PARTIAL AND TOTAL SCAPULECTOMY IN THE DOG

This study describes the surgical technlque for partial and total scap ulectomy in the dog and evaluates the functional results in four dogs The four dogs each had malignant tumors affecting more than 50% of the scapula. One dog had a total scapulectomy performed, and in three dog s more than 60% of the scapula was removed. The three dogs that underw ent partial scapulectomy regained excellent function, whereas ambulato ry function was fair in the one dog following total scapulectomy. Loca l tumor control was attained in all cases, although follow-up interval s were relatively short. Scapulectomy is a relatively simple procedure in dogs, with fair to excellent results, and in selected cases it is a viable alternative to forequarter amputation for local control of ma lignancies involving the scapula.