title: Cervical syringohydromyelia secondary to a brainstem tumor in a dog.
abstract: An 11-year-old male Pekingese was evaluated because of a history of head tilt. Neurologic examination revealed a right-sided head tilt, ataxia, scoliosis, and proprioceptive deficits. Diagnostic testing included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and neck. After IV administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine, an extra-axial, highly contrast-enhanced mass in the brainstem, cerebellar herniation, and syringohydromyelia were detected via MRI. The dog was treated with corticosteroids and radiation therapy of the mass for 4 weeks (total dose, 42.5 Gy). Magnetic resonance imaging was repeated 9 weeks and 6 months after radiation therapy; compared with the initial findings, a reduction in the size of the brainstem mass was observed in both MRI scans. The third MRI scan also revealed a normal cerebellar shape, no evidence of herniation, and resolution of syringohydromyelia in the dog at that time. It is recommended that whenever syringohydromyelia is observed via MRI, a primary cause (cranial or caudal to the affected region) should be sought.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
authors.forename: Ronaldo C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: da Costa
authors.forename: Joane M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Parent
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Poma
authors.forename: M Carolina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Duque
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000473:pathology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D004285:Dogs; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D013595:Syringomyelia / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones