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Cerebellar ependymal cyst in a dog
G Wyss-Fluehmann1, M Konar, A Jaggy
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Division of Clinical Neurology, Vetsuisse-Faculty-Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. gaby.wyss-fluehmann@itn.unibe.ch
Veterinary Pathology
|November 6, 2008
Summary
This study describes the first veterinary case of an ependymal cyst in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a rare brain malformation causing severe ataxia. Histopathology confirmed the cyst
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Generalized ataxia and falling in young dogs can indicate cerebellar dysfunction.
- Cerebellar fluid-filled cavities in dogs are uncommon and require precise diagnosis.
- Distinguishing between different types of intracranial cysts is crucial for prognosis.
Observation:
- An 11-week-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier presented with severe ataxia and falling since birth.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive fluid-filled cerebellar cavities.
- Necropsy and histopathology showed significant cerebellar tissue loss and a cyst lined by glial and ependymal cells.
Findings:
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the lesion as an ependymal cyst.
- The cyst wall exhibited glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive glial cells and cytokeratin-negative epithelial cells with cilia, indicative of ependymal origin.
- This case represents the first documented ependymal cyst in veterinary literature, distinct from previously reported canine arachnoid cysts.
Implications:
- This finding expands the differential diagnoses for cerebellar disease in dogs.
- Understanding the origin of ependymal cysts may shed light on early neurodevelopmental processes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of canine ependymal cysts.
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