Osteochondroma causing progressive posterior paresis in a lakeland terrier puppy

Malignant transformation of solitary spinal osteochondroma in two mature dogs

Canine osteochondroma is an uncommon bony tumor that arises in skeletally immature animals. Consequently, clinical signs typically occur in young dogs as a result of impingement of normal structures by the tumor. Radiographically, osteochondromas are benign in appearance. They are well circumscribed and cause no bony lysis nor periosteal proliferation. Osteochondromas may occur in two forms; solitary or multiple. Although histology and biologic behavior are identical, when in the multiple form the condition has been termed multiple cartilaginous exostoses. Malignant transformation of multiple cartilaginous exostoses has been reported in three mature dogs. We report two dogs with malignant transformation of solitary spinal osteochondromas. Both underwent transformation to osteosarcoma. Despite the benign radiographic appearance of osteochondromas and multiple cartilaginous exostoses, clinical signs should alert the clinician to the possibility of malignant transformation.

Osteochondromatosis of the cervical spine causing compressive myelopathy in a dog

A 10-month-old Alaskan malamute presented with cervical pain and hindlimb proprioceptive deficits. Plain and myelographic radiographic studies of the cervical spine demonstrated extradural compression of the spinal cord at the level of C7 and C5. Computed tomography assisted presurgical characterisation of the lesions as osteochondromatosis. Laminectomy permitted successful removal of the lesions.