Constrictive myelopathy has been described in pugs with paraparesis and is characterized by fibrous connective and granulation tissue within the dura mater causing spinal cord compression and focal gliosis. An association between constrictive myelopathy and caudal articular process (CAP) dysplasia is suspected; however, some studies have reported CAP dysplasia as an incidental finding. The imaging appearance of constrictive myelopathy is currently limited to a small number of cases. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study was to detail the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and to correlate these with clinical signs of presumptive constrictive myelopathy in pugs. Medical databases from five veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed to identify pugs with pelvic limb ataxia and paresis, that had a complete record of signalment, neurological examination, and MRI of the thoracolumbar spinal cord. The exclusion criteria were pugs with other conditions, such as unequivocal subarachnoid diverticula, hemivertebrae causing vertebral canal stenosis, intervertebral disc extrusions/protrusions, and multifocal/diffuse lesions. Twenty‐seven pugs met the inclusion criteria. All cases were ambulatory with paraparesis and ataxia. Nearly 60% were incontinent. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a focal myelopathy in all cases showing one or more of the following lesions: CAP dysplasia (25/27), focal subarachnoid space irregular margination (26/27) with circumferential or dorsal contrast enhancement (10/12), and a symmetric V‐shaped ventral extradural lesion (23/27). This study describes specific MRI features of pugs with presumptive constrictive myelopathy, which authors hypothesize to be a consequence of chronic micro‐motion. Our results may help in diagnosing and subsequently treating this condition, which may warrant vertebral stabilization.
A 13-year-old, male, entire cocker spaniel was presented with a history of progressive discomfort during defecation. The referring veterinary surgeon suspected anal sacculitis and treated accordingly; however, this was unsuccessful, and the dog was referred for further investigations. Examination revealed marked resentment to manipulation of the tail but was otherwise unremarkable. Radiographs revealed lytic lesions in the first three caudal vertebrae, and MRI of the lumbosacral and first caudal nerves revealed severe enlargement of the caudal nerves within the vertebral canal with extension into the right ventral branches. These findings were highly suggestive of a nerve sheath tumour. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of sampled tissues supported the suspected diagnosis. The dog was euthanised based on the guarded prognosis and perceived poor quality of life. This report describes an infrequent location for nerve sheath tumour with tail pain and discomfort during defecation as the only clinical manifestations.
Intervertebral disc disease, including intervertebral disc extrusions and protrusions, is the most common spinal cord disorder in dogs. Atypical and uncommon intervertebral disc herniations include intradural/intramedullary disc extrusion, intervertebral foraminal disc extrusion and intervertebral disc herniation (Schmorl's node). Intradural/extramedullary disc extrusion is the least common type of intervertebral disc herniation in veterinary medicine, characterized by extruded disc material within the intradural space. To date, only one study has been published in veterinary medicine reporting intradural/extramedullary disc extrusions. In this study, low field MRI was used, and the authors could not find any MRI features to diagnose with confidence an intradural/extramedullary disc location of the extruded disc material. The aim of this study was to describe the high field (1.5T) MRI characteristics of surgically confirmed intradural/extramedullary disc extrusions. This is a retrospective, multicentric and descriptive study. Inclusion criteria was surgical confirmation of intradural/extramedullary disc extrusion by durotomy and complete MRI study of the spine. Seven cases were included. Images were reviewed by a radiology resident and a certified radiologist, with emphasis on the following signs: “Golf-tee sign” (widening of the subarachnoid space cranial and caudal to the lesion), “Beak sign” (pointed and sharp compressive lesion) and “Y sign” (division of the dura and arachnoid layers). MRI showed a “Y sign” in all the cases (7/7) seen from the T2-weighted sagittal views, while “Golf-tee sign” was not recognized in any of the cases (0/7). Additionally, “beak sign” was present in half of the cases (4/7). “Y sign” maybe a reliable MRI feature for identifying intradural/medullary disc extrusions from the MRI study. As the arachnoid is peeled from the dura by the disc herniation there is a splitting of the arachnoid mater and the ventral dura. The intradural disc material will be surrounded by CSF signal intensity margin, giving the appearance of a Y, which can be identified from the T2-weighted sagittal images.
Background: Acquired narcolepsy has rarely been reported in veterinary medicine.Objective: To describe the presentation, clinicopathological features, diagnostic imaging findings, and management of dogs with suspected-acquired narcolepsy.Animals: Eight dogs with clinical features consistent with acquired narcolepsy.Methods: A call for suspected cases of acquired narcolepsy was made online, followed by a retrospective review of detailed medical records of potential cases. Dogs were included if episodes consistent with cataplexy were present during examination by a board-certified veterinary neurologist and diagnostic work-up included magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.Results: Seven French Bulldogs and 1 Chihuahua (age range, 9-66 months) were included. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin was diagnosed in 2 dogs, extracranial foci of inflammation were identified in 2 dogs (aspiration pneumonia, esophagitis, otitis media), and no abnormalities were found on diagnostic investigations in 4 dogs.Prednisolone was used in the management of all dogs, 6 dogs received imipramine, and 2 received cytosine arabinoside. An initial remission of signs was observed in all dogs, but a subsequent relapse of clinical signs was recorded for 4 dogs, of which 3 responded to adjustment or resumption of treatment.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The presence of cataplexy episodes should prompt a thorough diagnostic work-up to exclude the presence of intracranial (and extracranial) pathology. The potential for both remission and relapse of signs in suspected acquired cases is important for clinicians and owners to be aware of.
Case summaryA case of acquired acute obstructive hydrocephalus that developed as a complication of an ischaemic infarct in the vascular territory of the rostral cerebellar artery is described in an adult domestic shorthair cat. The clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, treatment and prognosis are reported. MRI findings are described in detail.Relevance and novel informationThis is the first report of obstructive hydrocephalus as a complication of an ischaemic infarct in the region of the rostral cerebellar artery in a cat. MRI findings are described in detail with regard to the recognition of the early signs of obstructive hydrocephalus. A brief review of the literature is included, as this complication has been frequently reported in humans.
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