Remission after complete excision of an intramedullary hemangioma with an identifiable tumor plane in a dog

Abstract

Objective To describe the use of an identifiable tumor plane (ITP) during myelotomy to excise an intramedullary hemangioma in a dog and report the outcome. Study design Case report. Animals One 5.5‐year‐old 42.9‐kg spayed female Leonberger dog. Methods Clinical signs included progressive proprioceptive deficits of both pelvic limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with a dorsal intramedullary mass at L3‐L4. A laminectomy of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae provided access for dorsal myelotomy. A clear surgical ITP was identified between the intramedullary mass and the spinal cord facilitating complete surgical resection. Results Histopathological examination was consistent with a hemangioma. Postoperative MRI was consistent with complete excision of the mass. No evidence of recurrence was found by MRI at 3 months and at 22 months after surgery. Mild proprioceptive deficits persisted in the right pelvic limb. Conclusion A clear ITP was present, and gross‐total resection (GTR) was achieved without significant morbidity. Persistent clinical remission resulted from surgery as the sole therapy. Clinical significance For an intramedullary tumor, GTR is the absence of visible tumor on intraoperative inspection combined with the absence of intramedullary contrast enhancement on postoperative MRI. When an ITP is present, GTR and resultant long‐term remission may be more likely.

Intracranial Virotherapy for a Canine Hemangioma

“…Intracranial hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors rarely reported in dogs. There is insufficient evidence to establish a gold standard treatment but following the human medical literature and limited veterinary case reports, complete surgical resection can achieve long survival [ 6 , 14 , 15 ]. If the hemangioma is unsuitable for complete excision, acute hemorrhages and tumor progression are possible, leading to a severe deterioration of quality of life [ 19 ].…”

“…The reported incidence of canine hemangiomas in the central nervous system is low; nevertheless, the treatment of choice is based on the human medical approach, in which complete surgical resection of the tumor is proposed [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. In veterinary medicine, complete surgical excision has been reported in two dogs: an intracranial and an intramedullary hemangioma, achieving complete responses for 13 and 22 months, respectively [ 6 , 15 ]. When complete tumor excision is not a feasible option, the likelihood of hemorrhages and relapses increases, and adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy are indicated [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

Surgical treatment and outcome of haematomyelia with a traumatic cause in a dog and a cat

“…It is a rare condition in veterinary patients. The underlying causes that have been reported in animals include trauma, coagulopathy, vascular malformation, vasculitis, neoplasia and primary haematomyelia where no aetiology was identified (Armstrong et al., 2021 ; Barker et al., 2015 ; Barnard et al., 2015 ; Brocal et al., 2016 ; Dutil et al., 2021 ; Guevar et al., 2015 ; Hammond & Hecht 2015 ; Hayashida et al., 1999 ; Hoff & Vandevelde, 1981 ; Jull et al., 2011 ; MacKillop et al., 2007 ; Okada et al., 2006 ; Okuno et al., 2005 ; Platt et al., 2005 ; Ros et al., 2015 ; Santifort et al., 2023 ; Thibaud et al., 2008 ; Thompson & Kreeger, 1999 ; Wessmann et al., 2006 ; West et al., 2023 ; Yanke et al., 2019 ). Several case reports have identified trauma as a cause of haematomyelia in small animals.…”