Philips R, Chase D, Thompson D, Hardcastle M, Kiupel M
Veterinary Specialists Aotearoa, Auckland, New Zealand.
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Auckland, New Zealand.
N Z Vet J. 2023 May;71(3):145-151. doi: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2176937. Epub 2023 Feb 20.
A 7-year-old, male neutered French Bulldog was referred to a specialist veterinary hospital for evaluation of progressive paraparesis of 6-months' duration. The owners reported both faecal and urinary incontinence at home.
The dog presented with ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia that was more pronounced in the right pelvic limb. The pelvic limb withdrawal response and sciatic myotatic response were reduced bilaterally. Postural reaction responses were delayed in both pelvic limbs, and this was more obvious in the right pelvic limb. The anal tone and perineal sensation were normal at the time of examination.An L4-S3 myelopathy was suspected. CT of the spine revealed a compressive, bilobed, extramedullary, cyst-like structure within the vertebral canal, between L7 and S3. Surgical removal of the cyst via a L7-S1 dorsal laminectomy was performed. Histopathological examination and additional immunohistochemistry of the excised structure indicated a probable ependymal cyst with a ciliated lining. The dog recovered well post-operatively, and at follow-up 3 weeks later had some improvement of his neurological signs. The paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia had improved; however, the remaining neurological examination was similar to the pre-surgical examination.
Extradural cyst.
Spinal cysts can contribute to clinical signs that resemble other common chronic spinal cord diseases, such as intervertebral disc disease. Therefore, this disease should be considered as a differential when dealing with cases of progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. This case report may potentially provide opportunities in the future for further understanding of the pathogenesis, behaviour, outcomes and subclassification of spinal cysts in dogs.
一只7岁已绝育的雄性法国斗牛犬因进行性轻瘫6个月被转诊至一家专业兽医医院进行评估。主人报告称，该犬在家中出现了粪便和尿液失禁的情况。
该犬表现为行走性轻瘫和骨盆肢共济失调，右侧骨盆肢更为明显。双侧骨盆肢的退缩反应和坐骨肌伸张反射均减弱。双侧骨盆肢的姿势反应延迟，右侧骨盆肢更为明显。检查时，肛门张力和会阴感觉正常。怀疑为L4-S3脊髓病。脊柱CT显示，在L7和S3之间的椎管内有一个压迫性、双叶状、髓外、囊肿样结构。通过L7-S1椎板背侧切除术对囊肿进行了手术切除。对切除结构进行组织病理学检查和额外的免疫组化检查表明，这可能是一个有纤毛内衬的室管膜囊肿。该犬术后恢复良好，3周后的随访显示其神经症状有所改善。轻瘫和骨盆肢共济失调有所改善；然而，其余的神经学检查结果与术前检查相似。
硬膜外囊肿。
脊髓囊肿可导致类似于其他常见慢性脊髓疾病（如椎间盘疾病）的临床症状。因此，在处理进行性轻瘫和骨盆肢共济失调病例时，应将这种疾病视为鉴别诊断之一。本病例报告可能为未来进一步了解犬脊髓囊肿的发病机制、行为、预后和亚分类提供机会。
