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Cerebellar medulloblastoma with multiple differentiation in a dog
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706-1102, USA. steinbeh@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
Veterinary Pathology
|November 21, 1998
Summary
A Border Collie presented with head tilt and ataxia. Necropsy revealed a medulloblastoma in the brain, causing hydrocephalus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Comparative Pathology
- Canine Oncology
Background:
- Neurological deficits in dogs can be challenging to diagnose without advanced imaging.
- Progressive ataxia and head tilt are common signs of central nervous system disease in canines.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old Border Collie exhibited progressive, therapy-resistant head tilt and ataxia.
- Neurologic examination localized a right-sided lesion, but further diagnostics were declined by the owner.
- Post-euthanasia necropsy revealed temporal muscle atrophy and a cerebellar mass.
Findings:
- A 2.5 x 1.5 x 1.0 cm mass was found compressing the right cerebellar hemisphere and dorsal hindbrain.
- The mass caused significant dilation of the ventricles, leading to hydrocephalus.
- Histopathology confirmed a medulloblastoma with primitive neuroepithelial cells and areas of glial and neuronal differentiation.
Implications:
- This case highlights medulloblastoma as a differential diagnosis for progressive neurological signs in young dogs.
- Understanding the histopathological features is crucial for accurate diagnosis in cases where advanced imaging is not pursued.
- The findings contribute to the knowledge base of brain tumors in veterinary oncology and comparative neurology.