A Humerus Puzzle

January 4, 2018

[1]

Presentation:
Radiograph of an 11 year old male Labrador.

Questions:

  1. What’s your presumptive diagnosis?
  2. How would you confirm your suspicion?
  3. What else should you do?

[2]

Answers:

  1. Lytic lesion in the left humerus – possible osteosarcoma.
  2. Take a bone biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Take a lateral radiograph (see picture) which would have shown a complete fracture of the humerus. Therefore, amputation (and a biopsy) would likely be the next step, as opposed to only a biopsy. Of course, thoracic radiographs are also in order. Morale of the story: there is no such thing as 1 view.

How did you do? Let us know in the comments below.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BT1.jpg
  2. [Image]: http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BT2.jpg

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