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Case report: Surgical treatment and long-term successful outcome of a spinal intramedullary vascular malformation in a dog

Authors :
Koen M. Santifort
Marta Plonek
Guy C. M. Grinwis
Ines Carrera
Simon Platt
Source :
Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol 10 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2023.

Abstract

A 3.5-year-old male intact Staffordshire terrier crossbreed dog was presented with a one-week history of progressive paraparesis with fecal and urinary incontinence. Neurological examination was consistent with a T3-L3 myelopathy. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed the presence of a well-circumscribed hemorrhagic space-occupying lesion at the level of T12, suspected to be a vascular malformation, such as cavernoma or arteriovenous fistula, primary hematoma or hamartoma; less likely considerations included hemorrhagic inflammation or hemorrhagic primary or secondary neoplasia. A dorsal laminectomy, durotomy, and midline dorsal myelotomy were performed with a surgical microscope, and the vascular lesion was identified and removed. Histological examination of surgical samples yielded fibrin, hemorrhage, hematoidin pigment, and some neural tissue. Although a lining wall was visualized during surgery consistent with a vascular malformation, there was no histological confirmation of such a structure, hampering definitive classification of the lesion. There was no gross or histopathological evidence that would support a diagnosis of a hamartoma or benign neoplasia. The dog was paraplegic with intact nociception the day following surgery. Ambulation was recovered within 2 weeks. Progressive and complete recovery of neurological function was seen over the next 12 weeks. No recurrence of neurological dysfunction was seen over a 12-month follow-up period. Surgical treatment should be considered in dogs with spinal intramedullary vascular lesions which can have a successful long-term outcome.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22971769
Volume :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.68f2e5e6aae248a8a46e1bd2a8a93beb
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1243882