Canine and Feline Spinal Cord Tumors

1 Symptoms

The most common spinal tumors in dogs include malignant bone tumors outside the dura and metastatic growths from bone or soft tissue; most meningeal tumors occur in the cervical, or neck, region, while gliomas favor the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine. In cats, epidural lymphosarcoma is the most common spinal tumor.

Signs depend on where the tumor presses on the cord. Cervical lesions cause weakness or paralysis of all four limbs, with neck pain and stiffness. Mid-to-lower spinal lesions cause spastic or flaccid weakness of the hind limbs, altered reflexes, changed muscle tone, and reduced pain sensation toward the tail. Involvement of the lower spine and hind limbs can lead to relaxed paralysis, weak reflexes, slack muscles, lax anal tone, and urine retention.

2 Causes and Transmission

The cause is usually unknown. German Shepherds and young to middle-aged dogs are commonly affected, with tumors often at the level of the 10th thoracic to 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Spinal cord tumors are not contagious.

3 Diagnosis

Imaging may show loss of bone density in the spinal canal and widening of the canal where a tumor grows. Nerve-root tumors can widen the disc spaces. Myelography outlines the tumor and helps locate it precisely.

4 Treatment

Spinal tumors are often hard to remove surgically, especially those within the cord itself; epidural tumors carry a poor prognosis. Veterinary-directed chemotherapy using agents such as vinca alkaloids, alkylating drugs, or platinum compounds is used to slow progression.

Nutritional support with B vitamins may help nerve function, and assisted movement helps relieve stiffness and limit the effects of paralysis.

5 Prevention and Home Care

There is no reliable prevention. Provide gentle assisted activity, a safe non-slip environment, and regular veterinary follow-up.

Monitor for worsening weakness, pain, or loss of bladder control, and seek prompt care if these appear.