Coccygeal osteosarcoma A report in three cows

The report describes a rare occurrence of coccygeal osteosarcoma in three adult cows (2 cross-bred and one local Zebu cow). All cows had a hard ulcerated swelling at the base of tail from 4 to 6 months making it heavy and stiff. The swelling was pressing the anus and the cows had difficulty in defecation, lifting and moving the tail. Lateral radiographs revealed the lysis of the initial coccygeal vertebra (varying from C1 to C6 vertebrae) with sunburst appearance, indicating advanced stage of bone tumour. The tails were amputated, as cranial as possible, under general anaesthesia (midazolam, ketamine and isoflurane), in lateral recumbency. Histology showed bony spicules along with proliferation of the osteoblasts with pleomorphic and spindle shaped plump oval nuclei, confirming coccygeal osteosarcoma in all the cows. The cows are lived a quality life for 3 to 6 months after surgical excision of tail and died within 4 to 12 months. In conclusion, coccygeal osteosarcoma bears a poor prognosis due to delay in presentation, extensive involvement and consequent re-occurrence.