Spinal neurenteric cyst in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Comparative Pathology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Intradural extramedullary cysts are uncommon spinal lesions.
• Neurenteric cysts are well-documented in human medicine but not previously reported in canine literature.
• Progressive ataxia and paraparesis indicated a significant spinal cord lesion in the affected dog.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of an intradural neurenteric cyst in a dog.
• To describe the diagnostic and surgical management of this rare condition.
• To establish neurenteric cysts as a differential diagnosis for spinal masses in young dogs.

Main Methods:

• Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to localize the spinal lesion.
• Surgical exploration via hemilaminectomy and durotomy for cyst removal.
• Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis to determine cyst origin and characteristics.

Main Results:

• MRI revealed an ovoid, well-circumscribed intradural mass at the T9 vertebral level.
• Surgical removal of the cystic lesion was complete.
• Histopathology confirmed a neurenteric cyst with a heterogeneous, endodermally-derived epithelium.
• The dog showed progressive clinical improvement post-surgery with no recurrence at 18 months.

Conclusions:

• Intradural neurenteric cysts, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal lesions in young dogs.
• Complete surgical excision is associated with a favorable prognosis and long-term recovery.
• This case highlights the importance of comparative pathology in veterinary neurosurgery.