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- Butterfly Glioblastoma Identified in Dogs: Distinct MRI Features of a Rare, Aggressive Brain Tumor
Butterfly Glioblastoma Identified in Dogs: Distinct MRI Features of a Rare, Aggressive Brain Tumor
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2016
Obi Veterinary Education
January 13, 2026
John H. Rossmeisl, Kemba Clapp, Theresa E. Pancotto, Samantha Emch, John L. Robertson, Waldemar Debinski
Background
In human neuro-oncology, the term “butterfly glioma” describes high-grade gliomas that infiltrate across the corpus callosum, resulting in contiguous bihemispheric lesions. Although canine and human gliomas share many pathological and neuroradiological similarities, this distinctive butterfly morphology had not previously been reported in dogs. The objective of this report was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and pathological features of canine glioblastomas exhibiting a butterfly growth pattern and to discuss relevant neuroimaging differential diagnoses.
Methods
This study is a descriptive case series of three dogs diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme exhibiting bihemispheric involvement. All dogs underwent MRI of the brain, and diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology following necropsy. MRI features were reviewed with emphasis on lesion distribution, signal characteristics, contrast enhancement, corpus callosum involvement, and associated mass effect and edema. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were used to characterize tumor type and extent of invasion.
Results
All dogs presented with generalized seizures and neurological deficits consistent with multifocal or diffuse forebrain disease. MRI revealed intra-axial mass lesions affecting both cerebral hemispheres with direct involvement of the corpus callosum, producing asymmetrical (two dogs) or symmetrical (one dog) “butterfly” configurations. Lesions were predominantly T1 hypointense and T2/FLAIR hyperintense, with variable contrast enhancement and marked perilesional edema and mass effect. Histopathology confirmed glioblastoma multiforme in all cases, characterized by pleomorphic astrocytic populations, serpentine necrosis, pseudopalisading, microvascular proliferation, and extensive invasion of the corpus callosum and contralateral hemisphere. One tumor contained an oligodendroglial component.
Limitations
The report included only three cases, limiting conclusions regarding prevalence and prognosis. The retrospective, descriptive nature of the study precluded standardized imaging protocols, treatment approaches, or outcome comparisons. Long-term survival data were limited, as all dogs died or were euthanized shortly after diagnosis.
Conclusions
This case series demonstrates that glioblastoma in dogs can exhibit a butterfly growth pattern analogous to that described in humans, characterized by transcallosal spread and bihemispheric involvement. Although rare, butterfly glioblastoma should be considered a differential diagnosis in dogs with bilateral intra-axial cerebral mass lesions and MRI features consistent with glioma. Recognition of this pattern has important implications for diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
Symmetrical butterfly glioblastoma, Case 3. Transverse T1 (A) and FLAIR (B) MR images at the level of the cruciate gyrus, demonstrating an intra-axial, bilaterally symmetric mass lesion present in the frontoparietal regions. Schematic, MR intensity-segmented transverse (C) and dorsal planar (G) representations of symmetrical bihemispheric appearance of butterfly GBM (stippled gray), perilesional edema (white), brain parenchyma (light gray), and ventricles (black). Histopathological features of GBM (D) include marked hypercellularity, cellular pleomorphism, and microvascular proliferation. Oligodendroglial components of the tumor are present throughout the section (H&E stain, bar = 200 μm). In the dorsal planar PD-T2 (E) and FLAIR (F) images, the mass attenuates the rostral aspects of the lateral ventricles and is associated with extensive symmetrical perilesional hyperintensity within the surrounding white matter, consistent with edema. The mass demonstrates heterogeneous signal intensity in all sequences. (H) 50% of neoplastic astrocytes demonstrate intense GFAP staining, while neoplastic oligodendrocytes lack GFAP immunoreactivity (GFAP stain, horseradish peroxidase with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine substrate, bar = 50 μm).
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