Diagnosis and radiation therapy of an extensive myxoma in the retropharyngeal region infiltrating the cranial cervical vertebral canal in a dog

Abstract

An 8-year-old, intact Rottweiler-female dog presented due to an acute onset of lethargy, abnormal gait, and wheezing. Physical examination revealed stridor, cervical pain, and ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging-examination displayed a lobulated, fluid-filled mass extending from the sphenoid bone to C5, infiltrating the cranial vertebral canal causing extradural compression of the spinal cord and narrowing of the pharynx. An emergency debulking-surgery around the pharynx was performed. Histopathological findings were consistent with a myxoma. The remaining tumor was irradiated resulting in stable disease 6 months later. The dog died 18 months later due to aspiration pneumonia without clinical signs of neurologic or respiratory compromise.

Keywords: MRI; canine; irradiation; retropharyngeal mass; synovial.