Neuroblastoma with neuronal differentiation in the spinal cord in an Aberdeen Angus heifer calf

Vet Pathol. 2006 Mar;43(2):193-7. doi: 10.1354/vp.43-2-193.

Abstract

A 5-month-old, female, Aberdeen Angus heifer presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospital for evaluation of slowly progressive hindlimb ataxia. The calf was clinically normal until 4 months of age, following routine pregnancy and delivery. Neurologic examination revealed marked symmetric spastic hindlimb paraparesis. Thoracolumbar radiographs and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were unremarkable. A presumptive diagnosis of T3-L3 myelopathy was made, and neurologic status remained static for 3 months with broad-spectrum antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy. Additional diagnostic tests were refused, and a necropsy was performed following euthanasia. A moderately well delineated, reddish-tan, soft mass 18 mm in diameter replaced 80% of the fourth lumbar spinal cord segment. Histologic examination revealed two distinct features: undifferentiated, primitive, polygonal-to-round cells with typical morphologic characteristics of primitive neuroectoderm; and interspersed areas containing myelinated axons and cells with neuronal differentiation. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed the presence of primitive neuroepithelium and cells with neuronal differentiation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / pathology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Female
  • Neuroblastoma / pathology
  • Neuroblastoma / veterinary*
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / veterinary*