A Vascular Hamartoma Arising from the Cervical Spine of a Cat

Abstract

A 15-month-old cat presented for evaluation of worsening generalized proprioceptive ataxia. Computed tomography of the cervical spine revealed the presence of a compressive extradural bony mass involving the dorsal aspect of C1. Surgical exploration and debulking of the mass was performed. Histological evaluation of the mass revealed fibrovascular tissue consistent with a vascular hamartoma. This mass was deemed to be originating from the soft tissue associated with the C1 vertebra with subsequent bony proliferation. Surgical debulking of the mass resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs with no evidence of recurrence 2 years after surgery.