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Disseminated meningeal tumor in a dog
W H Hay1, G K Ogilvie, A J Parker
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 15, 1987
Summary
A rare canine cancer, disseminated meningeal polymorphic cell sarcoma, caused hind limb weakness in a Golden Retriever. This aggressive tumor affects the brain and spinal cord linings, often resisting initial diagnostic attempts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- A 6-year-old Golden Retriever presented with progressive hind limb paresis and generalized weakness.
- Initial diagnostic workup included neurologic examination, radiography, and myelography, which were inconclusive.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed high protein and cellularity, suggesting inflammatory or neoplastic disease.
Observation:
- The dog's condition did not improve with empirical medical management.
- Gross examination of the central nervous system revealed thickened meninges.
- Histopathologic examination identified polymorphic histiocytic-like cells and multinucleate giant cells on the meningeal surfaces.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of disseminated meningeal polymorphic cell sarcoma was established.
- This rare, aggressive neoplasm infiltrated the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.
- The cellular morphology ranged from histiocytic-like to multinucleated giant cells.
Implications:
- This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing rare meningeal tumors in dogs.
- Early recognition and advanced diagnostics are crucial for managing such aggressive conditions.
- Understanding the histopathologic features is key to differentiating this sarcoma from other meningeal diseases.