Hamartosis of the thoracolumbar vertebral column in a 3‐month‐old Rhodesian Ridgeback

Abstract

AbstractThis case report describes the clinical presentation, imaging diagnosis and histopathological findings of multiple osseous hamartomas in the thoracolumbar vertebral column of a 3‐month‐old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. The dog was presented due to progressive non‐painful, non‐ambulatory upper motor neuron paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse T2‐weighted hyperintensities in the vertebral bodies of Th12, L4, S2 and the vertebral arch of Th13, and showed irregular and hyperostotic outer borders of the cortex. The diagnosis of multiple hamartomas was confirmed by histopathology showing bone cavities containing myxoid mesenchymal material, tortuous blood vessels and lipid and cartilaginous emboli in the bone marrow. This case emphasises the importance of keeping a hamartoma in mind as cause for neurological signs, especially in young animals.