Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of spinal cord tumors in dogs

Background: Spinal tumors are generally uncommon in dogs, both in terms of their primary origin and metastatic spread from other sites. These tumors are classified according to their anatomical relationship to the spinal cord and dura mater, falling into three major categories: extradural, intradural–extramedullary, and intramedullary.
Objectives: To examine the prevalence, types, clinical signs, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for spinal tumors in dogs.
Methods: A thorough physical and neurological examination, supplemented by advanced imaging—including radiography, myelography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging—either individually or in combination, depending on the tumor type, anatomical compartment, and clinical priorities.
Results: Extradural tumors are the most common, accounting for approximately half of all documented cases. Large-breed dogs are disproportionately affected, with roughly 28% of cases diagnosed in dogs under three years of age. Meningioma is the most frequent primary spinal tumor in dogs. Clinical signs are largely determined by lesion location and may be indistinguishable from other causes of myelopathy. Once a definitive diagnosis is established, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or multimodal approaches tailored to tumor type, location, biological behavior, and patient condition. Key challenges include distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions, radiologic overlap, discordance between imaging and clinical findings, surgical planning relative to tumor compartment, limitations of radiation and chemotherapy, access to surgical technology, perioperative risk management, postoperative rehabilitation, and patient-specific factors such as age, breed, and comorbidities.
Conclusions: Spinal tumors in dogs require a multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approach, with success dependent on careful imaging, individualized treatment planning, and comprehensive perioperative and postoperative management.