Spinal Arachnoid Cyst/Diverticula
Spinal arachnoid cysts are reported with increasing frequency in dogs. The term "cyst" is misleading as the tissue bordering the fluid pocket is not lined by a secretory cell layer and there is no epithelial lining to the cyst. A congenital etiology for lesion is suggested, although acquired meningeal inflammation/scarring has been implicated in both human beings and dogs. Scarring of the pia or other meninges may result in the creation of localized CSF accumulation. There is a web-like configuration of aberrant arachnoid and similar tissues that form pockets where CSF can be trapped and accumulated. It is also possible that abnormal cerebrospinal fluid dynamics contribute to cyst formation. The superficial spinal cord vascular structures are also often abnormal in the region of the cyst and are often prominent at the borders of the abnormality. Similar to syringomyelia, this spinal cord compression may be dynamic and pulsatile. With situations associated with increases in subarachnoid CSF pressure such as during the Valsalva maneuver, the pressure within this cyst may increase dramatically.
In younger animals, arachnoid cysts may reflect a congenital diverticulum of the subarachnoid space possibly associated with abnormal development of the arachnoid, dural, and pial tissues.
In younger animals, arachnoid cysts may reflect a congenital diverticulum of the subarachnoid space possibly associated with abnormal development of the arachnoid, dural, and pial tissues.
Age of Onset: Onset of clinical signs has been most commonly reported in dogs less than 18 months of age, but any age of animal can be affected.
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs are variable
Clinical signs are variable
Clinical Signs:
Movement
Ataxia
Paresis (in some cases thoracic limbs may be more affected than pelvic limbs)
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficit
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence (normal stool in inappropriate locations and without the normal posturing associated with defecation)
Movement
Ataxia
Paresis (in some cases thoracic limbs may be more affected than pelvic limbs)
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficit
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Fecal incontinence (normal stool in inappropriate locations and without the normal posturing associated with defecation)
Spinal (Cervical > Thoracolumbar > Lumbar/Caudal)
Unknown
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