Use of surgery and mitoxantrone chemotherapy in a dog with disseminated lymphangiosarcoma

Abstract

The combination of clinical signs, multiple imaging features, surgical findings, and histologic examination findings enabled the final diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma. Clinical management that included medical and surgical treatments and chemotherapy resulted in improved quality of life and extended survival time in a dog with metastatic lymphangiosarcoma.

Lymphangiosarcoma in 12 dogs: a case series (1998–2013)

“…Most reported cases occurred in large breed dogs including a Giant Schnauzer, Standard Poodle, Bouvier des Flandres, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, pointer, Chow Chow, Bullmastiff, Siberian husky, Boxer, and Chesapeake Bay retriever, and one occurred in a Toy Poodle . Most cases had a short clinical course once a diagnosis was made, and commonly had evidence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis …”

“…It was first documented in a dog in 1981 . To date, 18 dogs have been reported in the literature with LAS ranging in age from 8 weeks to 13 years . Lymphangiosarcoma commonly presents in dogs as a subcutaneous mass or focal swelling.…”

“…Lesions have been reported in the cervical region and thoracic inlet, inguinal region, hind limb, axillary region and forelimb, thoracic cavity and mediastinum, thoracic subcutis, and retroperitoneal space with vaginal prolapse . Most reported cases occurred in large breed dogs including a Giant Schnauzer, Standard Poodle, Bouvier des Flandres, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, pointer, Chow Chow, Bullmastiff, Siberian husky, Boxer, and Chesapeake Bay retriever, and one occurred in a Toy Poodle . Most cases had a short clinical course once a diagnosis was made, and commonly had evidence of metastasis at the time of diagnosis …”

“…Although the clinical and pathologic course of LAS has been previously determined in dogs, to the authors' knowledge, only six case reports describe therapeutic intervention . Two of 5 dogs were euthanized within 8 weeks of receiving surgical treatment owing to progression of disease .…”

“…The dog received four cycles of doxorubicin and had no evidence of metastasis or recurrence within 9 months. In the fifth case, a dog with chylous effusion and inguinal and hind limb oedema was diagnosed histologically with disseminated LAS . The dog was treated with subphrenic pericardectomy and pleural omentalization followed by six cycles of mitoxantrone.…”