Cervical Lymphangiosarcoma in a Poodle Dog: Surgical Treatment and Chemotherapy

Abstract

A 7-year-old neutered male Poodle exhibited a persistent caudoventral cervical mass with draining lesions characterized by chronic and relapsing features. Upon presentation, the mass measured 7 × 11 × 11.5 cm, containing sanguine fluid. Computed tomography revealed the diffuse extension of the cervical mass from the C3 level to the thoracic inlet, affecting the sternal lymph node. Extensive surgical removal was attempted with meticulous resection to avoid damaging the right jugular vein, carotid sheath, and vagus nerve within the mass. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining for factor VIII confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma. Due to inadequate surgical margin excision, four cycles of doxorubicin chemotherapy were administered starting from postoperative day 11. However, a local recurrence of the 3-cm mass occurred at 10 weeks postoperatively. Despite ongoing chemotherapy, fluid accumulation progressively increased, and the patient succumbed to the condition 4 months after the operation.