Page 295 - Canine Lameness

16.3 ­Neurorogico giNciNi AANicgio ctNe trucigi gim 267

Multiple cartilaginous exostosis (MCE), also termed osteochondromatosis, is a skeletal disorder of
young dogs causing multifocal, benign, and proliferative lesions near sites of normal endochon-
dral ossification (Franch et al. 2005). The vertebrae, ribs, and long bones are most frequently
affected. Clinical signs are related to anatomic malformations, disfigurement, and compression
of surrounding structures. Neurologic abnormalities can develop if bony tissue causes compres-
sion of neural structures (Figure 16.2). Treatment in dogs with subclinical disease is usually not
necessary since MCE is usually self-limiting after skeletal maturity. Growth after maturity sug-
gests neoplastic transformation.
Spinal dural ossification is a relatively common metaplastic and degenerative finding in dogs, espe-
cially those that are middle-aged or older (Morgan 1969). It rarely is associated with clinical
signs but is commonly encountered on advanced imaging (Jones and Inzana 2000).

(A) (B)

(C) (D) (E)

Figure 16.2 Images of a puppy diagnosed with multiple cartilaginous exostoses (MCE) affecting the
shoulder and cervical vertebrae: (A) lateral survey radiograph showing multiple mineral opacities
within interspinous soft tissue between C1–C2; (B) CT illustrating the mass causing compression of the
spinal cord; (C) ventrodorsal survey radiograph of the cervical spine; and (D, E) lateral and craniocaudal
shoulder radiographs showing a large, amorphous mineral opacity at the medial aspect of the
shoulder joint.