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Radiographic diagnosis: cartilaginous exostoses in a dog.
G M Silver1, R S Bagley, P R Gavin
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman 99164-7060, USA.
Summary
Cartilaginous exostoses caused progressive paraparesis in a 6-month-old dog. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord compression, confirmed surgically as benign bony growths.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Progressive paraparesis in young dogs can stem from various spinal cord pathologies.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prognosis.
- Cartilaginous exostoses are benign bone tumors that can occur in long bones and vertebrae.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old dog presented with progressive hind limb weakness (paraparesis).
- Physical examination revealed palpable bony malformations on the lumbar vertebrae and a metatarsal bone.
- Neurological examination localized the lesion to the T3-L3 spinal cord segments.
Findings:
- Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed bony masses at the L1-L2 vertebral level, causing severe spinal cord compression.
- Surgical decompression and biopsy definitively diagnosed the masses as cartilaginous exostoses.
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of MRI in visualizing spinal cord compression caused by bony masses.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates cartilaginous exostoses as a cause of spinal cord compression in young dogs.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can potentially improve neurological outcomes.
- Further research into the etiology and optimal management of cartilaginous exostoses in animals is warranted.