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Updated: May 10, 2026
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Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Imaging diagnosis--Spinal epidural hemangiosarcoma in a dog.
Cristian de la Fuente1, Martí Pumarola, Sònia Añor
1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Clinical Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
Summary
A Boxer dog experienced paraparesis due to an epidural hemangiosarcoma. This spinal tumor on MRI mimicked other conditions like meningioma, highlighting diagnostic challenges in veterinary neurology.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord compression in dogs can arise from various etiologies, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
- Epidural masses pose a significant challenge in veterinary neurology, impacting ambulatory function.
- Hemangiosarcoma, a vascular tumor, can occur in various locations, including the spinal epidural space.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old male Boxer presented with acute paraparesis, indicating a T3-L3 myelopathy.
- Myelography identified extradural spinal cord compression between T10-T13 vertebrae.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a well-defined epidural mass with specific signal characteristics.
Findings:
- The epidural mass was mildly hyperintense on T1-weighted, hyperintense on T2-weighted and STIR sequences.
- The lesion demonstrated strong and homogeneous contrast enhancement post-administration.
- Postmortem examination confirmed the mass as a primary epidural hemangiosarcoma.
Implications:
- Spinal epidural hemangiosarcoma can present with imaging features similar to other spinal tumors and non-neoplastic lesions.
- Accurate differentiation of epidural masses is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and prognosis in canine spinal disease.
- This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing complex neurological conditions in veterinary medicine.
