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Skull-base chordoma in a dog
Kana Hamamoto1,2, Ikki Mitsui3, Toshiyasu Matsui2
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, Japan.
Summary
A Pomeranian dog autopsy revealed a skull base chordoma, a rare bone cancer. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the importance of evaluating the clivus in canine CNS examinations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Oncology
- Neoplasia
Background:
- Chordomas are rare tumors arising from notochordal remnants.
- They typically occur in the sacrum or vertebrae, but skull base involvement is documented.
- Canine chordomas can present with diverse histological features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of canine clival chordoma.
- To detail the histological and immunohistochemical findings.
- To emphasize the diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry in canine chordoma.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem examination of a 16-year-old Pomeranian dog.
- Histopathological evaluation of a skull base mass.
- Application of a comprehensive panel of histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, including anti-brachyury antibody.
Main Results:
- An incidental, friable, tan mass was found at the skull base, extending from the sella turcica to the foramen magnum.
- Histology showed nests of round cells with immature chondroid matrix and physaliphorous cells.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed chordoma, with neoplastic cells positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, E-cadherin, vimentin, S100, and brachyury.
Conclusions:
- This case highlights the potential for varied morphology in canine chordomas.
- An immunohistochemical panel, particularly including anti-brachyury, is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Routine evaluation of the clivus during postmortem central nervous system examinations in dogs is recommended.
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