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Cervical Vertebral Body Chordoma in a Cat.
R Hampel1, F Taylor-Brown2, S L Priestnall1
1Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, UK.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|May 9, 2016
Summary
A rare cervical vertebral body chordoma was diagnosed in a cat presenting with progressive ataxia. This finding highlights chordoma as a differential diagnosis for feline cervical spinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Chordomas are rare tumors arising from notochordal remnants.
- Spinal tumors in cats can cause progressive neurological deficits.
- Cervical vertebral masses pose diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old Maine Coon cat presented with progressive ataxia.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervical vertebral body mass compressing the spinal cord.
- Necropsy confirmed a mass within the second cervical vertebra.
Findings:
- Histopathology showed large, clear, vacuolated ('physaliferous') cells.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed neoplastic cells expressing cytokeratin and vimentin.
- The final diagnosis was a cervical, vertebral body chordoma.
Implications:
- This is the third reported case of chordoma in cats and the first in the cervical vertebrae.
- Chordoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline cervical vertebral tumors.
- This case contributes to understanding rare spinal neoplasms in domestic animals.
