Clinicopathological and imaging features of hypertrophic osteopathy in dogs

Abstract

Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a diffuse periosteal reactivity of long bones and of poor prognosis as most cases died after short time or euthanized at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis is greatly important. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical and different imaging features of HO in 12 dogs and hematological and biochemical changes. Twenty-two dogs were included in this study; 10 apparently healthy dogs were used as controls, and 12 dogs were diagnosed with HO. Diagnosis of HO-affected cases was based on a range of clinical, laboratory, and histopathological examinations as well as different imaging techniques. Two forms of HO were diagnosed: pulmonary (n=5) and extrapulmonary (n=7) HO. In pulmonary HO, pneumonia was recorded in five dogs. However, in extrapulmonary HO, mammary gland tumors and skin tumors were recorded in five and two dogs, respectively. Symmetrical non-edematous soft tissue swelling at the lower parts of the limbs with intensive bone proliferation and periosteal reactivity in the tubular long bones was observed. Anemia and leukocytosis, mainly lymphocytosis 50% or neutrophilia 45%, and elevated serum globulin, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein levels were the significant associated laboratory findings. The use of different diagnostic techniques was greatly important in the diagnosis of HO in dogs and provided information on the prognosis of such cases.

Hypertrophic osteopathy in a dog associated with chronic lung lobe torsion

“…Most common clinical signs associated with HO include swollen painful hyperthermic limbs, lameness, pyrexia, lethargy and decreased appetite 3,13,36 . With the exception of hyperthermic limbs and pyrexia, the majority of the common clinical signs were present in this case.…”

“…Haematology and biochemistry at the time of initial presentation showed non-regenerative anaemia and hyperglobulinaemia; both abnormalities commonly reported in dogs with HO. 3,13 The anaemia was attributed to chronic inflammation and possible blood loss, while hyperglobulinaemia was suspected to be due to chronic inflammation secondary to LLT, HO and/or chronic pneumonitis. The open wounds present at the dorsal and medial aspects of the right carpus were suspected of being self-inflicted as a consequence of pain.…”

“…2,11,12 Frequently, signs of HO become apparent before those of the inciting cause and may include pain, reluctance to walk, lethargy, pyrexia and decreased appetite. 3,13 Radiographically, HO initially presents as soft tissue swelling of the distal limbs, with little or no periosteal reaction. As the condition progresses, the periosteal reaction becomes more pronounced.…”

“…HO is clinically characterised by bilateral non‐oedematous soft tissue swelling of the limbs that initially develops distally, then progressing proximally and becoming more firm 2,11,12 . Frequently, signs of HO become apparent before those of the inciting cause and may include pain, reluctance to walk, lethargy, pyrexia and decreased appetite 3,13 …”