Malignant lymphoma of the meninges in two dogs

Sciatic T‐cell neurolymphomatosis in a dog

“…Lymphocytic infiltrates in the (lepto-)meninges, cranial nerves, spinal nerves roots and the brachial plexus have been previously reported in dogs (Rosin 1982, Britt and others 1984, Christopher and others 1986, Hobbs and Cobb 1990, Pfaff and others 2000, Fernandez and others 2013, Ueno and others 2014). Only one case report describes infiltration of a peripheral nerve with malignant B-lymphocytes (Schaffer and others 2012).…”

“…Only one case report describes infiltration of a peripheral nerve with malignant B-lymphocytes (Schaffer and others 2012). Interestingly, the earlier reports (Rosin 1982, Britt and others 1984, Christopher and others 1986, Hobbs and Cobb 1990) describe predominantly younger dogs (2–5 years old), while the more recent reports focus on dogs in an age-bracket of 8–12 years, which is more consistent with the usual peak of canine lymphomas found in dogs between 10 and 11 years old (Edwards and others 2003, Modiano and others 2005). …”

“…Ultrasound investigations may reveal thickened hypoechoic nerve roots (Fernandez and others 2013). CSF investigations carried out both in human and canine NL patients often exhibit elevated numbers of lymphocytes or neoplastic lymphocytes (Rosin 1982, Britt and others 1984, Christopher and others 1986, Hobbs and Cobb 1990, Pfaff and others 2000, Grisariu and others 2010, Fernandez and others 2013). …”

Neoplasia

“…Lymphoma has the propensity to involve the dura mater and the spinal cord substance itself but is included here as the usual site is extradural (Britt et al, 1984). Canine lymphoma is usually a manifestation of multicentric disease.…”

“…Spinal cord compression is often extradural and the mass can sometimes be mistaken for epidural fat (Summers et al, 1994). Some dogs show meningeal infiltration and most have neoplastic lymphocytes in the CSF (Rosin, 1982;Britt et al, 1984;Couto et al, 1984). Grading techniques for multicentric lymphoma can predict outcome and these may be applicable to spinal lymphoma (Kiupel et al, 1999;Dobson et al, 2001).…”