Linkedin Email us 0845 3714 012

PROSTATE MASS IN A 7 YEAR OLD SCOTTISH TERRIER

PATHOLOGY

The prevalence of primary prostatic cancer in dogs is low (0.6% at necropsy), occurring more frequently in older dogs with a mean age of 9.9 years.

Ca Prostate is more common in certain breeds with Bouvier des Flandres, Doberman Pinschers, Scottish Terriers and Shetland Collies some of the breeds particularly affected.

Most primary prostate cancers are aggressive and highly metastatic, the most prevalent type being prostatic adenocarcinoma. Tumour growth outside the prostate is common, as are pulmonary and bone metastases. Other symptoms witnessed may include:

Stranguria, Haematuria, Pollakiuria, Colon compression causing difficulty in defaecation.

Dogs with metastatic spread are more likely to present with primarily neurological symptoms such as:

Lameness, Ataxia, Paresis, Paralysis

Lung metastases are found to be present in 44% of cases at diagnosis.

CASE

A 7-Year old Scottish Terrier was referred for MRI imaging of the thoraco-lumbar spine. The clinical presentation was of acute onset of hindlimb lameness over the preceding 3-4 weeks with hyporexia and lethargy. Localised pain was noted in the L6 region on clinical examination.

MRI FINDINGS

Initial sagittal imaging of the thoraco-lumbar spine revealed infiltrative lesions in the L5 and L6 vertebral bodies. These lesions were evidenced by marked cortical lysis of the ventral aspect of the vertebral bodies and displayed ill-defined T1 hypointensity when compared to normal bone marrow, and heterogenous mixed T2 intensity.

T2 Sagittal T/L Spine (L6 Lesion – Brown Arrow)

MRI Prostate Mass 1

T2 Transverse through L6

MRI Prostate Mass 2

T1 Transverse through L6

MRI Prostate Mass 3

Dorsal STIR imaging throughout the T/L Spine, abdomen and lower half of the thorax revealed the presence of multiple rounded hyperintense lesions spread throughout the visible lung lobes, varying in size from 3 – 13mm. These lesions were indicative of metastatic deposits (White Arrow below)

Dorsal STIR

MRI Prostate Mass 4

Post Contrast imaging of the spinal lesions displayed moderate heterogenous contrast enhancement of the infiltrated vertebral bodies (Blue Arrow), allied to irregular contrast enhancing periosteal reaction. Additionally, a mildly enhancing, heterogenous soft-tissue lesion extending from the ventral aspect of was L6 evidenced, extending ventrally and predominantly on the right side into the paraspinal musculature (Teal Arrow).

T1 Sagittal Post Contrast

MRI Prostate Mass 5

T1 Transverse Post Contrast

MRI Prostate Mass 6

Dorsal post-contrast T1 Fat Saturation imaging revealed extensive enlargement of the para-aortic and internal iliac lymph nodes, with a heterogenous rim-enhancement (Pink / Red Arrows). Additionally, the prostate gland is markedly enlarged with capsular thickening on the right side and heterogenous contrast enhancement, most noticeably on the rim (Purple Arrow).

DORSAL T1 FAT SAT IMAGES

MRI Prostate Mass 7MRI Prostate Mass 8

The dorsal imaging sequences also revealed marked cortical osteolysis of the left proximal femur with associated contrast enhancement of the bone and soft tissues on the left, with ill-defined contrast enhancement on the contra-lateral side (Yellow arrow below).

MRI Prostate Mass 9

T1 transverse post-contrast imaging through the pelvis better illustrates the cystic nature of the prostate mass, as well as the degree of wall thickening previously described (Cream Arrow).

MRI Prostate Mass 10

PROBABLE DIAGNOSIS

Marked aggressive prostate mass most likely consistent with adenocarcinoma. Extension of the neoplastic process in the surrounding soft tissue, paravertebral soft tissue, retroperitoneum and regional metastasis to the sub-lumbar and aortic lymph nodes, with osseous metastasis to multiple sites. Abundant distant pulmonary metastases are also noted.


Latest News View all news


Isalnd Vet Care Burgess

Celebrating one year of MRI scanning on the Isle of Wight!

12 Oct 2023

We are proud to be celebrating a whole year of mobile MRI scanning on the Isle of Wight working with the independent practice, Island Referrals. The island’s only specialist referral hospital. Read more

20230908_092344_0000

NEW CT SCANNING SERVICE - Vets for Pets Leeds Birstall

8 Sep 2023

We are very proud to be supporting the newly extended and rebranded Vets for Pets - Leeds Birstall with our mobile CT scanning service. Our mobile CT unit is making its very first visit this Friday 8th Sept. Read more

Burgess Diagnostics uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Please accept cookies for optimal performance. For more information please visit our cookies policy.