A 5-year-old spayed Boxer dog, presented to Cornell University’s Hospital for Animals Emergency Service for bilateral hindlimb weakness. Five months prior, she had developed left hindlimb lameness that was non-responsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Over the next 12 weeks, the left hindlimb lameness progressed to bilateral hindlimb weakness. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was performed which revealed extensive spondylosis throughout the lumbar and caudal thoracic spine; a small amount of extradural material at L5-L6; and a slightly heterogenous contrast uptake within spinal cord over L4-L5 indicative of a possible intramedullary lesion. The patient was placed on corticosteroids and her hindlimb weakness improved, but quickly returned once the steroids were discontinued. Within three days of stopping steroids, the patient began to collapse in the hind end and only capable of walking a few steps with assistance.

On presentation the patient was bright, alert, and responsive with normal mentation. Her vital parameters were within normal limits and general physical exam was unremarkable. A neurologic exam was consistent with an L4-S3 myelopathy. No significant abnormalities were seen on a complete blood count (CBC) or chemistry panel. The patient was hospitalized and transferred to Cornell University's Hospital for Animals Neurology Service the following day.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an infiltrative, intraparenchymal lesion highly suspect for neoplasia. The patient was started on steroids, but despite treatment lost motor in both hind limbs and became urinary and fecally incontinent. The patient was then treated with the chemotherapy agent Cytosar in addition to the steroids. Unfortunately, she did not respond to treatment and her condition continued to deteriorate, including the loss of deep pain in her hindlimbs. Due to the patient’s poor prognosis and declining quality of life, the owners elected euthanasia. Necropsy examination revealed an intraparenchymal oligodendroglioma with widespread meningeal oligoendrogliomatosis.