Glioblastoma in a Pekingese

Abstract

An 11-year-old, intact male Pekingese was brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Kangwon National University with a 10-day history of seizures. Fifteen days before coming to Kangwon National University, the dog had visited a local animal hospital for lameness, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed to treat this symptom. However, 10 days before coming to our hospital, the dog experienced generalized seizures. Two days before his arrival, generalized ataxia and mental dullness also occurred. Our examinations revealed no remarkable findings on a routine blood test or X-ray. However, the neurological examinations confirmed mental dullness, generalized ataxia, and a lack of menace response and pupillary light reflexes. Nine hours later, dyspnea occurred, and 12 hours after that, the patient was euthanized per the client’s request. A necropsy of transverse sections confirmed the presence of a prominent midline shift due to extended tumor growth. On histopathological analyses, pseudopalisading necrosis of the glial cells and microvascular proliferation were observed. In immunohistochemical analysis, glial fibrillary acidic protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigens, and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 immunoreactive cells were observed in the tumor area. Based on the results, the tumor was confirmed to be a glioblastoma. Primary intracranial tumors are rare in the veterinary field. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of glioblastoma in a Pekingese.