braun

English

PubMed

Abstract Background This report describes the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examination of a 16-year-old goat with extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax. Case presentation The lead clinical signs were abnormal condition and demeanour, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea and dilated jugular veins. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax revealed a precardial mass, measuring 16.4 by 11.4 by 14.2 cm. Computed tomographic examination showed dorsocaudal displacement of the trachea, heart and lungs to the right. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal or pleural neoplasia was made, and the goat was euthanased and necropsied. A definitive diagnosis was based on histological examination of the mass. Conclusions To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in goats and serves to broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic diseases in this species. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic tumours.</p

Becker-Birck Mareike

Forster Eva

Schwarzwald Colin C

Braun Ueli

Borel Nicole

Ohlerth Stefanie

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BMC Veterinary Research

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in a goat: case report

Schwarzwald, Colin C

Forster, Eva

Becker-Birck, Mareike

Borel, Nicole

Ohlerth, Stefanie

ZORA

Springer - Publisher Connector

CASE REPORT Open Access
Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in a
goat: case report
Ueli Braun1*, Colin C Schwarzwald2, Eva Forster1, Mareike Becker-Birck1, Nicole Borel3 and Stefanie Ohlerth4
Abstract
Background: This report describes the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and computed tomographic
examination of a 16-year-old goat with extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax.
Case presentation: The lead clinical signs were abnormal condition and demeanour, fever, tachycardia,
tachypnoea, dyspnoea and dilated jugular veins. Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax revealed a precardial
mass, measuring 16.4 by 11.4 by 14.2 cm. Computed tomographic examination showed dorsocaudal displacement
of the trachea, heart and lungs to the right. A tentative diagnosis of mediastinal or pleural neoplasia was made,
and the goat was euthanased and necropsied. A definitive diagnosis was based on histological examination of the
mass.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this case report is the first description of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax
in goats and serves to broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic diseases in this species. Extraskeletal
osteosarcoma should be part of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic tumours.
Background
Tumours of the thorax are rare in goats [1]. Thymoma
is the most common thoracic neoplasia in this species
[2-6] and there are a few reports of lymphosarcoma and
ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma [1]. To the authors’
knowledge, osteosarcoma has not been described in
goats. Osteosarcoma occurs most commonly in the long
bones and is rare in domestic animals other than cats
and dogs [7]. Osteosarcoma may occur in organs other
than the skeletal system, and the absence of a primary
bone lesion is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of extra-
skeletal osteosarcoma. In dogs, extraskeletal osteosar-
coma has been reported in the spleen, gastrointestinal
tract, urogenital tract, liver, skin, mammary gland and
subcutis [8-10]. A dog with osteosarcoma of the os
penis was recently described [11]. Osteosarcoma com-
monly metastasizes in dogs, and haematogenous metas-
tasis is more common than lymphogenous metastasis
[9]. The major target organs include the lungs, liver,
mediastinum, omentum and heart [8]. There have been
two reports on osteosarcoma in goats; one case involved
osteosarcoma of the humerus in a Toggenburg goat [12]
and the other described osteosarcoma of the metacarpus
of a seven-year-old Alpine goat [13]. The purpose of
this report was to describe the clinical, ultrasonographic
and computed tomographic findings in a goat with
extraskeletal osteosarcoma.
Case presentation
A 16-year-old castrated male miniature goat was
referred to our clinic because of poor appetite, tachyp-
noea and tachycardia of several weeks duration. The
general condition and demeanour were abnormal, the
rectal temperature was 40.2°C (normal, 38.1- 40.0°C,
[14]), the heart rate was 160 beats per minute (normal,
70 - 90 beats per minute, [14]) and there was a mild
arrhythmia. Both jugular veins were distended. The goat
had dyspnoea, abdominal respiratory effort and a
respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute (normal, 15 -
30 breaths per minute, [14]). Auscultation of the lungs
revealed increased respiratory sounds. Examination of
the intestinal and urinary tracts, musculoskeletal system
and central nervous system yielded no abnormal
findings.
Based on reference values established in this clinic
[15], the activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (103 U/l,
* Correspondence: ubraun@vetclinics.uzh.ch
1Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
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© 2011 Braun et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
normal 3.1 - 19.8 U/l) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (128
U/l, normal 20.4 - 68.7 U/l) were increased and the
serum concentrations of magnesium (0.64 mmol/l, nor-
mal 0.9 - 1.4 mmol/l) and inorganic phosphate (0.85
mmol/l, normal 1.2 - 2.9 mmol/l) were decreased. Other
biochemical variables and a complete blood cell count
were within normal limits.
Ultrasonographic examination of the thorax and heart
using a phased-array sector probe (1.9/4.0 MHz octave
harmonics, GE Vivid 7 Dimension, GE Medical Systems,
Glattbrugg, Switzerland) revealed a multi-chambered
precardial mass measuring 11 cm in diameter (Figure 1)
and mild pleural and pericardial effusion. Electrocardio-
graphy showed ventricular extrasystoles, indicating sec-
ondary lesions of the myocardium. Subjectively, the
right ventricle appeared enlarged compared to the left
ventricle, but no obvious structural changes of the heart
were detected during echocardiographic examination.
A non-contrast computed tomographic (CT) examina-
tion of the thorax as well as CT angiography were car-
ried out using a 40-slice CT scanner (Somatom
Sensation Open, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). General
anaesthesia was induced and the goat was positioned in
sternal recumbency and stabilized with multiple foam
blocks. Transverse contiguous slices were obtained from
the thoracic inlet to the cranial abdomen. Technical set-
tings were 120 KV, 200 mA, 1 s tube rotation, 5 mm
slice collimation and a pitch of 1.0 and 0.8 for the non-
contrast scan and CT angiography, respectively. The
data were reconstructed to an image series with 1.5 mm
slice thickness using a medium-frequency image recon-
struction algorithm (soft tissue) and a high-frequency
image reconstruction algorithm (bone), respectively. CT
angiography was carried out according to a recently
published protocol [16]. CT images were transferred to
a work station and reviewed with dedicated software
(OsiriX Open Source™ Version 3.2.1, OsiriX Founda-
tion, Geneva, Switzerland). The precardial mass, which
was located on the ventral aspect of the thorax and
measured 16.4 × 11.4 × 14.2 cm, extended from the
thoracic inlet to the diaphragm (Figure 2). There was
marked displacement of the heart and trachea dorso-
caudally and to the right. The lungs and bronchi were
compressed and displaced dorsally as well as caudally.
The ventral aspects of the lungs had areas with moder-
ate consolidation and air bronchograms, particulary of
the right side. Intra- and interlobular septa as well as
‚ground-glass’-like opacities, air bronchograms and mul-
tiple indentations in the pulmonary pleura were seen
caudodorsally on both sides. The precardial mass was
hypodense centrally and isodense peripherally relative to
the surrounding soft tissues, and there were mineralized
areas ventrally. The accumulation of contrast medium
after intravenous administration (2 ml/kg body weight,
infusion rate 4 ml/sec; Ultravist®-300, Schering, Ger-
many) was limited to peripheral areas of the mass and
to small nodules between the mass, the heart and the
thoracic wall. The thoracic wall appeared normal. Based
on the CT examination, a diagnosis of mediastinal or
pleural neoplasia and moderate multilobar pneumonia
was made. An abscess was unlikely because of the addi-
tional nodules identified by the contrast medium.
Because the prognosis was grave, the goat was eutha-
nased and a post-mortem examination was carried out.
Figure 1 Ultrasonogram of osteosarcoma. Ultrasonographic
appearance of a thoracic precardial mass in a miniature goat. The
mass was round and multicystic and had a diameter of
approximately 11 cm. A sector scanner with a phased-array probe
and a frequency of 1.9 to 4.0 MHz (octave harmonics) was used. 1
Mass, 2 Cyst, Ds Dorsal, Vt Ventral.
Figure 2 CT image of thoracic osteosarcoma. Computed
tomographic soft-tissue window after intravenous application of
contrast medium in a miniature goat with thoracic osteosarcoma.
Sagittal section of the right hemithorax (A) and transverse section at
the level of the 8th thoracic vertebra (B). The mass extended from
the thoracic inlet to the diaphragm and displaced the heart dorsally
and to the right. Accumulation of contrast medium was limited to
the periphery of the mass. A smaller nodular mass was seen ventral
to the heart. 1 Precardial mass, 2 Heart, 3 Truncus brachiocephalicus,
4 Diaphragm, 5 Reticulum, 6 Rumen, 7 First rib, 8 Nodular mass, 9
Amorphous mineralization, 10 Peripheral accumulation of contrast
medium, 11 Lung, Cr Cranial, Cd Caudal, L Left, R Right.
Braun et al. BMC Veterinary Research 2011, 7:55
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Page 2 of 4
Examination of the thorax revealed a large firm white
oval mass cranial to the heart (Figure 3). The mass dis-
placed the heart to the right side of the thorax and
resulted in compression of the heart, trachea and lungs.
The cut surface of the mass had cystic lesions and a
central area of necrosis. Adhesions between the mass
and the pericardium and sternum were seen in the cra-
nial thorax, and there were multiple nodules ranging in
diameter from 0.5 to1.0 cm in the right pleural space.
Several contact metastases, which were not connected
directly to the ribs, were observed on the costal pleura.
The ribs had no macroscopic lesions. Histological exam-
ination of the mass and neoplastic nodules revealed irre-
gular osteoid islets, which were surrounded and
occasionally infiltrated by malignant osteoblasts (Figure
4). The neoplastic osteoblasts were oval, elongated or
spindle-shaped, and the nuclei were generally pleo-
morphic and often eccentrically placed. There were a
few mitotic figures, and a large necrotic area was seen
in the centre of the tumour. The definitive diagnosis
was thoracic osteosarcoma with contact metastases on
the costal pleura and diaphragm. In addition, there was
severe acute pulmonary oedema with severe purulent
pneumonia in the ventral lung lobes (presumably caused
by aspiration) and mild verminous pneumonia in the
diaphragmatic lung lobes.
The lead clinical signs in this patient were bilateral
distension of the jugular veins, tachycardia and
tachypnoea. Distension of the jugular veins primarily
suggests right-sided cardiac insufficiency, but in the
absence of cardiac signs, may indicate obstruction of
the cranial vena cava by a thrombus or compression
of the vein by an abscess, tumour or thoracic effusion
[17]. In our patient, right-sided cardiac insufficiency
could not be ruled out because of the tachycardia and
arrhythmia and the right ventricle appeared enlarged
on ultrasonograms. However, a combination of ultra-
sonography, radiography and CT allowed a tentative
diagnosis of a tumour. The CT exam provided
detailed images of the thoracic organs, which could
not be accomplished with ultrasonography. A recent
CT study of the thorax in 26 healthy goats [18] was
very helpful for interpreting the lesions in our patient.
An abscess was not part of the differential diagnosis
because the total leukocyte count and concentrations
of fibrinogen and total solids were within the refer-
ence ranges. The advanced age of our patient favoured
a diagnosis of neoplasia. Differential diagnoses for the
thoracic tumour included thymoma, thymic lymphoma
[1], metastatic carcinoma and tumour of the aortic
bodies. Thymic lymphoma tends to occur in younger
animals, whereas thymoma has been reported more
often in adult or aged animals [19]. Furthermore,
regional lymph nodes, which were normal in our
patient, are commonly involved in thymic lymphoma,
but not in thymoma. A fine needle aspirate or ultra-
sound-guided biopsy of the mass was not carried out
because of the grave prognosis and advanced age of
the patient. Instead, a postmortem examination served
to provide a definitive diagnosis. Because there were
no indications of skeletal involvement, the osteosar-
coma was considered extraskeletal. Extraskeletal
osteosarcoma has been described in dogs, primarily in
the mammary gland, spleen, gastrointestinal and uro-
genital tracts, liver, skin and subcutis [10]. However,
to our knowledge, this tumour has not been reported
in domestic animals. Interestingly, a pleural osteosar-
coma with pulmonary involvement was recently
described in the human literature [20].
Figure 3 Gross pathological findings. Gross pathological findings
in a miniature goat with thoracic osteosarcoma. 1 Precardial mass, 2
Lung, 3 Heart.
Figure 4 Histological findings . Histological section of
osteosarcoma in a miniature goat. Irregular osteoid islets (asterisk)
are surrounded by malignant osteoblasts (arrow). Some osteoblasts
are also seen in the islets. HE staining.
Braun et al. BMC Veterinary Research 2011, 7:55
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Page 3 of 4
Conclusion
The differential diagnosis in goats with distended jugular
veins, tachycardia and tachypnoea should include
abscess and neoplasia in addition to right-sided heart
failure. Ultrasonography, radiography and computed
tomography are useful for diagnosing neoplasia and
determining the extent of the lesions. To our knowl-
edge, this case report is the first description of extraske-
letal osteosarcoma of the thorax in goats and serves to
broaden the diagnostic spectrum of thoracic disease in
this species. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma should be part
of the differential diagnosis in goats with thoracic
neoplasia.
Consent
Consent was obtained from the owner of the goat for
publication of this case report and any accompanying
images.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Dr Rolf Kamber for referring the goat to our clinic, the
technicians of the Medical Laboratory for the haematological and
biochemical analyses and the animal assistants for looking after the goat.
Author details
1Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich,
Switzerland. 2Department of Horses, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich,
Zurich, Switzerland. 3Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty,
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. 4Diagnostic Imaging Section,
University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Authors’ contributions
UB prepared the manuscript and supervised the clinical examination, CS
performed the ultrasonographic examination, EF examined the goat, MBB
contributed to the clinical research, NP performed the postmortem
examination, SO was responsible for the CT examination. All authors have
read and approved the manuscript.
Received: 18 October 2010 Accepted: 19 September 2011
Published: 19 September 2011
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doi:10.1186/1746-6148-7-55
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Springer

Crossref

and Palmer’s Pathology of Domestic Animals.. Fifth edition. Edited by: Maxie GM.

Computed tomography measurements of thoracic structures in 26 clinically normal goats.

Congestive heart failure associated with thymoma in two Nubian goats. Can Vet J

de Lorimier LP: Update on the biology and management of canine osteosarcoma. Vet Clin Small Anim

DG: Handling and examination of sheep and goats.

DM: Respiratory system.

Effect of contrast medium injection duration on peak enhancement and time to peak enhancement of canine pulmonary arteries. Vet Radiol and Ultrasound , published online: 10

Ehrensperger F: Clinical findings in 28 cattle with traumatic pericarditis. Vet Rec

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the pleura: a case report. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg

Extraskeletal osteosarcomas in dogs: 14 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc

Fracture-associated osteogenic sarcome and mandibular osteoma in two goats.

Hämatologische und klinischchemische Referenzwerte für adulte Ziegen und Schafe. Schweiz Arch Tierheilk

High prevalence of thymoma in the dairy goat. Report of seventeen cases. Vet Pathol

MF: Metastatic thymoma in a goat. Can Vet J

Ossent P: Ultraschall- und CT-Befunde bei einer Ziege mit Thymom im Mediastinum. Schweiz Arch Tierheilk

Osteosarcoma of the penile bone (os penis) in a dog. Aust Vet J

Shofer FD: Extraskeletal osteosarcomas in dogs: a retrospective study of 169 cases (1986-1996). J Am Anim Hosp Assoc

SJ: What is your diagnosis? Cortical lysis, medullary sclerosis, and periosteal bony proliferation of the distal portion of the metacarpus. J Am Vet Med Assoc

TJ: Clinical megaoesophagus in a goat with thymoma. Vet Rec

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Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the thorax in a goat: case report

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