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Epidural myelolipoma in a Silken Windhound
Rosalie A Ierardi1, Melanie N Anderson2, Jeffrey N Bryan2
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
|March 15, 2022
Summary
A rare spinal tumor, myelolipoma, was diagnosed in a Silken Windhound dog presenting with pain. Surgical removal resolved the symptoms, highlighting this tumor
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Spinal pain and lethargy are common presenting complaints in dogs.
- Epidural masses can cause significant neurological deficits.
- Myelolipomas are rare tumors typically composed of adipose and hematopoietic tissue.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old Silken Windhound presented with a 3-month history of spinal pain and lethargy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ventral epidural soft tissue mass at L7.
- Surgical exploration identified a pale brown mass within the epidural fat.
Findings:
- Cytologic and histopathologic analysis confirmed the mass as a myelolipoma.
- The tumor consisted of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements.
- Complete surgical excision of the epidural myelolipoma was achieved.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful surgical management of an uncommon spinal tumor in a canine patient.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to complete resolution of clinical signs.
- This report contributes to the limited veterinary literature on epidural myelolipomas, aiding future diagnosis and treatment strategies.

