08/25/2026
Lola, a 10-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, initially came to our Neurology team for recurrent neck pain, right front-leg lameness, and difficulty walking. Her symptoms raised concern for intervertebral disc disease, but when Lola suddenly became much more painful and reluctant to walk, her case took an unexpected turn.
Our Emergency, Neurology, and Surgery teams worked together to investigate. An MRI revealed a much more widespread problem than a simple spinal condition, with lesions involving multiple joints, including both shoulders, stifles, hips, and the jaw, as well as soft tissues around the scapulae.
Because the imaging and initial cytology raised concern for possible multifocal cancer, Lola was referred to Oncology. A biopsy instead showed severe inflammation consistent with an immune-mediated process. After reviewing her clinical improvement, imaging, and pathology, the Oncology team felt that pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS), a rare inflammatory condition affecting the joints, was more likely than cancer.
Lola’s case is a great example of why collaboration between veterinary specialties matters. Emergency, Neurology, Surgery, Radiology, and Oncology all played a role in piecing together this complex diagnostic puzzle and determining the best way to help her.
And the best part? ❤️ Lola has responded beautifully to treatment and is feeling much more like herself!
