Canine hemangiopericytoma with unusual skin location – case report

Abstract

The hemangiopericytoma is a soft tissue neoplasm frequent in dogs. It has mesenchymal origin, and it is formed from pericytes. It is invasive, but rarely causes metastases. It grows reaching the subcutaneous and cutaneous tissues and in dogs, it is located, more often, in locomotor limbs. The definitive diagnosis is established by means of the tumor’s histopathology and its subtypes classification is made possible through the use of immunohistochemistry. The surgical excision of the tumor mass, with removal of adequate safety margins, or the limb amputation are still the most indicated surgical procedures. This treatment may be combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy with photosensitizer or electrochemotherapy. However, recurrences are common. This paper reports the diagnosis, the surgical treatment and the two years monitoring of a case of canine hemangiopericytoma with atypical location.