A retrospective evaluation of 17 dogs treated surgically for idiopathic acquired laryngeal paralysis demonstrated a marked variability in outcome, with many dogs continuing to exhibit weakness and exercise tolerance. In a subsequent prospective study, 22 consecutive affected dogs were tested for neurological deficits by neurological examination, electrodiagnostic evaluation, and blood analysis to measure thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone and to detect any evidence of myasthenia gravis. Clinical neurological deficits and/or electrodiagnostic abnormalities were found in each case. There was limited evidence that specific neurological deficits were associated with a poor prognosis for full recovery of exercise tolerance. None of the dogs was positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies, and only three showed evidence of thyroid dysfunction.

Little detailed information regarding surgical treatment of hemivertebrae in dogs is available; results of treatment in these 3 dogs suggest that spinal cord decompression and stabilization of the vertebral column can achieve a satisfactory, functional outcome.

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A 1-month-old female alpaca weighing 15 kg (33 lb) was brought to the Queen' s Veterinary School hospital with a history of dullness, swaying, and head nodding that had become progressively worse over the previous week. The dam had been brought to the United Kingdom from Australia during the last month of pregnancy to join a herd of approximately 200. For 3 days following parturition, the cria was reportedly dull and maladjusted, but then became more responsive and suckled from the dam. Shortly after birth, the cria was given an injection of florfenicol-flunixin meglumine a (80 mg/kg [36 mg/lb], IM) by the referring veterinarian because of concerns about possible low-grade peritonitis.On initial examination, the cria remained in sternal recumbency with its head raised but swaying from side to side; signs of depression were evident. Rectal temperature was 37.3 o C (99.1 o F), pulse rate was 100 beats/min, and respiration rate was 32 breaths/min. Results of abdominal palpation and auscultation of the heart and lungs were unremarkable. The cria was reluctant to support its weight and had deficits in foot placement and hopping reactions in all 4 limbs. Flexor reflexes were normal in all 4 limbs, and strong patellar reflexes were present. Pupillary light reflexes and menace responses were normal. There was no evidence of pain associated with spinal palpation or manipulation. The abnormal mentation and involvement of all 4 limbs combined with an absence of cranial nerve deficits suggested a diffuse forebrain lesion or possible metabolic disorder. Case Description-A 1-month-old female alpaca was examined because of progressive clinical signs consistent with an intracranial lesion. Clinical Findings-Clinical signs included signs of depression, lethargy, tetraparesis, and neck weakness. Two large isointense intracranial masses could be seen on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. On T2-weighted images, the masses contained concentric rings of hypointense and hyperintense material. Treatment and Outcome-2 abscesses were removed via a craniotomy that incorporated removal of the sagittal crest and surrounding skull and transection of the sagittal sinus. The bony deficit was replaced with polypropylene mesh. The alpaca recovered within 2 weeks and was fully integrated into the herd within 1 month after surgery. Clinical Relevance-Findings indicated that surgical removal is a feasible means of successfully treating intracranial abscesses in juvenile alpacas. (J Am Vet Med Assoc

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