Treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst in a young dog: A case report

Abstract

Background An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare benign lytic lesion affecting the medullary canal of long bones. It has been widely reported in human medicine, but rarely described in domestic animals. Objective To report the surgical treatment and long term follow‐up of a dog affected by ABC. Methods An 8‐month‐old, intact female Weimaraner was presented with lameness affecting the left front limb and progressive swelling of the mid‐distal radius. Survey radiographs revealed a mid‐distal diaphyseal radial lesion. Fine needle aspirates, biopsy, CT scan and histopathology results supported the diagnosis of ABC. Treatment consisted of partial corticotomy of the affected radius, filling of the cystic cavity with demineralised bone matrix and autologous bone graft and stabilisation using lag screws and a neutralisation plate. Results The long‐term follow‐up, at 36 post‐operative months, showed no recurrence of the cyst and bone modelling. Comparing preoperative radiographs with those at 36 months, bone modelling reduced the radial area by 23.3% in the craniocaudal radiographic view and 30% in the mediolateral projection. Conclusions This treatment was sucessful in the case here described, with a 3 years follow‐up.

Aneurysmal bone cysts as a diagnostic consideration in juvenile patients: Considerations from humans and animals

“…Aneurysmal bone cysts have also been reported in a limited number of cases in the veterinary literature. ABCs have been reported in both dogs and cats, primarily in the long bones of the forelimb (Anson et al, 2020; Barnhart, 2002; Dowdle et al, 2003; Olimpo et al, 2022; Pernell et al, 1992; Sarierler et al, 2004; Vignoli et al, 2015,), but also in the tibia (Duval et al, 1995), rib (Biller et al, 1987), and pelvis (Nomura & Sato, 1997). Similar to humans, the majority of cases were observed in juvenile (<12 months) animals.…”