Surgical removal of an intramedullary spinal cord foreign body granuloma in a dog

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2003 May-Jun;39(3):306-10. doi: 10.5326/0390306.

Abstract

A 2-year-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of a progressive asymmetric tetraparesis and cranial nerve deficits with a 3-week duration. Computed tomography showed a contrast-enhancing lesion along the left side of the junction of the medulla and the cervical spinal cord. An exploratory surgery determined the presence of an intramedullary lesion of the first cervical spinal cord segment. The mass was removed through a dorsal midline myelotomy. Microscopic examination identified a foreign body granuloma that contained a dense, anisotropic outer wall, supporting the conclusion that the foreign body was of plant origin. The dog recovered to a more improved ambulatory status than prior to surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dog Diseases / surgery*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Foreign Bodies / veterinary*
  • Granuloma / diagnosis
  • Granuloma / surgery
  • Granuloma / veterinary
  • Spinal Cord*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary