Canine spinal meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours in 34 dogs (2008‐2016): Distribution and long‐term outcome based upon histopathology and treatment modality

Abstract

The purpose of this retrospective, multicentre case series was to describe the outcome following surgery and/or radiation of spinal meningiomas and nerve sheath tumours (NSTs) based upon treatment modality, with a specific aim to evaluate the survival times and time to recurrence following treatment for each histopathological diagnosis. Our hypothesis was that the addition of radiation therapy modalities to treatment will yield longer time to recurrence of clinical signs and survival time. Thirty-four dogs met the inclusion criteria of histopathologically diagnosed extramedullary spinal meningioma or NST. Sixteen extramedullary spinal meningiomas and 18 NSTs were diagnosed. A diagnosis of meningioma was associated with a significantly longer survival time compared with NSTs, with median survival times (MST) of 508 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66-881) vs 187 days (95% CI: 76-433; P = .02). Dogs (seven) treated with stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for recurrence after surgery alone or SRT alone as their initial treatment gained an additional 125 to 346 days survival time.

Suspected Radiation-Induced Osteosarcoma in a Domestic Shorthair Cat

“…e most likely differential diagnoses for the spinal spindle cell tumour based on cytology were, peripheral nerve sheath tumour and meningioma. Both of these tumour types have a low propensity for metastasis and only peripheral nerve sheath tumours display locally invasive behaviour in cats [16][17][18]. Based on the CT images, it is less likely that the pelvic mass was a recurrence or metastasis of the previous spindle cell tumour as the mass was large in size and not adjacent to the spinal cord or centered on L7-S1.…”

Extradural Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour at T7 Level in a 2-Year-Old Dog

“…15 The PNSTs have a high rate of recurrence, and the overall prognosis is considered poor, depending on the completeness of local resection, spinal cord infiltration and collateral damage before and during surgery, and on tumour type. 1,6 Herein we report a PNST in a 2-year-old dog, extradurally at T7, which is an infrequent location, 1,3,5 and the successful long-term outcome after surgical excision.…”

“…The imaging features were most compatible with meningioma, fibrosarcoma, and PNST, but hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, plasmacytoma, or inflammatory granuloma could not be ruled out. 1,6,16 Surgical exploration, attempting to excise the lesion, was proposed and executed as follows: after routine premedication and in general anaesthesia, the dog was positioned in sternal recumbency. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane (Isoflo, Ecuphar Italia S.r.l., Milan, Italy) in oxygen and fentanyl (Fentadon, Dechra Veterinary Products S.r.l., Turin, Italy) in constant rate infusion.…”

“…According to their location relative to spinal cord and dura mater, they are classified as intramedullary (IM), intradural-extramedullary (ID-EM), or extradural (ED). 1,2 The ED tumours have been described to account for 50% of all spinal cord neoplasms in dogs, followed by ID-EM reported with an overall distribution of 35%; IM tumours are least common, comprising the remaining 15%. 2 Peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs) are a heterogeneous group of soft tissue neoplasms, both benign and malignant, arising from Schwann cells or modified Schwann cells, endoneurial fibroblasts, or perineural cells.…”

“…11 However, compared with other spinal cord affections, such as trauma and intervertebral disc disease, neoplasms are the least common compressive lesion. 7,12 Current treatment options for spinal tumours include surgical resection, 5,6 stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), 1,13,14 and, occasionally, chemotherapy. 15 The PNSTs have a high rate of recurrence, and the overall prognosis is considered poor, depending on the completeness of local resection, spinal cord infiltration and collateral damage before and during surgery, and on tumour type.…”