• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Research Update: The utility of ultrasonography to detect brachial plexus tumors in dogs

May 1, 2006
Joseph Harari, MS, DVM, DACVS

In this retrospective study from a university teaching hospital, five dogs with progressive, unilateral forelimb lameness and neurologic deficits having undergone ultrasonographic evaluation of the brachial plexus region were described.

In this retrospective study from a university teaching hospital, five dogs with progressive, unilateral forelimb lameness and neurologic deficits having undergone ultrasonographic evaluation of the brachial plexus region were described. None of the dogs had skeletal or joint disease or a response to antiarthritis medication.

The shaved axillary region medial to the shoulder and cranial to the first rib was imaged with a 5- to 8-MHz curvilinear or linear transducer while the patient was in ventral recumbency with the limb extended and abducted. Large, hypoechoic tubular masses that displaced vessels and destroyed normal soft tissue architecture were identified in each patient. After the ultrasonographic screening, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to more fully assess the extent of the tumor. Subsequent histologic evaluations revealed peripheral nerve sheath tumors in three dogs and rhabdomyosarcoma in one dog.

The authors concluded that ultrasonography is a useful screening tool for imaging axillary tumors. Success depends on the tumor's size and location, one's ability to distinguish between a tumor and lymph node or tubular mass and normal vascular elements, and a clinical suspicion based on neurologic signs.

Advertisement

COMMENTARY

Although not frequently diagnosed—in part because of a limited index of suspicion or paucity of advanced imaging modalities—brachial plexus tumors carry a poor prognosis for patients because of the lesions' progressively invasive nature. Treatment usually involves local nerve root tumor resection, forelimb amputation, or hemilaminectomy for nerve sheath tumors involving the spinal canal. Ultrasonographic screening, as described in this article, can be a useful diagnostic tool for practitioners lacking access to myelography, CT, or MRI equipment. Early diagnosis and subsequent surgical intervention may help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Rose S, Long C, Knipe M, et al. Ultrasonographic evaluation of brachial plexus tumors in five dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2005;46:514-517.

The information in "Research Updates" was provided by Veterinary Medicine Editorial Advisory Board member Joseph Harari, MS, DVM, DACVS, Veterinary Surgical Specialists, 21 E. Mission Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.

Joseph Harari, MS, DVM, DACVS

Related Content:

OncologyImaging
Feline oral cancer is the focus of a new study
Feline oral cancer is the focus of a new study
Advances in the detection, characterization, and monitoring of cancer in pets
Advances in the detection, characterization, and monitoring of cancer in pets
Volition's Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test now available for preorder at point-of-care via Heska Corporation
Volition's Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test now available for preorder at point-of-care via Heska Corporation

Advertisement

Latest News

To refer or to not refer

Advice panel for women interested in the veterinary field

AVMA president set to testify before Congress

New Hawaii-based pet CBD brand launches

View More Latest News
Advertisement