Aneurysmal bone cyst in the scapula of a young cat

Abstract

A 2‐year and 6‐month‐old male neutered domestic long hair cat was referred for assessment of right thoracic limb lameness of approximately 3 months’ duration. Palpation of the right shoulder revealed a firm mass of approximately 6 cm diameter centred on the mid‐body of the scapula. Computed tomography (CT) showed a lytic expansile mass on the caudo‐dorsal aspect of the right scapula. Differential diagnoses included reactive or reparative processes, sarcoma‐like lesions and aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). Due to the potential for malignancy, a total scapulectomy was performed, and histopathology confirmed the final diagnosis of ABC. The patient recovered uneventfully from surgery, and 11 months following surgery showed a good return to function and an excellent level of comfort.