Osteosarcoma

My cadaver in anatomy this week was euthanized probably relatively shortly before dying of cancer.

When we started to open the thoracic cavity today we found a little growth on the bone of the 7th or 8th right rib. As we opened the cavity further, we found another small growth and then an enormous (2-3 inches across, in a 40 or so pound dog) growth on his right 1st rib. We showed it to Dr. Hoffman, who was very impressed, and then told us that this was probably the dog with a tumor on his thoracic limb (it was!)

So, the poor little guy (who was probably only about 8 months old) had a primary tumor on his antebrachium (forearm) that metastisized to several locations in his thoracic cavity... and we think we can feel a tumor or two on his liver through the diaphragm. Too bad we aren't opening the abdominal cavity this week!