Chest Wall Reconstruction Using Titanium Mesh in a Dog with Huge Thoracic Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma

Simple Summary In this study, we present the case of a dog diagnosed with a large thoracic wall extraskeletal osteosarcoma, which was successfully treated through chest wall reconstruction using a titanium mesh. This approach involved the en bloc resection of multiple ribs and the secure placement of a titanium mesh to reconstruct the chest wall. The dog showed significant improvement post-surgery, with no signs of disease recurrence or metastasis at the 8-month follow-up. This case highlights the effectiveness of titanium mesh in providing structural support and promoting recovery in dogs undergoing extensive chest wall resections due to large tumors.Abstract A 6-year-old castrated male mixed dog presented with a rapidly growing mass at the right chest wall two weeks after initial detection. A mesenchymal origin of the malignancy was suspected based on fine-needle aspiration. Computed tomography (CT) revealed that the mass originated from the right chest wall and protruded externally (6.74 x 5.51 x 4.13 cm3) and internally (1.82 x 1.69 x 1.50 cm3). The patient revisited the hospital because of breathing difficulties. Radiography confirmed pleural effusion, and ultrasonography-guided thoracocentesis was performed. The effusion was hemorrhagic, and microscopic evaluation showed no malignant cells. Before surgery, CT without anesthesia was performed to evaluate the status of the patient. The 7-10th ribs were en bloc resected at a 3-cm margin dorsally and ventrally, and two ribs cranially and caudally from the mass. After recovering the collapsed right middle lobe of the lung due to compression from the internal mass with positive-pressure ventilation, a 3D-printed bone model contoured titanium mesh was tied to each covering rib and surrounding muscles using 2-0 blue nylon and closed routinely. The thoracic cavity was successfully reconstructed, and no flail chest was observed. The patient was histo-pathologically diagnosed with extraskeletal osteosarcoma. A CT scan performed 8 months after surgery showed no evident recurrence, metastasis, or implant failure. This is the first case report of chest wall reconstruction using titanium mesh in a dog. The use of a titanium mesh allows for the reconstruction of extensive chest wall defects, regardless of location, without major postoperative complications.