How Behavioral Changes Can Indicate Serious Cerebral Pathology: A Case Report of Concomitant Olfactory Neuroblastoma and Distemper Virus Encephalitis in a Swiss Shepherd Dog

Abstract

Behavioral alterations in dogs are not easy to understand and cure. The situation is more difficult when an encephalitis due to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) and a concomitant olfactory neuroblastoma are present. This case report deals with the story of a 5-year-old Swiss shepherd dog with behavioral changes, seizures, epistaxis and ataxia. Following clinical and laboratory exams, a suspected diagnosis of CDV infection was hypothesized, and a therapy based on Ω-interferon was administered. Every supporting therapy failed and the worsening of the clinical conditions led to the euthanasia of the patient. A neoformation in the right frontal lobe was found post mortem. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry investigation showed a non-suppurative demyelinating encephalitis, suggestive of CDV infection, and a desmoplastic epithelioid olfactory neuroblastoma. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first clinical pathological report of a non-suppurative encephalitis due to CDV infection and olfactory neuroblastoma in a dog.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Silver Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Non-Neurological and Neurological Distemper in Dogs: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The use of antioxidants, vitamin E, B complex vitamins and high doses of vitamin A corresponded to essential therapeutic measures, to replace the vitamins lost due to anorexia and diuresis, or to stimulate appetite [32,33,35]. Antipyretics were used in dogs with temperatures above 40 • C. The use of anticonvulsant and sedative medication such as phenobarbital was indicated after the onset of systemic illness and before the onset of neurological signs [36,37]. To control optic neuritis, its sequelae of blindness, and relief signs of cerebral edema, steroid anti-inflammatory drugs were administered [38].…”