Retinoblastoma-like tumor with brain metastasis in a border collie

Abstract

In this report, we described the clinical, ultrasound, contrast-enhanced T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histopathological findings of a retinoblastoma-like tumor with brain metastasis in a 3-year-old male Border Collie. Ophthalmoscopic and ultrasonographic examination revealed leukocoria associated with a solid mass of retinal origin in the left eye. Simultaneous contrast-enhanced T2- weighted brain MRI evaluation revealed solid masses at three different locations: the first one at the levels of the suprasellar cistern, third ventricle and chiasma opticum; the second one in the medulla oblongata adjacent to the caudal cranial fossa; and the third one in the left intraocular region. Histopathological examination of the extracted mass in the globe revealed a retinoblastoma-like tumor. The patient died before receiving radiotherapy treatment. In conclusion: this report highlights the importance of early diagnosis through ophthalmoscopic and ultrasonographic examinations. Emphasizing the brain as a potential secondary metastatic site, the report underscores the critical need to create a window for timely radiotherapy. Furthermore, the recommendation is made to evaluate dogs with leukocoria during ophthalmoscopic examination for both retinoblastoma and potential brain metastasis.

Keywords

• dog
• embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (etmr)
• ocular neoplasia
• primary neuroectodermal tumors (pnet)
• retinoblastoma-like tumor