Disorders of the Neurologic System and Special Senses

Cebra, Christopher K.; Gemensky-Metzler, Anne J.

doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-2352-6.00038-9

Cited by 6 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 101 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Besides a blood clot, a septic (bacterial) or a parasitic embolus has to be considered as well [11]. Elaeophora schneideri , the arterial worm of mule deer and black-tailed deer, has been suspected as possible causative agents for brain infarctions in alpacas and llamas as well [16]. This parasite, however, is restricted to North America, and to our knowledge no confirmed cases of brain infarcts related to intravascular parasites have been reported in alpacas or llamas.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropathological findings suggestive for a stroke in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundThis case report describes a focal brain lesion in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Although this is a restricted study based on a single animal, neuropathological features are reported that are most likely attributed to a vascular event with either ischemic or hemorrhagic pathology. Concerning translational issues, these findings extend neurovascular unit concept to the alpacas’ brain and qualify a larger panel of stroke tissue markers for further exploration of ischemic or hemorrhagic consequences beyond the usually used small animal models in stroke research.Case presentationA brain lesion indicative of a stroke was diagnosed in a 3-year-old female alpaca as an incidental finding during a post mortem examination. The rostral portion of the right frontal lobe contained a 1.0 × 1.5 × 1.7 cm lesion that extended immediately to the overlying leptomeninges. Microscopically, it was composed of liquefactive necrosis with cholesterol crystal deposition and associated granulomatous inflammation as well as vascularized fibrous connective tissue rimmed by proliferated astrocytes. Multiple fluorescence labeling of the affected brain regions revealed strong microgliosis as shown by immunostaining of the ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 and astrogliosis as demonstrated by enhanced immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein. In parallel, a drastic neuronal loss was detected by considerably diminished immunolabeling of neuronal nuclei. Concomitantly, up-regulated immunoreactivities for collagen IV and neurofilament light chains were found in the affected tissues, indicating vascular and cytoskeletal reactions.ConclusionsDriven by these neuropathological features, the incidental brain lesion found in this alpaca strongly suggests an ischemic or hemorrhagic etiology. However, since typical hallmarks became verifiable as previously described for other species affected by focal cerebral ischemia, the lesion is more likely related to an ischemic event. Nevertheless, as such cellular alterations might be difficult to distinguish from other brain lesions as for instance caused by inflammatory processes, adjuvant observations and species-related features need to be considered for etiological interpretations. Indeed, the lack of neurological deficits is likely attributed to the location of the lesion within the rostral aspect of the right frontal lobe of the alpacas’ brain. Further, fibroblast migration from the meninges likely caused the intralesional scar formation.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuropathological findings suggestive for a stroke in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Beside physical examination several different diagnostic approaches are available. To detect inflammatory processes of the CNS, the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in regard to pleocytosis and increased protein concentration is helpful [2, 3], but it needs to be considered that sampling of CSF requires sedation of the animal and is a risky procedure. In this case CSF analysis was not considered, since physical examination and the obvious cranial nerve deficits implicated pathological changes of the middle and inner ear structures which were confirmed by CT examination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Llamas and alpacas are predisposed for developing otitis media/interna because of characteristic anatomic conditions such as a long and narrow external acoustic ear canal and a multicompartmental tympanic bulla [3, 9, 11]. Otitis media/interna can arise from otitis externa or is often presumed to be a consequence of ascending infection up the eustachian tube [2, 3]. In the case presented, both ascending infection and otitis externa, could neither be confirmed nor ruled out as primary cause of the brain abscess due to the extensive lesions in the region of external, middle and internal ear structures and the chronicity of the process.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In South American camelids (SACs) neurologic disorders caused by infectious or non-infectious agents are not uncommon [1–3], albeit there are no epidemiologic studies published on the incidence of these diseases so far. Besides, only a few case reports are available providing insight into aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of neurologic camelid patients [1–6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In SACs brain abscesses causing neurologic symptoms usually occur in response to bacterial infections. They either develop through hematogenous spread of bacteria from other anatomical sites or they result from direct extension of cranial infections [2, 3]. Clinical signs can vary depending on the region of the brain affected.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Intracranial abscess formation in an adult alpaca: a case report

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Intracranial abscess formation is an extremely rare and sporadically documented disease in South American Camelids (SACs). Herein we report the first case of otogenic brain abscess formation in this species. Case presentation A 4 years old female alpaca was presented to our veterinary hospital with a 6 month history of neurologic disorder symptoms, mainly head tilt to the right and emaciation. A comprehensive workup (ultrasound and computed tomography) revealed irreversible cranial nerve abnormalities, extensive lesions in the region of external, middle and internal right ear including destruction of bony structures (tympanic bulla, parts of temporal bone) and severe brain deformation caused by an intracranial abscess. The lesion was up to 6x7x4 cm and occupying almost 40% of the cranial cavity. No pathological findings were evident in other organs or structures. The late referral of the alpaca at this advanced stage of destructive disease precluded surgical intervention. Conclusions This case report describes the clinical signs, diagnostic procedures and pathological findings in an adult female alpaca suffering from cranial nerve abnormalities caused by a massive otogenic brain abscess. Camelids suffering from otitis may not present with clinical signs until the pathology is severe. The importance of considering intracranial abscess formation as differential diagnosis in SACs showing the merest hint of nerve deficits cannot be emphasized enough in order to diagnose such pathological processes at an early and treatable stage.

show abstract