Gemistocytic astrocytoma in the spinal cord in a dog: a case report

R.O Chaves,D.C.M Müller,L.F.D Corrêa,R.A Fighera,A Mazzanti,B Copat,T Bazzi,J.P.S Feranti

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-8586

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reports a case of a rare variant of the cervical spinal cord astrocytoma diagnosed in a dog with progressive neurological signs, initially asymmetrical, not ambulatory tetraparesis, segmental reflexes and normal muscle tone in all four limbs and absence of pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Myelography revealed attenuation of the ventral and dorsal contrast line in the third region of the fifth cervical vertebra. At necropsy intramedullary cylindrical mass that stretched from the third to the sixth cervical vertebra, which replaced all the gray matter of the spinal cord was observed. In the histological study, there was the replacement of the substance by neoplastic cells mantle arranged loosely. The cells were large and slightly rounded. The eosinophilic cytoplasm was well defined, sometimes forming processes interconnecting cells. The nucleus was eccentric, round, oval or kidney-shaped, and the nucleolus was evident. Thus, the microscopic changes observed in the cervical spinal cord were consistent with gemistocytic astrocytoma.

Highlights

The spinal neoplasms is an important cause of locomotor neurological signs in dogs, affecting mainly large breed and middle-aged to elderly animals (Da Costa, 2009; Bagley, 2010)
Signs of spinal neoplasms depend on the location of the tumor, and as in this case and in most cases, the signals are compatible with the focal myelopathy
Less common clinical signs may be multifocal depending on the number and location of neoplasms and local alterations caused (Da Costa, 2009; Coelho et al, 2013; Pancotto et al, 2013)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The spinal neoplasms is an important cause of locomotor neurological signs in dogs, affecting mainly large breed and middle-aged to elderly animals (Da Costa, 2009; Bagley, 2010). The main histological features of this variant are: large, round cells, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and eccentric and oval nucleus (Kostner et al, 1999; Maxie and Youssef, 2007). It occurs most often in the brain, and is rarely found in the spinal cord (Maxie and Youssef, 2007; Coelho et al, 2013; Pancotto et al, 2013). The aim here is to report a case of gemistocytic astrocytoma in the cervical cord in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION

Findings

DISCUSSION