Introduction

• Locally invasive.
• Rarely metastatic.
• Signs: occasional swinging limb lameness; pain on shoulder extension or axillary palpation; mass may be detectable; muscle atrophy; neurological deficits.
• Treatment: forequarter amputation + removal of any intradural component via laminectomy.
• Prognosis: very guarded.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Usually primary tumors of the nerve.
• Occasionally secondary tumors, eg osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma.

Pathophysiology

• Locally invasive.
• May cause spinal cord compression leading to neurological signs in hindlimbs.
• Neurogenic atrophy of muscles may occur.
• Often involves nerve root as it passes out from vertebral column.
• Intradural/extramedullary lesions may be seen.
• Pulmonary metastasis rare.

Timecourse

• Several weeks or months.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes