Case Study

CT – Left-sided intraaxial cerebral neoplasia, glial cell neoplasm likely, in a 8 year old FS Greyhound dog

The patient is a 8 year old FS Greyhound dog presented with tetra paresis. Started out with right front leg held stiffly on 2 days ago. Yesterday she held her head down and it seemed to bob a bit. Not nearly as active. Taken to rDVM—BW was done and per O, diagnosed with neck injury (painful when head turned to the left). Given Deramaxx and sent home with Robaxin. Today could not stand.

CP deficits to all 4 paws (none seen). Will try to support weight with all paws except front right. Superficial pain present, anal tone present. CARDIOVASCULAR-1/6 left sided murmur

Image Interpretation

CT of the head, plain and post contrast – There is asymmetry of the lateral ventricles and midline shift of the cerebral falx to the
right level with the occipital, parietal and temporal lobes and thalamus indicative of a
mass effect within the left cerebral hemisphere. After manual window adjustment the
post contrast series reveals a mass within the left occipital lobe that showed moderate
non-uniform contrast enhancement emphasizing the periphery of the lesion and sparing
the lesion center. The size of the ovoid mass is approximately 2 cm in diameter.
The intervertebral disc C2/3 shows moderate protrusion with mild compressive
myelopathy.

DX

The computed tomographic findings are compatible with a left-sided intraaxial cerebral neoplasia. Differential diagnoses mainly include glial cell neoplasms such as oligodendroglia or astrocytoma

Outcome

Differential diagnoses mainly include glial cell neoplasms such as
oligodendroglia or astrocytoma. Oligodendroglia appears more likely here because the
lesion seems to have contact with the ventricular system. Round cell neoplasms such as
lymphoma or histiocytic sarcoma are possible differentials.
The disc protrusion C2/3 may explain cervical pain but no neurological deficits are
expected with this degree of compressive myelopathy.
Confirmation of the main diagnosis would warrant brain biopsy.
The only therapeutic option here would be (palliative) radiation therapy