A 7-year-old FS Lionhead rabbit presented for left forelimb lameness that was unresponsive to initial analgesic management. The rabbit subsequently developed a swelling over the left 5th metacarpophalangeal joint and was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma based on cytology. After amputation of the affected limb and submission for histopathology, the mass was identified as a myxofibrosarcoma. The patient recovered well from the amputation and was clinically normal at a wellness exam 2 months later. Thoracic radiographs were declined by the owner in favor of waiting until the planned 3-month postoperative check. One month later, the patient presented for thoracic radiographs to assess for pulmonary metastasis and had developed a new dermal mass. Cytology from the mass indicated a soft tissue sarcoma and thoracic radiographs showed numerous pulmonary nodules. Metastasis from the initial mass was suspected and the owners elected palliative care. The rabbit was euthanized 18 days later due to dyspnea. Postmortem exam showed nodules throughout the lungs and on the pleural surface. Tissues were submitted for histopathology and immunohistochemistry for pan-cytokeratin and IBA-1, which initially diagnosed an anaplastic sarcoma with giant cells. Further immunohistochemical analysis of CD204, desmin and smooth muscle actin revealed the mass was a histiocytic sarcoma of the skin with metastasis to the lungs and pleura. Mesenchymal tumors such as myxofibrosarcoma are uncommon in rabbits and histiocytic sarcoma is considered rare. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first reported instance of cutaneous histiocytic sarcoma metastasizing to the lungs and pleura in a domestic rabbit.
555 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States