Cranial polyneuritis in a dog: Presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome

Abstract

A 6‐year‐4‐month‐old male entire Dalmatian was referred for acute onset ataxia, obtundation, head pressing, dropped jaw and vertical nystagmus. Neurological examination identified vestibular ataxia, positional left‐sided ventrolateral strabismus, static vertical nystagmus, dropped jaw, ptyalism, inconsistently present bilateral palpebral reflexes, menace responses and gag reflex. Based upon neurological examination, multiple cranial nerves were affected, and cranial polyneuropathy was suspected. Peripheral or central cranial polyneuropathy could not be differentiated at this stage. Forebrain disease could not be excluded considering the dog's clinical signs. MRI of the head identified bilaterally enlarged hyperintense and contrast‐enhancing trigeminal and vestibulocochlear nerves. Cisternal cerebral spinal fluid analysis was normal. Cranial polyneuritis was suspected. Medical management was initiated with an immunosuppressive dose of prednisolone and ciclosporin and an improvement of the dog's clinical signs was observed. This case is the first to describe a diagnostic approach and treatment plan for suspected cranial polyneuritis.

Successful Management of and Recovery from Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies following Surgical Ventral Stabilization in a Dog with Atlantoaxial Subluxation

“…An experimental study of cochlear nerve injuries induced by mechanical manipulation for a short period showed the transient loss and rapid recovery of cochlear nerve function [ 11 ]. Regarding CN dysfunction due to a reversible pathological etiology, if there is no cause of additional nerve damage in canine patients with CN dysfunction, neurological symptoms generally resolve within a month with specific treatment or spontaneous recovery [ 12 , 13 ]. In the present case, mechanical damage to the affected CNs lasted approximately 2 weeks, and it took approximately 1 month from the revision surgery for the patient to fully recover from the multiple CN palsies.…”