Today’s case is a 10-year-old male neutered Vizsla with cervical pain and progressive pelvic limb paresis. This is a very subtle case. What are your findings?
Findings
There is a mineralized disc in situ at the C6-7 intervertebral disc space. The body of C7 is shortened and is radiolucent with thin cortices. The body of C3 is sclerotic compared to surrounding vertebrae. There is enlargement of the facet joints at C4-C7. The patient is under general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube in place, and a small amount of fluid and gas in the esophagus.
Differential Diagnosis
Lucency of C7 and sclerosis of T3 are most consistent with an aggressive process such as neoplasia. A multicentric or metastatic myeloma or other metastatic neoplasia (carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma) could also be considered. The degenerative intervertebral disc disease may be incidental.
Diagnosis
An MRI was performed, and contrast enhancing tissue was found in multiple cervical and thoracic vertebrae as well as in the spinal canal and venous sinuses.
Necropsy examination found myeloma at these sites as well as invasion of the venous sinuses.
Hi, Allison. FYI…I was trying to work through this case today, but whenever I click on a radiograph, it takes you to the necropsy images…kind of gave away the answer before seeing the rads!
Hope you’re well!
Mark