Adenocarcinoma de saco anal com metástase vertebro-medular em um Cocker Spaniel / Anal sac adenocarcinoma with vertebromedullary metastasis in a Cocker Spaniel

Background: Several neoplasms can affect the perianal region, being the hepatic adenoma and the anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASAC), which is considered the most frequent. The ASAC is a malignant neoplasm originating from the secretory epithelium of the perianal apocrine glands and is rarely seen in veterinary medicine. The ASAC occurs mainly in adult to elderly canines with high metastasis rates. Patients may be asymptomatic or manifest discomfort and behavioral changes. In the presence of metastasis, the most frequent clinical signs are inappetence, coughing, dyspnea, and colorectal obstruction. Given this scenario, this paper aims to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic examination, and necropsy findings of a Cocker Spaniel with ASAC and metastasis in the vertebral body, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Case: A 8-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel (12 kg of body mass) with a clinical history of non-ambulatory paraparesis was evaluated. The patient also presented tenesmus, difficulty to defecate, and the presence of nodules in the anal sac area. On the neurological examination, asymmetrical changes compatible with injury between L4-S3 were found. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and imaging exams such as plain radiography, abdominal ultrasonography (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were requested. Blood count revealed anemia and neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypercalcemia. The liver showed increased echogenicity and thickened pancreas in the abdominal US scan. A slightly heterogeneous, vascularized mass with irregular borders was identified in the topographic region of the sublumbar lymph nodes; MRI images demonstrated an expansile formation in the ventral region of the lumbosacral spine, corresponding to the sublumbar lymph nodes and interruption of the cerebrospinal fluid at L5, suggestive of compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina. A presumptive diagnosis of perianal neoplasm with metastasis was made based on the complementary exams. The dog was referred to necropsy, which revealed a 4 cm tumor in the perianal region that invaded the pelvic canal. Multifocal nodules were present on the lung surface, liver, and kidneys, suggesting metastasis. On the cross-section of the spine, one could note the presence of the tumor in the vertebral bodies, spinal cord, and cauda equina from L5 to S3. Even with histopathological evaluation of the tumor, only the immunohistochemical analysis allowed us to confirm the anal sac adenocarcinoma. Discussion: Adenomas and carcinomas are perianal gland neoplasms common in adult and elderly male dogs; the Cocker Spaniel breed is among the most affected. The clinical signs presented by the patient, such as tenesmus and difficulty in adopting the posture of defecation, are common, although neurological changes are rare. As for metastasis, carcinomas of the perianal region present high chances of metastasis to organs including the liver, kidneys, and lungs, both lymphatically and hematogenously, but few studies have related these factors to neurological alterations due to metastasis. We concluded that metastases from carcinomas to the spine must be considered a possible differential diagnosis in cases of patients presenting clinical signs that are compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasm.

Empiema epidural espinhal em gato com suspeita de linfoma em canal vertebral / Spinal epidural empyema in a cat with suspect of spinal canal lymphoma

Background: Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) is a rare disease in cats that has been described as a cause of severe compressive myelopathy. It is characterized by accumulation of purulent exudate in the form of an abscess in the epidural space. Neurological signs range from spinal hyperesthesia to rapidly progressive paraplegia and may be associated with systemic signs. Spinal lymphoma is the most common neoplasm affecting the central nervous system of cats and can mimic different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. The aim of this study is to report a case of SEE in a cat and highlight the similarities in neurological, laboratory, and imaging findings between this disease and spinal lymphoma. Case: A 8-month-old male neutered mixed-breed cat was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (HVU) of the UFSM with acute, non-progressive paraplegia. On neurological examination, the patient was paraplegic with no nociception, normal spinal reflexes, increased muscle tone in the pelvic limbs, absence of cutaneous trunci reflex, and spinal hyperesthesia between T13-L1, demonstrating injury in the T3-L3 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnoses included acute spinal cord trauma, neoplasm (lymphoma), and infectious diseases. Hemogram showed lymphocytosis (8062/µL); the biochemical examinations were unremarkable. Tests for antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigens were negative. Simple radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and cerebrospinal fluid findings were also normal. Myelography showed left dorsolateral extradural spinal cord compression from T12 to L1. Based on these findings, the presumptive diagnosis was spinal lymphoma and chemotherapy was initiated. After 2 days, the animal began to show hyporexia, adipsia, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to an increase in subcutaneous volume in the thoracolumbar region. Antibiotic therapy was initiated; however, the patient died. Necropsy revealed an abscess in the left dorsolateral extradural space at T12-T13 and T13-L1. Bacterial cultures revealed the presence of Neisseria spp. that was resistant to various antibiotics. On the basis of these findings, the animal was diagnosed with SEE. Discussion: This case report aims to inform veterinarians about the diagnosis of SEE. SEE is a rare condition in cats compared to spinal lymphoma; however, their presentation is similar. Even in imaging examinations, such as magnetic resonance imaging, it is not possible to differentiate between these 2 conditions. The evolution of clinical signs made the diagnosis of the present case difficult since it was acute and not progressive. All cases of SEE reported in the literature were progressive, acute, or chronic. Although testing for FeLV was negative, only 56% of cats with spinal lymphoma test positive for this virus. Clinical signs reported by the owner after the start of chemotherapy may be related to adverse effects, such as immunosuppression, which led to worsening of the condition, culminating in the appearance of a subcutaneous abscess. Subsequently, SEE was suspected; however, surgical decompression was not performed as the animal died soon after. The authors of this report reinforce the need for a definitive and non-presumptive diagnosis of spinal lymphoma to initiate chemotherapy because it mimics different neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases, such as SEE. Surgical removal of the compressive mass in the spinal cord and histopathological analyses are necessary.

Mieloma múltiplo em felino / Multiple myeloma in a feline

Background: Multiple myelomas (MM) are malignant neoplasms originating in the bone marrow plasmacytes, and are characterized by the presence of persistent hyperglobulinemia. Although they are rarely found in domestic animals, the canine species is most affected. In felines, they represent less than 1% of hematopoietic neoplasms, and mainly occur in older animals aged 10-12 years. The aim of the present study was to report a case of multiple myeloma, with extramedullary plasmocytosis in a feline. Case: A 3-year-old feline, female, mixed breed, with a history of apathy, anorexia, halitosis, and vomiting was referred to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Oral examination revealed a cyanotic oral mucosa and ulcerative lesions on the gingiva. The necropsy showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic diathesis. Organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, and stained using the routine hematoxylin and eosin technique. Selected sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the streptavidin-biotin method. The CD79a, CD138, CD3, and MUM1 antibodies were used. Histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed hypercellularity with predominant round pleomorphic cells (90%), which presented an eccentric basophilic nucleus and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The same neoplastic cells infiltrated the gingival mucosa, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The IHC showed positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138 antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis of MM in the present study was based on histopathology and by IHC. According to the literature, the presence of neoplastic plasmocytes in the bone marrow (>20%)...(AU)

Mieloma múltiplo em felino / Multiple myeloma in a feline

Background: Multiple myelomas (MM) are malignant neoplasms originating in the bone marrow plasmacytes, and are characterized by the presence of persistent hyperglobulinemia. Although they are rarely found in domestic animals, the canine species is most affected. In felines, they represent less than 1% of hematopoietic neoplasms, and mainly occur in older animals aged 10-12 years. The aim of the present study was to report a case of multiple myeloma, with extramedullary plasmocytosis in a feline. Case: A 3-year-old feline, female, mixed breed, with a history of apathy, anorexia, halitosis, and vomiting was referred to the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel). Oral examination revealed a cyanotic oral mucosa and ulcerative lesions on the gingiva. The necropsy showed generalized lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, and hemorrhagic diathesis. Organ fragments were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After 48 h, the samples were cleaved, embedded in paraffin, and stained using the routine hematoxylin and eosin technique. Selected sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the streptavidin-biotin method. The CD79a, CD138, CD3, and MUM1 antibodies were used. Histopathological evaluation of the bone marrow revealed hypercellularity with predominant round pleomorphic cells (90%), which presented an eccentric basophilic nucleus and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. The same neoplastic cells infiltrated the gingival mucosa, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. The IHC showed positive immunostaining for MUM1 and CD138 antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis of MM in the present study was based on histopathology and by IHC. According to the literature, the presence of neoplastic plasmocytes in the bone marrow (>20%)...

Seio dermoide espinhal em um cão da raça Shih-Tzu: relato de caso / Spinal dermoid sinus in a Shih-Tzu dog: case report / Seo dermoide espinal en un perro de la raza Shih-Tzu: relato de caso

O seio dermoide é um defeito congênito que pode acarretar em problemas neurológicos secundários. Atualmente, pode ser dividido em seis diferentes formas, sendo os tipos IV e VI as apresentações mais graves. O presente trabalho descreve a ocorrência do seio dermoide do tipo IV em uma cadela da raça Shih-Tzu, com 10 meses de idade que apresentava paraparesia não ambulatória e, sinais neurológicos de síndrome toraco-lombar. Foram realizados exames de imagem para se firmar o diagnóstico. O animal passou por procedimento cirúrgico para remoção da anomalia, recebeu antibiótico para controlar a infecção secundária e fisioterapia para reabilitação. Apesar da gravidade do caso, houve boa evolução com restabelecimento da função motora, após quatro meses do tratamento cirúrgico.

The dermoid sinus is a congenital defect that can lead to secondary neurological problems.Currently, it can be divided into six difterent forms, types IV and VI being the most serious presentations. The present study describes the occurrence of dermoid sinus type IV in a 10-month-old Shih-Tzu female dog presenting non-ambulatory paraparesis and neurological signs of thoraco-lumbar syndrome. Imaging tests were performed to establish the diagnosis. The animal underwent surgical procedure to remove the anomaly, received antibiotic to control the secondary infection and physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Despite the severity of the case, there was a good evolution with reestablishment of the motor function, after four months of the surgical treatment.

El seno dermoide y un defecto congénito que puede acarrear en problemas neurológicos secundarios. Actualmente, puede dividirse en seis diferentes formas, siendo los tipos IV y VI las presentaciones más graves. El presente trabajo describe la ocurrencia del seno dermoide del tipo IV en una perra de la raza Shih-Tzu, con 10 meses de edad que presentaba paraparesia no ambulatoria y, signos neurológicos de síndrome toraco-lumbar. Se realizaron exámenes de imagen para afirmar el diagnóstico. El animal pasó por procedimiento quirúrgico para remoción de la anomalía, recibió antibiótico para controlar la infección secundaria y fisioterapia para rehabilitación. A pesar de la gravedad del caso, hubo buena evolución con restablecimiento de la función motora, después de cuatro meses del tratamiento quirúrgico.

Seio dermoide espinhal em um cão da raça Shih-Tzu: relato de caso / Spinal dermoid sinus in a Shih-Tzu dog: case report / Seo dermoide espinal en un perro de la raza Shih-Tzu: relato de caso

O seio dermoide é um defeito congênito que pode acarretar em problemas neurológicos secundários. Atualmente, pode ser dividido em seis diferentes formas, sendo os tipos IV e VI as apresentações mais graves. O presente trabalho descreve a ocorrência do seio dermoide do tipo IV em uma cadela da raça Shih-Tzu, com 10 meses de idade que apresentava paraparesia não ambulatória e, sinais neurológicos de síndrome toraco-lombar. Foram realizados exames de imagem para se firmar o diagnóstico. O animal passou por procedimento cirúrgico para remoção da anomalia, recebeu antibiótico para controlar a infecção secundária e fisioterapia para reabilitação. Apesar da gravidade do caso, houve boa evolução com restabelecimento da função motora, após quatro meses do tratamento cirúrgico.(AU)

The dermoid sinus is a congenital defect that can lead to secondary neurological problems.Currently, it can be divided into six difterent forms, types IV and VI being the most serious presentations. The present study describes the occurrence of dermoid sinus type IV in a 10-month-old Shih-Tzu female dog presenting non-ambulatory paraparesis and neurological signs of thoraco-lumbar syndrome. Imaging tests were performed to establish the diagnosis. The animal underwent surgical procedure to remove the anomaly, received antibiotic to control the secondary infection and physiotherapy for rehabilitation. Despite the severity of the case, there was a good evolution with reestablishment of the motor function, after four months of the surgical treatment.(AU)

El seno dermoide y un defecto congénito que puede acarrear en problemas neurológicos secundarios. Actualmente, puede dividirse en seis diferentes formas, siendo los tipos IV y VI las presentaciones más graves. El presente trabajo describe la ocurrencia del seno dermoide del tipo IV en una perra de la raza Shih-Tzu, con 10 meses de edad que presentaba paraparesia no ambulatoria y, signos neurológicos de síndrome toraco-lumbar. Se realizaron exámenes de imagen para afirmar el diagnóstico. El animal pasó por procedimiento quirúrgico para remoción de la anomalía, recibió antibiótico para controlar la infección secundaria y fisioterapia para rehabilitación. A pesar de la gravedad del caso, hubo buena evolución con restablecimiento de la función motora, después de cuatro meses del tratamiento quirúrgico.(AU)

Hemangiossarcoma em pele, cérebro e medula espinhal de uma cadela - relato de caso / Hemangiosarcoma in skin, brain and spinal cord of a bitch - case report / Hemangiosarcoma en piel, cerebro y médula espinal de una perra - relato de caso

O hemangiossarcoma é uma neoplasia que se origina do endotélio vascular e têm duas formas distintas de apresentação, a forma visceral e a não visceral. A forma visceral ocorre de maneira primária, principalmente no baço, com os principais focos de metástase em pulmão, fígado, omento e mesentério, e pode acometer o sistema nervoso central em raros casos. O presente trabalho relata um caso de hemangiossarcoma em uma cadela, com acometimento cutâneo e em sistema nervoso central. O animal apresentava sinais neurológicos acentuados com evolução clínica aguda, e foi submetido a eutanásia. No exame necroscópico foram observados múltiplos nódulos cutâneos e massas em cérebro e medula espinhal, que foram submetidas a exame histopatológico, sendo o diagnóstico final de hemangiossarcoma.

Hemangiosarcoma is a neoplasm which originates from the vascular endothelium, presenting itself in two distinct forms, visceral and non-visceral. The visceral form occurs mainly in the spleen, with main foci of metastasis in the lungs, liver, omentum and mesentery, affecting the central nervous system in rare cases. The present study reports on a case of hemangiosarcoma in a bitch, with cutaneous and central nervous system involvement. The animal presented important neurological signs with an acute clinical evolution, and was submitted to euthanasia. Necroscopic examination revealed multiple cutaneous nodules and masses in the brain and spinal cord, which were submitted to histopathological examination. The final diagnosis was hemangiosarcoma.

El hemangiosarcoma es una neoplasia que se origina del endotelio vascular y tiene dos tipos de presentación, la forma visceral y la no visceral. La forma visceral suele ser primaria y se da principalmente en bazo, cuyos principales órganos de metástasis son el pulmón, hígado, omento y mesenterio; en casos raros, esta forma afecta el sistema nervioso central. Este trabajo relata el caso de una perra con hemangiosarcoma cutáneo y en sistema nervioso central. El animal presentaba signos neurológicos acentuados, tuvo una evolución clínica aguda y fue sometido a la eutanasia. Durante la necropsia pudieron observarse múltiples nódulos cutáneos y masas en cerebro y médula espinal. Las muestras fueron enviadas para examen histopatológico, que dio como diagnóstico final un hemangiosarcoma.

Hemangiossarcoma em pele, cérebro e medula espinhal de uma cadela - relato de caso / Hemangiosarcoma in skin, brain and spinal cord of a bitch - case report / Hemangiosarcoma en piel, cerebro y médula espinal de una perra - relato de caso

O hemangiossarcoma é uma neoplasia que se origina do endotélio vascular e têm duas formas distintas de apresentação, a forma visceral e a não visceral. A forma visceral ocorre de maneira primária, principalmente no baço, com os principais focos de metástase em pulmão, fígado, omento e mesentério, e pode acometer o sistema nervoso central em raros casos. O presente trabalho relata um caso de hemangiossarcoma em uma cadela, com acometimento cutâneo e em sistema nervoso central. O animal apresentava sinais neurológicos acentuados com evolução clínica aguda, e foi submetido a eutanásia. No exame necroscópico foram observados múltiplos nódulos cutâneos e massas em cérebro e medula espinhal, que foram submetidas a exame histopatológico, sendo o diagnóstico final de hemangiossarcoma.(AU)

Hemangiosarcoma is a neoplasm which originates from the vascular endothelium, presenting itself in two distinct forms, visceral and non-visceral. The visceral form occurs mainly in the spleen, with main foci of metastasis in the lungs, liver, omentum and mesentery, affecting the central nervous system in rare cases. The present study reports on a case of hemangiosarcoma in a bitch, with cutaneous and central nervous system involvement. The animal presented important neurological signs with an acute clinical evolution, and was submitted to euthanasia. Necroscopic examination revealed multiple cutaneous nodules and masses in the brain and spinal cord, which were submitted to histopathological examination. The final diagnosis was hemangiosarcoma.(AU)

El hemangiosarcoma es una neoplasia que se origina del endotelio vascular y tiene dos tipos de presentación, la forma visceral y la no visceral. La forma visceral suele ser primaria y se da principalmente en bazo, cuyos principales órganos de metástasis son el pulmón, hígado, omento y mesenterio; en casos raros, esta forma afecta el sistema nervioso central. Este trabajo relata el caso de una perra con hemangiosarcoma cutáneo y en sistema nervioso central. El animal presentaba signos neurológicos acentuados, tuvo una evolución clínica aguda y fue sometido a la eutanasia. Durante la necropsia pudieron observarse múltiples nódulos cutáneos y masas en cerebro y médula espinal. Las muestras fueron enviadas para examen histopatológico, que dio como diagnóstico final un hemangiosarcoma.(AU)

Gemistocytic astrocytoma in the spinal cord in a dog: a case report / Astrocitoma gemistocítico medular em cão: relato de caso

This paper reports a case of a rare variant of the cervical spinal cord astrocytoma diagnosed in a dog with progressive neurological signs, initially asymmetrical, not ambulatory tetraparesis, segmental reflexes and normal muscle tone in all four limbs and absence of pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Myelography revealed attenuation of the ventral and dorsal contrast line in the third region of the fifth cervical vertebra. At necropsy intramedullary cylindrical mass that stretched from the third to the sixth cervical vertebra, which replaced all the gray matter of the spinal cord was observed. In the histological study, there was the replacement of the substance by neoplastic cells mantle arranged loosely. The cells were large and slightly rounded. The eosinophilic cytoplasm was well defined, sometimes forming processes interconnecting cells. The nucleus was eccentric, round, oval or kidney-shaped, and the nucleolus was evident. Thus, the microscopic changes observed in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with gemistocytic astrocytoma.(AU)

Relata-se um caso de uma variante rara de astrocitoma na medula cervical, diagnosticado em cadela com sinais neurológicos progressivos, inicialmente assimétricos, de tetraparesia não ambulatória, com reflexos segmentares e tônus muscular normais nos quatro membros e ausência de dor à palpação da coluna cervical. A mielografia revelou atenuação da linha de contraste ventral e dorsal na região da terceira à quinta vértebra cervical. À necropsia, foi observada massa cilíndrica intramedular que se estendia da terceira à sexta vértebra cervical, a qual substituía toda a substância cinzenta da medula espinhal. No estudo histológico, observou-se substituição da substância por manto de células neoplásicas arranjadas frouxamente. As células eram grandes e levemente arredondadas. O citoplasma eosinofílico, bem delineado, por vezes formava processos interligando as células. O núcleo era excêntrico, redondo, oval ou reniforme, e o nucléolo evidente. Logo, as alterações microscópicas observadas na medula espinhal cervical foram compatíveis com astrocitoma gemistocítico.(AU)

Gemistocytic astrocytoma in the spinal cord in a dog: a case report / Astrocitoma gemistocítico medular em cão: relato de caso

This paper reports a case of a rare variant of the cervical spinal cord astrocytoma diagnosed in a dog with progressive neurological signs, initially asymmetrical, not ambulatory tetraparesis, segmental reflexes and normal muscle tone in all four limbs and absence of pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Myelography revealed attenuation of the ventral and dorsal contrast line in the third region of the fifth cervical vertebra. At necropsy intramedullary cylindrical mass that stretched from the third to the sixth cervical vertebra, which replaced all the gray matter of the spinal cord was observed. In the histological study, there was the replacement of the substance by neoplastic cells mantle arranged loosely. The cells were large and slightly rounded. The eosinophilic cytoplasm was well defined, sometimes forming processes interconnecting cells. The nucleus was eccentric, round, oval or kidney-shaped, and the nucleolus was evident. Thus, the microscopic changes observed in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with gemistocytic astrocytoma.(AU)

Relata-se um caso de uma variante rara de astrocitoma na medula cervical, diagnosticado em cadela com sinais neurológicos progressivos, inicialmente assimétricos, de tetraparesia não ambulatória, com reflexos segmentares e tônus muscular normais nos quatro membros e ausência de dor à palpação da coluna cervical. A mielografia revelou atenuação da linha de contraste ventral e dorsal na região da terceira à quinta vértebra cervical. À necropsia, foi observada massa cilíndrica intramedular que se estendia da terceira à sexta vértebra cervical, a qual substituía toda a substância cinzenta da medula espinhal. No estudo histológico, observou-se substituição da substância por manto de células neoplásicas arranjadas frouxamente. As células eram grandes e levemente arredondadas. O citoplasma eosinofílico, bem delineado, por vezes formava processos interligando as células. O núcleo era excêntrico, redondo, oval ou reniforme, e o nucléolo evidente. Logo, as alterações microscópicas observadas na medula espinhal cervical foram compatíveis com astrocitoma gemistocítico.(AU)

Spinal neoplasm in dogs

Background: Various diseases can cause spinal cord disorders in dogs including neoplasia of the nervous system, which are more common in mature and older animals. Some breeds, as brachycephalics, are more predisposed for certain types of tumors. Spinal neoplasia can be categorized as primary or secondary tumors, and still can be grouped in extradural, intradural/extramedullary or intramedullary. The aim of this study was to investigate the signalment, neurological syndrome, type and source of the mass, presence of metastases, and clinical outcomes in 28 dogs diagnosed with spinal tumors. Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 28 dogs, and in 20 cases, spinal neoplasia was confirmed by necropsy, biopsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In the other eight animals, the presumptive diagnosis was based on clinical and neurological signs and by observing changes in plain radiographs of the spine, chest radiographs, and myelography. The location of the lesion was established as cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbosacral, and the lesion was determined to be multifocal when clinical signs appeared in more than one location. Spinal cord injury was additionally classified as unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. The following complementary examinations were performed based on the clinical suspicion, indications, and availability of the [...]

Spinal T.V.T. treated with surgical excision and chemotherapy in a dog

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a round-cell tumor of dogs, which occurs by cell transplantation. It is usually located on the external genitalia, and is transmitted by coitus. It may occasionally be acquired by sniffing or licking the genitalia of an affected animal. Lesions may be present in the other parts of the body, such as the skin, rectum, and nasal or oral cavities. Metastasis of the TVT is uncommon, mainly occurring in immunocompromised dogs. It may affect organs such as the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and musculature, and rarely, may be detected in the central nervous system. In this report, we describe the occurrence of a TVT causing spinal cord compression in a dog, and the results of its treatment with hemilaminectomy and chemotherapy. Case: A six-year-old male Dalmatian dog was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital with nonspecific abdominal pain. Laboratory examination showed no abnormalities; survey radiography revealed a moderate fecal retention. The dog received painkillers and dietary guidelines. However, the patient was brought again to the veterinary teaching hospital nine days later with paraplegia, worse in the left limb than in the right, but with normal nociception. There was a cutaneous trunci reflex cut-off at the T10 vertebra, also worse on left side than on right, along with spinal thoracolumbar hyperesthesia. During [...]

Spinal T.V.T. treated with surgical excision and chemotherapy in a dog

Background: Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a round-cell tumor of dogs, which occurs by cell transplantation. It is usually located on the external genitalia, and is transmitted by coitus. It may occasionally be acquired by sniffing or licking the genitalia of an affected animal. Lesions may be present in the other parts of the body, such as the skin, rectum, and nasal or oral cavities. Metastasis of the TVT is uncommon, mainly occurring in immunocompromised dogs. It may affect organs such as the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and musculature, and rarely, may be detected in the central nervous system. In this report, we describe the occurrence of a TVT causing spinal cord compression in a dog, and the results of its treatment with hemilaminectomy and chemotherapy. Case: A six-year-old male Dalmatian dog was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital with nonspecific abdominal pain. Laboratory examination showed no abnormalities; survey radiography revealed a moderate fecal retention. The dog received painkillers and dietary guidelines. However, the patient was brought again to the veterinary teaching hospital nine days later with paraplegia, worse in the left limb than in the right, but with normal nociception. There was a cutaneous trunci reflex cut-off at the T10 vertebra, also worse on left side than on right, along with spinal thoracolumbar hyperesthesia. During [...](AU)

Spinal neoplasm in dogs

Background: Various diseases can cause spinal cord disorders in dogs including neoplasia of the nervous system, which are more common in mature and older animals. Some breeds, as brachycephalics, are more predisposed for certain types of tumors. Spinal neoplasia can be categorized as primary or secondary tumors, and still can be grouped in extradural, intradural/extramedullary or intramedullary. The aim of this study was to investigate the signalment, neurological syndrome, type and source of the mass, presence of metastases, and clinical outcomes in 28 dogs diagnosed with spinal tumors. Materials, Methods & Results: This study included 28 dogs, and in 20 cases, spinal neoplasia was confirmed by necropsy, biopsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In the other eight animals, the presumptive diagnosis was based on clinical and neurological signs and by observing changes in plain radiographs of the spine, chest radiographs, and myelography. The location of the lesion was established as cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar, or lumbosacral, and the lesion was determined to be multifocal when clinical signs appeared in more than one location. Spinal cord injury was additionally classified as unilateral, bilateral, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. The following complementary examinations were performed based on the clinical suspicion, indications, and availability of the [...](AU)

Partial lateral corpectomy associated with pediculectomy to treat extradural chondroma in a dog: technique description / Corpectomia lateral parcial associada à pediculectomia no tratamento de condroma extradural em um cão: descrição da técnica

This study aimed to describe in detail the surgical technique of partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) associated with pediculectomy to treat an in vitro extradural chondroma. A 12-year old female Cocker Spaniel was seen in the hospital with proprioceptive ataxia of hind limbs associated with extradural compression between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae. The owner opted for euthanasia since the patient's condition changed due to simultaneous illnesses that culminated in a poor prognosis. The patient's body was formally ceded to perform experimental spinal decompression. The technique was effective to completely remove the epidural mass with minimal manipulation of the spinal cord...

Objetivou-se descrever detalhadamente a técnica cirúrgica de corpectomia lateral parcial associada à pediculectomia no tratamento de um condroma extradural in vitro. Uma cadela de 12 anos de idade, raça Cocker Spaniel, foi atendida com ataxia proprioceptiva dos membros pélvicos associada à compressão extradural entre a primeira e a segunda vértebras lombares. Devido a alterações secundárias decorrentes de afecções concomitantes que culminavam em um prognóstico desfavorável, o proprietário optou pela eutanásia do paciente, e o cadáver foi formalmente cedido para realização de descompressão medular experimental. A técnica utilizada foi eficaz na remoção completa da massa extradural, com mínima manipulação da medula espinhal...

Partial lateral corpectomy associated with pediculectomy to treat extradural chondroma in a dog: technique description / Corpectomia lateral parcial associada à pediculectomia no tratamento de condroma extradural em um cão: descrição da técnica

This study aimed to describe in detail the surgical technique of partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) associated with pediculectomy to treat an in vitro extradural chondroma. A 12-year old female Cocker Spaniel was seen in the hospital with proprioceptive ataxia of hind limbs associated with extradural compression between the 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae. The owner opted for euthanasia since the patient's condition changed due to simultaneous illnesses that culminated in a poor prognosis. The patient's body was formally ceded to perform experimental spinal decompression. The technique was effective to completely remove the epidural mass with minimal manipulation of the spinal cord.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever detalhadamente a técnica cirúrgica de corpectomia lateral parcial associada à pediculectomia no tratamento de um condroma extradural in vitro. Uma cadela de 12 anos de idade, raça Cocker Spaniel, foi atendida com ataxia proprioceptiva dos membros pélvicos associada à compressão extradural entre a primeira e a segunda vértebras lombares. Devido a alterações secundárias decorrentes de afecções concomitantes que culminavam em um prognóstico desfavorável, o proprietário optou pela eutanásia do paciente, e o cadáver foi formalmente cedido para realização de descompressão medular experimental. A técnica utilizada foi eficaz na remoção completa da massa extradural, com mínima manipulação da medula espinhal.(AU)

Cluster of cases of malignant schwannoma in cattle.

Between 1998 and 2001, several cases of ataxia and paresis followed by recumbency and death were reported in cows from different farms in a restricted area of the Argentinian Patagonia. Five cases of this cluster were studied and a diagnosis of malignant schwannoma was established. Electron microscopy (em) of tumour samples from three of the animals revealed intracytoplasmic or interstitial structures resembling retroviral particles. Attempts to isolate a viral agent from the tumours were unsuccessful but the epidemiological data and the em findings suggest a viral aetiology.