Osteosarcoma associated with metallic implants. Report of two cases in dogs.

This is a report of two dogs in which osteosarcomas arose in association with metallic orthopedic implants. One neoplasm occurred in the distal humerus of a 12-year-old Doberman Pinscher. A stainless steel intramedullary pin had been implanted in the bone 11 years previously. Upon removal, corrosion of the pin was noted. The second neoplasm arose in the proximal tibia of a 12-year-old Irish Wolfhound. Six years previously, a fracture of the tibia had been repaired with a plate and screws made of the same type stainless steel, type 316L, by the same manufacturer. No corrosion appeared to have occured. Infection had not occured in either animal.