From the latest edition of the Australian Veterinary Journal is an open access article on soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. The article is a very good update on soft tissue sarcomas and just the main conclusions are summarised here.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME FOLLOWING SURGICAL EXCISION OF LARGE, LOW TO INTERMEDIATE GRADE SOFT TISSUE SARCOMAS IN DOGS Australian Veterinary Journal February 2023 A Davis G Hosgood
In the introduction the authors state that soft tissue sarcomas represent a heterogenous group of tumours with varying mesenchymal cell origin, size and histological grade. Large soft tissue sarcomas pose a surgical challenge due to the feasibility of excision, and are often dismissed as good surgical candidates due to an anticipated poor prognosis.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of dogs that underwent surgical excision of large (more than 5cm), low to intermediate grade, soft tissue sarcomas
39 dogs with large, low to intermediate grade tumours were included. Most tumours (28/39) were grade 1. All tumours were investigated via cytology, histological grade, location, pre-operative imaging, and outcome.
The tumours were removed by at least a narrow 1 cm margin excision, and deep fascial plane. 22/39 were closed directly, and 17/39 required a flap reconstruction. Long term follow up was a median of 1064 days with a good outcome, (only 2/39 dogs with local recurrence). Minor complications occurred in 10/39 and major complications requiring surgical intervention in 5/39.
The conclusions are that large, low to intermediate grade soft tissue sarcomas in dogs can be surgically excised with good long-term function and outcome. Of importance is the consideration of appropriate case selection and planning. If skin flap reconstruction is required owners should be made aware of the possible complications associated with their use.
