Cranial nerve hamartoma in a dog.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Neuropathology
• Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Lesions

Background:

• Cavalier King Charles spaniels are predisposed to various neurological and gastrointestinal conditions.
• Recurrent seizures and inflammatory bowel disease can significantly impact a dog's quality of life.
• Necropsy is crucial for identifying incidental findings and determining the cause of death.

Observation:

• An 11-year-old male neutered Cavalier King Charles spaniel presented with a history of recurrent seizures and inflammatory bowel disease.
• During necropsy, bilateral, firm, white nodules were incidentally discovered on the petrosal crest of the skull.

Findings:

• Microscopic examination revealed the nodules consisted of normal myelinated nerve fibers embedded within a mucinous stroma.
• The histological features were consistent with a diagnosis of cranial nerve hamartoma.

Implications:

• This case highlights cranial nerve hamartoma as a rare, benign incidental finding in dogs.
• Understanding such incidental findings is important for accurate post-mortem diagnosis and comparative neuropathology.
• Further research may elucidate the specific etiology and clinical relevance of cranial nerve hamartomas in canines.