Bilateral scapular luxation, and subsequent stabilisation, following surgical excision of recurrent interscapular feline injection site sarcoma

Abstract

A 14‐year‐old cat presented with multifocal local recurrence of an interscapular feline injection site sarcoma. Aggressive surgical excision of the initial neoplasm had been performed 16 months previously. Distant metastasis was not identified on repeat staging, and the recurrent gross disease was surgically removed with a 2‐cm peripheral margin and one deep tissue plane, resulting in clear histopathological margins. Bilateral dorsal scapular luxation occurred following this surgery, causing significant patient morbidity. A further procedure was performed to stabilise the scapulae by re‐attaching the serratus ventralis muscles and placing scapulo‐costal sutures. The cat regained excellent function and quality of life and is free of gross disease at the time of writing this report, 9 months following surgery for feline injection site sarcoma recurrence.