Abstract
Background: Pituitary tumours are common neoplasms of the sellar region in small animals. However, detailed information regarding the spectrum and severity of possible neurological signs are lacking.Objective: To retrospectively describe the neurological abnormalities in a population of dogs with a detectable pituitary mass (DPM) and relate them with the size of the mass and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signs of brain compression (BC). Client-owned dogs were included in the study if they had MRI showing a DPM and a detailed neurological examination. The neurological signs were evaluated in relation to the pituitary height/brain ratio (P:B ratio) and the presence/absence of brain compression.Results: Ninety-seven dogs were enrolled. Besides abnormal mentation and behaviour (77%), gait (61%) and cranial nerve abnormalities (44%), other unreported neurological signs observed included postural abnormalities (21%), pain and/or hyperesthesia (25%) and abnormal postural and proprioceptive reactions (49%). The majority of dogs with DPM had signs of BC. The presence of a high pituitary height/brain area and BC represented a risk factor for developing mental status abnormalities.Conclusion: Neurological signs recorded in DPM-affected dogs include not only the typical forebrain signs but also gait disturbances and hyperesthesia. Neurological signs are positively associated with increased P:B ratio and MRI signs of brain compression.
Highlights
In human and veterinary literature, it is well known that pituitary tumours (PTs) can produce neurological dysfunction
Kooistra et al (1997) defined ‘detectable pituitary masses’ (DPM) when the dorsal margin of the pituitary gland protruded above the suprasellar extensions of the intercrural cistern
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were considered consistent with DPM if the dorsal margin of the pituitary gland protruded above the suprasellar extensions of the intercrural cistern, as previously described (Kooistra et al 1997)
Summary
In human and veterinary literature, it is well known that pituitary tumours (PTs) can produce neurological dysfunction. The effectiveness of classification of micro- and macrotumours was extensively debated because pituitary adenomas that are between 6 and 10 mm in height enlarge the gland and cannot be classified as microtumours (Nelson et al 1989; Meij et al 2002; Moore and O’Brien 2008). To overcome this controversy, Kooistra et al (1997) defined ‘detectable pituitary masses’ (DPM) when the dorsal margin of the pituitary gland protruded above the suprasellar extensions of the intercrural cistern. Neurological signs are positively associated with increased P:B ratio and MRI signs of brain compression
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