Compressive myelopathy caused by extradural liposarcoma in a cat

Background: Extradural tumours are the most common form of feline tumor-induced myelopathy. The clinical signs are like other common chronic spinal diseases, like intervertebral disease. It is therefore important to consider extradural liposarcoma as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting for chronic progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. This case report highlights the importance of early advanced imaging for middle aged cats presenting for progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. Histopathology revealed an extradural liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported. Case presentation A 6-year-old European shorthair spayed female cat presented to a referral hospital for progressive ataxia with hindlimbs paresis then paralysis associated with urinary incontinence over a three-month period. The cat presented with ambulatory paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia that was bilaterally symmetrical. The pelvic limb withdrawal response and sciatic myotatic responses were reduced bilaterally. Postural reaction responses were delayed in both pelvic limbs. The anal tone and perineal sensation were both normal at the time of examination. Urinary incontinence was also a feature. T3–L3 myelopathy was suspected. A CT scan revealed the presence of a paravertebral mass between the first and third lumbar vertebrae associated with osteolysis and spinal cord compression. A L1 to L3 hemilaminectomy was performed and confirmed the presence of an extradural lesion emerging through the L1-L2 intervertebral foramen, associated with myelomalacia. The cat died from sudden cardiac arrest during postoperative resuscitation. Histopathology revealed a vertebral liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported. Conclusion: This case report presents the first observed case of extradural tumours being a cause of a form of feline tumor-induced myelopathy. It is therefore important to consider extradural liposarcoma as a differential diagnosis for cats presenting for chronic progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia. Early advanced imaging for middle aged cats presenting for progressive paraparesis and pelvic limb ataxia is essential in achieving a definitive diagnosis. Histopathology revealed an extradural liposarcoma whose atypical localization has never been reported.