What is Cadiot-Ball syndrome?
Cadiot-Ball syndrome is also called hypertrophic pneumonia osteopathy or even hypertrophic osteitis.
This is a bone condition that affects the extremities of the dog's limbs and is secondary to a chest condition including:
- a primary or secondary intrathoracic pulmonary tumor (in other words, lung metastases),
- a lung mass such as an abscess or granuloma,
- pneumonia,
- a bone tumor of the ribs,
- heartworm disease,
- a spirocercosis,
- endocarditis,
- a schwannoma of the vagus nerve,
- esophageal sarcomas or carcinomas,
- etc.
As Cadiot-Ball syndrome is often secondary to a tumor condition, it is also called a paraneoplastic syndrome. In other words, these are symptoms that are triggered remotely from a tumor or its metastases.
How does Cadiot-Ball syndrome manifest?
Cadiot-Ball syndrome is manifested by lameness in the affected limb(s) associated with hot and painful swelling on pressure from the extremities of the limbs. In general, it is the metacarpals and metatarsals, in other words the distal extremity of the limbs, which are affected.
In parallel with these symptoms, clinical signs related to the causative condition may be present. These are most often respiratory signs such as cough, difficulty breathing and exercise intolerance.
In 80% of cases, Cadiot-Ball syndrome occurs even before the onset of symptoms of the initial tumor when cancer is the cause.
Large breed dogs such as the Boxer, the German Shepherd or even the Doberman seem more predisposed to the development of this syndrome. Females are also more affected than males.
How is Cadiot-Ball syndrome diagnosed in dogs?
Diagnosis requires bone X-rays as well as a chest X-ray and/or abdominal ultrasound.
What is the treatment for Cadiot-Ball syndrome?
Treatment for Cadiot-Ball syndrome depends on the underlying cause. In case of tumour, it can be a surgical excision of the latter if it proves possible.
Medical treatment is based on the administration of analgesics and/or corticosteroids to the dog. However, it only provides temporary symptom relief.