Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and diagnosis of cerebellar astrocytoma in a German Shepherd dog
By Elisângela O. da Silva et al.·Published in Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Pathology·2010·Laboratório de Patologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), PR, Brazil., BR·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Canine cerebellar protoplasmic astrocytoma: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 14-year-old female German Shepherd was brought in for trouble walking, head tilting to the left, and unusual movements on the right side for about 15 days. Despite starting medical treatment, her neurological symptoms worsened, leading her owner to choose euthanasia. A thorough examination revealed no visible brain lesions, but tests showed signs of a rare brain tumor called protoplasmic astrocytoma. Unfortunately, the condition was too advanced for effective treatment.
People also search for: dog ataxia treatment · German Shepherd head tilt · dog brain tumor symptoms
Abstract
Protoplasmic astrocytomas are uncommon in humans and animals. A 14-year-old, intact female German Shepherd dog presented with a history of ataxia of the pelvic limbs, left-side head torsion and hypermetric response of the right side for approximately 15 days. Neurological examination revealed the presence of cerebellar syndrome and paradoxical vestibular syndrome. Medical therapy was initiated, but neurological signs were progressive, and the owner opted for euthanasia. Gross examination showed no cerebellar lesion. Microscopic features were characterized by prominent background microcystic degeneration and the presence of spindle cells with scant cytoplasm and delicate glial fibers. The immunohistochemical assay showed positive staining for GFAP (glial fibrillar acidic protein), vimentin and S100, and negative staining for factor VIII. A definitive diagnosis of protoplasmic astrocytoma was made on the basis of the histological and immunohistochemical findings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.003024