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Santifort KM, den Toom M, Garosi L, Carrera I. Case report: Intracranial and spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a dog with Angiostrongylosis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1190792. [PMID: 37292430 PMCID: PMC10244777 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1190792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A 1-year-old male intact Staffordshire terrier, born and raised in the Netherlands, was presented with a 3-week history of progressive lethargy and spinal, predominantly cervical, hyperesthesia. Other than hyperthermia and cervical hyperesthesia, general and neurological examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Comprehensive hematological and biochemical tests were considered normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the craniocervical region revealed heterogeneity of the subarachnoid space, characterized by pre-contrast T1W hyperintensity, corresponding to a T2* signal void. Extending from the caudal cranial fossa to the level of the third thoracic vertebra, there were uneven patchy extra-parenchymal lesions that caused mild spinal cord compression, most marked at the level of C2. At this level, the spinal cord showed an ill-defined hyperintense T2W intramedullary lesion. Mild intracranial and spinal meningeal contrast enhancement was evident on post-contrast T1W images. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was suspected, and further diagnostic tests including Baermann coprology resulted in a diagnosis of hemorrhagic diathesis caused by an Angiostrongylus vasorum infection. The dog rapidly responded to treatment with corticosteroids, analgesic medication, and antiparasitic treatment. Follow-up over 6 months yielded complete clinical remission and repeatedly negative Baermann tests. This case report details clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a dog with subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with an Angiostrongylus vasorum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen M. Santifort
- IVC Evidensia Small Animal Referral Hospital Arnhem, Neurology, Arnhem, Netherlands
- IVC Evidensia Small Animal Referral Hospital Hart van Brabant, Neurology, Waalwijk, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein den Toom
- IVC Evidensia Small Animal Referral Hospital Nieuwegein, Cardiology, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
| | | | - Ines Carrera
- Vet Oracle Teleradiology, Norfolk, United Kingdom
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2
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West N, Butterfield S, Rusbridge C, Fernandez A, Tabanez J, Rudolf NJ, Archer S, Whittaker D. Non-traumatic hemorrhagic myelopathy in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:1129-1138. [PMID: 37095733 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-traumatic spinal cord hemorrhage (NTSH) is an uncommon cause of myelopathy in dogs. OBJECTIVES Describe the clinical characteristics, concurrent medical conditions and underlying causes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcome in dogs with NTSH. ANIMALS Dogs diagnosed with NTSH using gradient echo T2-weighted (GRE) sequences with or without histopathological confirmation of hemorrhage were included. Dogs with a traumatic cause were excluded, including those with compressive intervertebral disc extrusion. METHODS Retrospective descriptive study; the databases of 2 referral hospitals were searched between 2013 and 2021. RESULTS Twenty-three dogs met inclusion criteria. The onset of signs was acute and progressive in 70% of cases; spinal hyperesthesia was variable (48%). Hemorrhage was identified in the thoracolumbar spinal segments in 65% of dogs. An underlying cause was identified in 65% of cases. Angiostrongylus vasorum represented 18% of the total cohort, followed by steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA; 13%). Overall, 64% of dogs had a good or excellent outcome, regardless of cause; which was increased to 100% for SRMA, 75% for A. vasorum and 75% for idiopathic NTSH. Outcome was not associated with neurological severity. Recovery rate was 67% and 50% for nociception-intact and nociception-negative dogs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Larger prospective studies would be required to define prognostic factors for dogs with NTSH, but outcome appeared to be most influenced by the underlying cause, as opposed to neurological severity at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie West
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Halfway ln, Godalming, UK
- North Downs Specialist Referrals, part of Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Bletchingley, UK
| | - Sarah Butterfield
- The Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College
| | - Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Halfway ln, Godalming, UK
- The University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Wear Referrals, County Durham, UK
| | - Ana Fernandez
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Halfway ln, Godalming, UK
| | - Joana Tabanez
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Halfway ln, Godalming, UK
| | | | | | - Danielle Whittaker
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Halfway ln, Godalming, UK
- The Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals, Royal Veterinary College
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3
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Solari FP, Sherman AH, Blong AE, Cameron S, Walton RA. Diagnosis and successful management of an extradural compressive hematoma secondary to diphacinone poisoning in a dog. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2023; 33:101-106. [PMID: 36098050 PMCID: PMC10087660 DOI: 10.1111/vec.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the successful case management of an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity causing spinal compression and paraplegia. CASE SUMMARY A 3-month-old, female intact, mixed breed dog was presented for a 12-hour history of paraplegia. CBC and biochemistry results were unremarkable, and a coagulation panel revealed prolonged prothrombin time with normal activated partial thromboplastin time. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural compressive lesion within the vertebral canal extending from T6 to T11, most consistent with an extradural hematoma. Further coagulation testing revealed a coagulopathy caused by vitamin K1 deficiency and confirmed exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide, diphacinone. The dog was medically managed with fresh frozen plasma, aminocaproic acid, and oral vitamin K1 therapy. A right-sided T6 to T11 hemilaminectomy was later performed for removal of the extradural hematoma and spinal decompression. The dog's neurological status gradually improved postoperatively and, at the time of discharge, was nonambulatory paraparetic with voluntary micturition. Four weeks postoperatively, the dog had normal prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and was nonambulatory paraparetic with strong motor function. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED This is the first reported case of a dog with an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide causing spinal cord compression and neurological deficits. Surgical management of this case was successful and resulted in improvement of neurological signs. Extradural hematoma should be considered as a potential location of bleeding in rodenticide toxicity as well as a differential diagnosis in patients with neurological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca P Solari
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Alec H Sherman
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - April E Blong
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Starr Cameron
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebecca A Walton
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Bridges J, Windsor R, Stewart SD, Fuerher-Senecal L, Khanna C. Prevalence and clinical features of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc-associated epidural hemorrhage in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2022; 36:1365-1372. [PMID: 35521894 PMCID: PMC9308439 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc‐associated epidural hemorrhage (EH) in dogs is a poorly understood neurological condition. Objective To compare the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, and clinical outcome of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL‐IVDH) with and without EH. Animals One hundred sixty client‐owned dogs that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy for acute TL‐IVDH at a private practice in Colorado, including 63 dogs with EH and 97 dogs without EH. Methods Retrospective review of medical record data from 160 dogs presenting sequentially to a single practice with acute TL‐IVDH that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy surgery. Results Sixty‐three of 160 (39%) dogs had confirmed EH. French Bulldogs were significantly overrepresented (23/63; odds ratio [OR]: 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8‐9.0; P < .001) of the EH cases. Dogs with EH were more likely to present with clinical signs less than 48 hours than were dogs without EH (24‐48 vs 48‐72 hours; OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.6; P = .02) and were more likely to be nonambulatory on presentation (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0‐4.1; P = .04). Dogs with EH were more likely to have <50% cross‐sectional spinal cord compression than dogs without EH (OR: 2.3 vs. 0.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.4 and 0.2‐0.9, respectively), longer longitudinal spinal cord compression (3 spaces vs 1 space, P < .001), and greater intrinsic spinal cord change (grade 3/severe vs grade 1/mild; P < .001) based on MRI. The location of the intervertebral disc herniation in French Bulldogs with EH was more likely to be thoracolumbar (OR: 10.8; 95% CI: 2.1‐55.7; P = .03). Conclusions and Clinical Importance French Bulldogs have a high prevalence of intervertebral disc‐associated EH. Dogs with EH have a shorter clinical course and are more likely to be nonambulatory on initial presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chand Khanna
- Ethos Veterinary Health, Woburn, Massachusetts, USA
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Fowler KM, Bolton TA, Rossmeisl JH, Arendse AU, Vernau KM, Li RHL, Parker RL. Clinical, Diagnostic, and Imaging Findings in Three Juvenile Dogs With Paraspinal Hyperesthesia or Myelopathy as a Consequence of Hemophilia A: A Case Report. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:871029. [PMID: 35498741 PMCID: PMC9051508 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.871029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Three juvenile dogs presented with an acute onset of paraspinal hyperesthesia and/or neurologic deficits. These dogs underwent anesthesia for MRI and additional diagnostics. The thoracolumbar MRI in Dog 1 revealed an accumulation of T2-weighted (T2W) hyperintense, T1-weighted (T1W) iso- to hyperintense, contrast enhancing extradural material. The differential diagnoses were meningitis with secondary hemorrhage or empyema or late subacute hemorrhage. The initial cervical MRI in Dog 2 revealed T1W meningeal contrast enhancement suspected to be secondary to meningitis. A repeat MRI following neurologic decline after CSF sampling revealed a large area of T2W and T1W hyperintensity between fascial planes of the cervical musculature as well as T2W iso- to hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural material at the level of C1 consistent with hemorrhage. The cervical MRI in Dog 3 revealed T2W hyperintense and T1W iso- to hypointense extradural compressive material consistent with hemorrhage. Dogs 1 and 2 underwent CSF sampling and developed complications, including subcutaneous hematoma and vertebral canal hemorrhage. Dog 3 underwent surgical decompression, which revealed a compressive extradural hematoma. In each case, a hemophilia panel including factor VIII concentration confirmed the diagnosis of hemophilia A. Dog 1 had a resolution of clinical signs for ~5 months before being euthanized from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Dog 2 was euthanized due to neurologic decompensation following CSF sampling. Dog 3 did well for 2 weeks after surgery but was then lost to follow-up. This case series provides information on clinical signs, MRI findings, and outcome in 3 juvenile dogs with hemophilia A that developed neurologic deficits or paraspinal hyperesthesia secondary to spontaneous or iatrogenic vertebral canal hemorrhage. Hemophilia A should be considered as a differential in any young dog presenting with an acute onset of hyperesthesia with or without neurologic deficits. This diagnosis should be prioritized in young male dogs that have other evidence of hemorrhage on physical exam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Fowler
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Timothy A. Bolton
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - John H. Rossmeisl
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Avril U. Arendse
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Karen M. Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ronald H. L. Li
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rell L. Parker
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Rell L. Parker
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Mallol C, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Hammond G, Schweizer-Gorgas D, De Decker S, Novellas R, Espada Y, Oevermann A, Ortega M, Parry A, Coelho AM, Gonçalves R, Stalin C, Brocal J. MRI features of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2021; 63:185-196. [PMID: 34873768 DOI: 10.1111/vru.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemangiosarcoma is the most common metastatic tumor involving the brain in dogs but detailed published descriptions of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are lacking. The objective of this multi-center, retrospective case series study was to describe MRI characteristics of canine hemangiosarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Medical records of seven referral institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma affecting the CNS and undergone an MRI of the brain and/or vertebral column. Lesions were independently evaluated by two observers. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria and one dog had both intracranial and intramedullary hemangiosarcoma. Consistent MRI features included heterogeneous (17/21) lesions in all sequences with mainly mixed signal intensity (12/21), presence of susceptibility artifact on T2*w (15/16), associated moderate to severe perilesional edema (21/21), and moderate to strong (20/21) heterogeneous (14/21) or ring-like (6/21) contrast enhancement. Intracranial hemangiosarcoma was frequently multiple and intra-axial, affecting consistently the telencephalon and no differences in MRI features were found between primary and metastatic hemangiosarcoma. This is the first MRI description of primary intracranial hemangiosarcoma and primary intracranial epithelioid hemangiosarcoma. Vertebral hemangiosarcomas were segmental poorly marginated polyostotic and highly aggressive lesions invading the thoracic vertebral canal and paraspinal tissues. Epidural hemangiosarcomas were single and well-marginated lesions in the thoracolumbar and/or lumbar region. Intramedullary hemangiosarcomas were cervical, metastatic in origin, and frequently (3/4) accompanied by intracranial lesions. These described MRI features will aid early identification of hemangiosarcoma guiding subsequent diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mallol
- Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | | | - Gawain Hammond
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniela Schweizer-Gorgas
- Division of Clinical Radiology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steven De Decker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Rosa Novellas
- Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Yvonne Espada
- Diagnostic Imaging Service of the Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Ortega
- Centro Clínico Veterinario Indautxu, San Mames Zumarkalea 38, Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Andrew Parry
- Willows Referral Service, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, UK
| | - Ana Maria Coelho
- WEAR REFERRALS Veterinary Hospital, Bradbury, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Rita Gonçalves
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, UK
| | - Catherine Stalin
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Josep Brocal
- Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, Bunstead Barns, Poles Lane, Hursley, Winchester, Hampshire, UK
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Lee JS, Bellis TJ, Yoskowitz AS, Levitin B. "Acute onset tetraplegia associated with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and suspected secondary intraspinal hemorrhage in a dog". Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:1673-1679. [PMID: 31534725 PMCID: PMC6745400 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurologic manifestations of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia are uncommon, and limited reports exist in human and veterinary medicine. This report documents acute onset of tetraplegia in a dog with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and suspected secondary intraspinal hemorrhage with subsequent recovery of neurologic function following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine S. Lee
- Emergency and Critical CareBluePearl Veterinary PartnersNew YorkNew York
| | - Tara Jane Bellis
- Emergency and Critical CareBluePearl Veterinary PartnersNew YorkNew York
| | | | - Boaz Levitin
- NeurologyBluePearl Veterinary PartnersNew YorkNew York
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Ricciardi M, Campanella A, Grieco G, Zammit R. Usefulness of spinal unenhanced computed tomography and CT-myelography in the age of multidetector CT technology and magnetic resonance imaging - Preliminary considerations. Open Vet J 2018; 8:265-281. [PMID: 30148079 PMCID: PMC6102422 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) have revolutionized diagnostic potential in small animal practice, providing adequate assessment of spinal diseases at levels comparable to that achieved in human radiology. T2-weighted MRI images are extremely sensitive to intramedullary parenchymal disorders, while balanced steady-state free precession sequences provide high-quality myelographic images of the spine without the need of intrathecal contrast medium administration. Multidetector computed tomography, with its near-isotropic spatial resolution and multiplanar reformatting of the acquired datasets, provides sufficient stratigraphic details of the spinal cord and the epidural space, facilitating the detection of compressive pathologies without the need of subarachnoid opacification. Nowadays, MDCT and low-field (LF) MRI have become fairly standard and available in academic institutions and private veterinary facilities, appearing to be valuable, complementary, and non-invasive diagnostic tools for imaging the spine. In this scenario, this clinical communication provides a series of preliminary observations that may help to reconsider the usefulness of CT-myelography in the light of its invasiveness and actual diagnostic advantages compared to MRI and unenhanced MDCT for the assessment of compressive and non-compressive spinal diseases in small animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ricciardi
- Pingry Veterinary Hospital, Via Medaglie d'Oro 5, 70126 - Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Campanella
- Ospedale Veterinario Gregorio VII. Piazza di Villa Carpegna 52, 00165 - Roma, Italy
| | - Gloria Grieco
- Clinica Veterinaria Borghesiana, Via di Vermicino 96, 00133 - Roma, Italy
| | - Roberta Zammit
- Clinica Veterinaria Borghesiana, Via di Vermicino 96, 00133 - Roma, Italy
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Wang-Leandro A, Huenerfauth EI, Heissl K, Tipold A. MRI Findings of Early-Stage Hyperacute Hemorrhage Causing Extramedullary Compression of the Cervical Spinal Cord in a Dog with Suspected Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:161. [PMID: 29021984 PMCID: PMC5623665 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A 9-month-old female Weimaraner was presented to the emergency service due to episodes of fever and neck pain. Physical examination revealed a stiff neck posture and elevated body temperature. Shortly after clinical examination was performed, the dog developed peracute onset of non-ambulatory tetraparesis compatible with a C1–C5 spinal cord (SC) lesion. Immediately thereafter (<1 h), MRI of the cervical SC was performed with a 3-T scanner. A left ventrolateral intradural-extramedullary SC compression caused by a round-shaped structure at the level of C3––C4 was evidenced. The structure was iso- to slightly hyperintense in T1-weighted (T1W) sequences compared to SC parenchyma and hyperintense in T2-weighted, gradient echo, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. Moreover, the structure showed a strong homogeneous contrast uptake in T1W sequences. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a mixed pleocytosis, as well as elevated protein and erythrocyte count. Early-stage hyperacute extramedullary hemorrhage was suspected due to immune mediated vasculitis. The dog was maintained under general anesthesia and artificial ventilation for 24 h and long-term therapy with corticosteroids and physiotherapy was initiated. Eight weeks after initial presentation, the dog was ambulatory, slightly tetraparetic. Follow-up MRI showed a regression of the round-shaped structure and pleocytosis was not evident in CSF analysis. This report describes an early-stage hyperacute extramedullary hemorrhage, a condition rarely recorded in dogs even in experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Wang-Leandro
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Enrice-Ina Huenerfauth
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katharina Heissl
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Tipold
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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