Lomustine plus hydroxyurea chemotherapy for primary intramedullary spinal cord tumor in a maltese dog

Abstract

A 7-year-old, male Maltese dog with a body weight of 2.8 kg was presented with a history of hind limbs ataxia that progressed to tetraparesis over a one-month period. Based on physical and neurological examinations, tetraparesis with concomitant UMN signs, kyphosis and severe neck pain were identified. On MRI scan, we tentatively diagnosed this patient as a primary intramedullary spinal cord tumor. Therapy with lomustine plus hydroxyurea and prednisolone was initiated and the clinical signs rapidly improved. The patient was regularly checked by MRI scan and the range of the mass was gradually reduced to complete remission for 11 months. About 19 months after treatment, the patient showed anemia and hematochezia which suspected as adverse effects of chemotherapy. The condition was getting worse over 2 months and the patient suddenly expired 657 days after initial presentation. On histopathological examination, the spinal cord sample was identified as a neuronal atrophy without evidence of tumor cell. ? 2019, Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics. All rights reserved.