Table 1 Dog population, initial neurologic signs, and clinical diagnosis work-up
Case | Breed | Sex | Age (years) | Neurologic signs | MRI | CSF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Labrador retriever | M | 4 | Acute onset of tremors, severe ataxia, cervical pain | Single brainstem lesion, hyperintense in T2 and FLAIR, variable contrast enhancement | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
2 | Chihuahua | M | 4 | Acute onset of depression, compulsive walking, cervical pain | Normal | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
3 | Half-breed | M | 3 | Acute onset of general tremors, tetraparesis, cervical pain | Diffuse spinal cord lesion at C3-C4, hyperintense in T2 and FLAIR, severe contrast enhancement | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
4 | Golden retriever | F | 2 | Acute onset of compulsive walking, cervical pain, depression, tetraparesis | Normal | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
5 | Cocker Spaniel | F | 3.5 | Peracute onset of circling, ataxia, vision deficit, cervical pain | Multifocal lesions in both white and gray matter, hyperintense in T2 and FLAIR, no contrast enhancement | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
6 | Poodle | F | 1 | Acute onset of severe circling, head tilt, seizures | Multifocal cerebrum and brainstem lesions, hyperintense in T2 and FLAIR, no contrast enhancement | Mixed pleocytosis (lymphocytic/mononuclear) |
7 | Yorkshire terrier | M | 1.5 | Acute onset of alternate mental status agitation-stupor, seizures | Diffused hyperintensity in T2 an FLAIR in all left brain hemisphere, variable contrast enhancement | Mononuclear pleocytosis |
8 | Boxer | F | 2 | Peracute onset of severe cervical pain and weakness, tremors, partial seizures | Multifocal lesions hyperintense in T2 and FLAIR, variable contrast enhancement | Mixed pleocytosis (mainly mononuclear) |