MRI

Transient Postural Vestibulo-Cerebellar Syndrome Case report

svet penDr Svetoslvav Penchev

United Veterinary Clinic

Varna, Bulgaria

 

 

Transient Postural Vestibulo-Cerebellar Syndrome is a condition that present as pronounced vestibulo-cerebellar signs. In this  syndrome transient postural symptoms present as  vestibulo-cerebellar signs after altering the position of the head.Vestibular deficits related to head posture have been described, introducing the relationship of nodulus and uvula pathology to various vestibular signs elicited by the postural changes of the head.

 

 

Case report:

 

Signalment: Adopted from a shelter mix breed female dog without previous history.The age of the dog was estimated to be 7-8 months based on general appearance and teeth condition.

 

 

Case presenting sings: Vestibular episodes during sniffing and eating or head position changing(Transient vestibular signs as vertigo and nystagmus  caused by changing the posture of the head). Symptoms are not progressive.

 

Clinical examination: Good overall condition ; Internal body temperature- 38,9; Normal respiratory and heart rate; Color of mucous membranes – pink; CRT – 1,5 sec.

 

Neurological examination:

 

Mentation: Normal

Behavior: Normal

Gait: Normal( no signs of cerebellar ataxia when the dog plays or runs)

Cranial nerves: normal

There was no change in conscious proprioception and bladder function was normal.

Spinal reflexes were normal.

 

Neuroanatomic localisation: Vestibulocerebellum

 

Differential diagnosis: Idiopatic/Anomaly/Metabolic/Degenerative/Neoplastic/Trauma/Vascular

 

Case work-up:

 

CBC and Biochemistry- without any changes

CRP – 8,7 my/L

 

Magnetic resonance of the head was performed with GE MRI 1.5 Tesla.

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MRI findings:

The T1W and T2W sagittal  and transversal images showed reduced size of the nodulus and uvula of the caudal cerebellum  with CSF filling the space normally occupied by cerebellar parenchyma.This is particularly visible on T2W images due to the hyperintensity of the surrounding CSF.These imaging findings were considered most likely to represent congenital caudal cerebellar hypoplasia.

 

There is no histopathological examination providing a definitive diagnosis, but the most likely diagnosis is Congenital Caudal Cerebellar Hypoplasia.

 

No treatment was recommended. There is no progression of the clinical sings 4 months after the examination.

 

 

 

 

normal dog’s anatomy images-  “vet-Anatomy”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glioblastoma in cerebellum of the dog

Dimitar IvanovDr Dimitar Ivanov

Veterinary Clinics Dobro Hrumvane

Sofia, Bulgaria

Glioblastoma is a malignant tumor of the nervous tissue. This is the fourth degree of astrocytoma. It is more common in the frontal and temporal lobes. Good contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging, edema of the surrounding tissue is often observed. Macroscopically, it has well-defined borders.

Male dog, named Jazz, 9 years old, husky, brought to the clinic on 01.07.2020

There is worsening of the condition since the day before, the animal was no longer interested in food or water, there was lack of coordination. The clinical examination reveals that the animal was obtunded, but still responsive and it was responding to commands, given by the owners, it was also consciously resisting some tests, during the examination, which it doesn’t seem to like. No evidence of seizures. Posture – head turn to the left and tilt to the right. Gait – vestibular ataxia. Cranial nerves – absent menace reaction on the left. Postural reactions – decreased proprioception of the left pelvic limb, decreased hopping reaction of the right thoracic limb. Spinal reflexes – normal. Localization – the decreased proprioception only on the left pelvic limbs cannot definitively determine the localization. Due to the left head turn, the localization is determined in the left forebrain or peripheral vestibular syndrome. Differential diagnoses: ischemia, metabolic disease, neoplasia. MRI is recommended.2 3 4 5 6 7

On 02.07.2020 blood was taken for CBC – nothing remarkable, Biochemistry – a slight increase in glucose and AST, ALP – 455.99 (10.6-109 U / L). FT4 and TSH are normal.

On 03.07.2020, an MRI was performed. The imagining showed a mass in the left cerebellum, with mass effect on the brainstem and cerebellum, obstruction of the normal outflow of cerebrospinal fluid and for that causing hydrocephalus. Also edema in the surrounding tissue.

Preoperative preparation was started with Mannitol 1.5 g/kg/12h i.v., Methylprednisolon 15.78 mg/12h i.v.  Antibiotic therapy – Ceftriaxone – 1 g/12h i.v.

On July 4, 2020, a left suboccipital craniectomy was performed for removing the mass, part of which was sent for histopathology to Laboklin, Germany. Part of the capsule of the tumor has not been removed due to adhesions with the brainstem and the risk of injury during the process of removing it. An artificial dura was placed on the defect to prevent the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.

After the surgery Jazz was recovering very well. There was a manifestation of vertical nystagmus, which disappeared quickly by itself. Antibiotic therapy was continued, as well as mannitol and methylprednisolone therapy 24 hours after the surgery. Meloxicam was included for pain management 12 hours after the steroids were stopped

The first day after the surgery Jazz was still slightly uncoordinated and his head was still with negligible turn, but he was able to get up and walk on his own.

On July 6, 2020, 48 hours after the surgery, Jazz was more stable, progressively getting better and eating and drinking water.

On July 9, 2020, in the middle of the day Jazz’s condition got worse. He started to turn his head to the left again. On the same day, the histology result was received:

Glioblastoma with high degree of malignancy.

On 10.07.2020, steroid therapy was started, which led to a fast improvement. On the next day Jazz was sent home with home therapy of prednisolone 0.5mg/kg/12h.

Consultation with oncology department for chemotherapy was recommended

On 17.07.20 the sutures were removed from the skin incision, Jazz’s therapy with prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg /12h) was continued. There was a slight incoordination and tilt of the head.

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Trigeminal nerve sheath tumor

sv penchevDr Svetoslav Penchev

United  Veterinary Clinic

Varna, Bulgaria

 

 

The nerve sheath is a layer of myelin and connective tissue that surrounds and insulates fibers in the peripheral nerves. A nerve sheath tumor is an abnormal growth within the cells of this covering. Nerve sheath tumors include schwannomas, neurilemmomas, and neurofibromas. The trigeminal nerve is the most frequently affected cranial nerve. This results in unilateral atrophy of the temporalis and masseter muscles and facial dysesthesia or anesthesia. Eventually, brain-stem compression can develop.

 

 

Signalmen: 12 years old, female, castrated Labrador retriever

 

History:  The owner noticed that dog`s head has not normal shape.

 

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Case presenting signs:  Chronic right trigeminal nerve deficit with atrophy of the temporalis and masseter muscles. Reduced facial sensation, absent palpebral reflex with normal menace response reaction and reduced right corneal sensation and enophtalmus.

 

Clinical examination: The overall condition of the dog was normal with normal appetite, good muscle and body condition except the right temporalis and masseter muscles.  Internal body temperature 38,8 ; Normal respiratory and heart rate; Color of mucous membranes – pink; CRT – 1,5 sec.

 

Neurological examination:

Mentation and behavior- Normal

Posture- Normal

Gait – Normal

Cranial nerves – right trigeminal nerve deficit

There was no change in conscious proprioception and bladder function was normal.

Spinal reflexes were normal.

 

Neuroanatomic localization: R Trigeminal nerve

 

Differential diagnosis:

Idiopatic/Inflammatory/Trauma/Metabolic/Neoplastic

 

Case work-up:  CBC – without changes; Biochemistry – Elevation of Liver enzymes (ASAT 69 IU/L; ALAT 90 IU/L)

Contrast MRI study of the head was performed with GE MRI 1.5 Tesla.

 

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MRI     findings:

There is a large extra-axial T1 hypointense, T2 hyperintense tubular mass that arises at the origin of the right trigeminal nerve and extends rostrally through the trigeminal canal of the temporal bone. The right oval foramen is enlarged because of involving the mandibular branch. Atrophy and denervation of the masticatory muscles (temporalis, masseter and pterygoid muscles) is present with T1-, T2-hyperintesity, reduction of the muscle mass and replacement by fatty tissue. Post contrast images shows marked contrast enhancement of the right trigeminal nerve compared with the left (mild enhancement of the left trigeminal nerve is physiologic).

 

Diagnosis:

Right Trigeminal nerve sheath tumor

 

Intracranial peripheral nerve sheath tumors are relatively uncommon tumors in dogs. Clinically, dogs with intracranial PNST have one or more of the following clinical signs: ipsilateral masticatory muscle atrophy, loss of facial sensation, and Horner’s syndrome. Signs from intracranial brainstem compression can also occur. Radiation therapy is a commonly used modality in the treatment of intracranial PNST. Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is one method used to deliver a curative dose of external beam radiation therapy. This precise and conformal treatment directly targets the radiation at the tumor with rapid dose drop-off, which allows for very high doses of radiation to be administered without increasing toxicity to adjacent normal tissues.

Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome

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Dr Svetoslav Penchev

Dr Svetoslav Penchev

United Veterinary Clinic

Varna, Bulgaria

 

 

 

Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome is a condition that affects flocculonodular lobe or the caudal cerebellar peduncle of the cerebellum and causes vestibular signs. These parts of the cerebellum participate in central components of vestibular apparatus and are responsible for the maintenance of equilibrium and coordination of head and eye movements;
This syndrome is called paradoxical vestibular disease because the head tilt and circling occur contralateral to the lesion. There is usually some evidence of cerebellar disease on neurological examination, such as ipsilateral dysmetria and head tremor.

Signalment: 8 years old, male, not castrated French bulldog

History: The owner noticed that the head of his dog is not in normal position and is tilt to the left. The dog was carried to its personal doctor, and the doctor had doubts that the dog was having problem with the inner ear . The doctor refer the dog to me for computer tomography, and for approval of the diagnosis.

Case presenting signs: Left head tilt, progressive vestibular signs

Clinical examination: Internal body temperature 38,1 ; Respiratory rate: 36 breaths per minute ; Color of mucous membranes – pink; CRT – 1,5 sec.
Puls 110 bpm ; The overall condition of the dog was normal and there was no no signs of pain.

Neurological examination:
Mentation and behavior-normal; Posture – Left head tilt; Gait – Vestibular ataxia, increase muscle tone and dysmetria of right fore and hind limbs The dog react with cranial and spinal normoreflexia. Menace response reaction of right eye was a little bit reduced. There was no change in conscious proprioception and bladder function was normal. The owners report for intention tremor of the head when the dog is waiting to be fed.

Neuroanatomic localisation: Central Vestibular ; Right Cerebellar Flocculonodular lobe; Paradoxical Vestibular Syndrome

Differential diagnosis:

Neoplastic/Degenerative

Case work-up:
CBC and Biochemistry were normal. Magnetic resonance of the head was performed with GE MRI 1.5 Tesla.

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MRI images : Image 1
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MRI findings :
A single oval T1-hypo and T2, T2 FLAIR-hyperintensive intra-axial mass is observed, leading out of the cerebellar vermis and affecting the both cerebellar hemispheres. The mass is well circumscribed by the surrounding tissues, with extracapsular expansion and diffuse infiltration into the the gray matter. There is a significant mass effect that reveals compression of the flocculonodular lobe and reveals obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid with secondary dilatation of the quarter ventricle and central canal with subsequent syringohydromyelia.
Diagnosis: Cerebellar neoplasia
Treatment:
The clinical condition of the dog did improved after i.v
infusion with Mannitol (0.25g/kg bolus 3 times over 20 minutes) , Harmann`s solution 20ml/kg and Prednisolone p.o 0.5mg/kg – 2 times daily – for 3 days . Next 10 days the dog take Prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg 2 times daily at home.
Control visiting on the 14th day -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRyp9sgqCjE

All of previous clinical signs were more severe present. There was no more improvement with this therapy and the owners chose to euthanize the dog.
With both central and peripheral Vestibular syndorme, the head tilt, circling and nystagmus typically occur ipsilateral to the side of the lesion. Less frequently, lesions affecting the caudal cerebellar peduncle, the fastigial nucleus, or the flocculonodular lobes of the cerebellum can cause central Vestibular disease with a resulting paradoxical head tilt. Bilateral Vestibular disease is characterized by head sway from side to side, loss of balance on both sides and symmetrical ataxia with a wide-based stance.  A physiological nystagmus usually cannot be elicited and a head tilt is not observed.

BRAIN TUMORS- 3 CLINICAL REPORTS

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DR SVETOSLAV PENCHEV

United Veterinary Clinic

Varna, Bulgaria

CLINICAL CASE 1

Old Dogs with sudden onset of seizures

 

The 1st clinical case is about 13 years old, castrated Belgian shepherd with acute onset of cluster seizures. Before 5 years the dog was operated ( total mastectomy and ovariohysterectomy) , because of mammary gland tumor.  Another vet made the blood analysis and there is no change in laboratory results. Contrast MRI study  was performed.

MRI findings:1 2 3 4

There are two, oval shaped, T1 hypo- and T2 hyperintense,  intraaxial mass lesion with cystic component. One is in right piriform lobe and another one is in the left olfactory bulb/ frontal lobe. The masses nonuniformly enhances following contrast administration, with more intense enhancement peripherally.  Mass effect with mild brain edema surrounding the lesions is present.5 6

 

Thoracic x-ray show :7

Multifocal nodules with soft tissue opacity in lung parenchyma

The reason of seizures are  metastatic brain tumors in  the right piriform lobe and in the left olfactory bulb and there are multifocal metastatic nodules in the lungs. Although the dog was operated ,  the primary mammary gland tumor is the reason of this condition

There is no feedback with the owner about dog`s condition.

 

CLINICAL CASE 2 8

Next case is about a 9 years, female, not castrated Labrador retriever with acute onset of cluster seizures. The dog present  proprioceptive deficit on the right fore and hind limb. There is no history of previous seizures.  By abdominal palpation mammary gland mass was find.

There is no change in the blood analysis.

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MRI findings:

There is   oval shaped T1, T2 mixed intensity mass in the parietal part of left cerebral hemisphere with surrounding brain edema. Mass margins are well defined on T2. Peripherally enhancing following contrast administration is present with mass effect and midline shift to the right

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Thoracic x-ray show multiple oval shaped masses with soft tissue opacity

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In this case we have the same condition. The metastatic lung and brain disease are due the primary mammary gland tumor.

The dog`s owner prefer to euthanized the dog, because the seizures getting longer and stronger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLINICAL CASE 3

The last case is about a 9 years, not castrated, female Jack Russell terrier with depressed mental status from a month and acute onset of seizures. The dog reacted with hypersensitivity in right cranial nerves, proprioceptive deficit in left fore and hind limb and proprioceptive ataxia. MRI contrast study was performed. MRI findings:    17 18 19 20

 

 

There is a one, irregularly shaped, T1 hypo and T2- mixed intensity intraaxial mass involving the right midbrain. The mass intensely, but nonuniformly, enhances following contrastadministration. There is a mass effect and surrounding brain edema.

In this case there is no history of neoplastic disease. This midbrain mass has a characteristic of primary tumor and It is the cause of the seizures.   Every dog after 5 years of age, who presented with a new onset of seizures should be suspected for a brain tumor. The most common indication for brain tumor in dogs are seizures, especially seizures that began for the first time in a dog older than five years of age. Other signs suggestive for a brain tumor include abnormal behavior, vision problems, circling motions, uncoordinated movements and  lethargy.

 

Cervical Herniated Disc in dog

timisoaraDR FODOR LUCIAN HAPPY PET, TIMISOARA ROMANIA

Introduction

 

Disc herniation is a neurological disorder that is characterized by slipping nucleus pulposus outside of the space between the bodies of two vertebrae, the clinical appearance of intense pain in the area. Practical part or whole kernel pulposus (soft area of ​​the intervertebral disc) herniates through a weakened area of ​​the intervertebral disc annulus. Disc herniation can occur at any level of the spine, but the two most common sites are the lumbar and cervical. To establish a diagnosis of certainty indicated imaging studies: x-rays, CT, MRI, myelography. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is much more appropriate than CT in diagnosing pathologies of the spine. The obtained images are three-dimensional and thus very well both visualization column and nerve roots, and can determine the disease itself. Currently, MRI is the imaging method for diagnosing first intention herniated disk and can even be used in patients who have no clinical symptoms.

 

Case report

 

A 4 years old male, boxer weighting 24kg was present to us, after 14 days of tetraplegia; the debut being 6 months ago when it started difficult and heavy lifting from the bottom, neck pain when the steroid anti-inflammatory drug was administrated, the symptoms were resolved;  14 days ago tetraplegia was installed.

 

Clinical Examination

The animal presents a normal body temperature, its respiratory and cardiac frequency is within normal values, biochemical parameters and blood results is not modified. Neurological tests point out the tetraplegia, with persistence of profound sensibility and the absence of superficial sensibility. After neurological examination were also present: abolished patellar reflexes, flexor reflex abolished, tibial reflex abolished, absence correctional reaction, panicular reflex abolished , anal reflex present globe bladder.

 

Additional Examinations

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An MRI was done at the Telescan, Timisoara, which pointed out a extrusion of the intervertebral C2-C3 (fig. 1/2).

 

 

Diagnosis:

Cervical Herniated Disc C2-C3

 

 

Treatment:

 

  • Surgical Procedure

 

Surgical technique: ventral corpectomy, herniated disc extraction.

The dogs were anesthetized with a mixture of ketamine and xylazine (10 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg i. m.), Propofol (2 mg/kg) and artificially ventilated by a respirator with oxygen and monitored.

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After trimming antisepsis field operator and 10% betadine solution, and took the subconjunctival tissue and skin incision, incision between the vertebrae C1-C4 (fig. 3)

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After removing sternocephalic muscle, inferior thyroid artery is highlighted, (Fig 4/5) muscle sternohyoid that close side of trachea, esophagus, carotid, highlighting recurrent laryngeal nerve and muscle along the neck (Fig. 6)

The latter is detached the ventral tubercle of the affected disc space, resulting in highlighting the ventral face of the ring disk.

Discuss ring incision rise to the spinal canal, then extract the affected disc (Fig.7)

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Hemostasis was secured with ultra incision Harmonic Scalpel(Fig.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • After surgery

 

Postoperative treatment containing corticotherapy 5 days, antibiotherapy 5 days and a bladder catheter the first 24 hours.

Surgery is commonly recommended on dogs that do not respond to medical treatment, have progressive clinical signs, or have more severe neurological deficits.

The efficacy of medical therapy may only be seen in patients that have minimal neurological deficits.

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion:

 

  • After surgery evolution of the clinical case has been very good.
  • 72 hours postoperative, the patient is able to move without any help. (Video)
  • After two months postoperative the animal is completely healed, and does not manifest any neurological symptoms.
  • The success rate with surgery is generally high provided that the spinal cord hasn’t been compressed for a long time (chronic spinal cord injury). Chronic cord injuries can be treated successfully with surgery, but the outlook is less favorable than it is for short-term (acute) injuries.

Porencephaly in a pug dog with seizures – case report

 

 

421347_10151629937179640_1038846606_nDr Miroslav Todorov

Veterinary Clinic Blue Cross

Sofia, Bulgaria

 

Case presentation: a 3 and a half year old female pug dog was presented at the Bluecross Veterinary Clinic in Sofia for additional diagnostics in view of resently started seizure events.

A month ago the dog started having problems with its hind left limb and another vet started him on prednisolone. The limping improved but 20 days later the dog started having seizures.

The patient was examined at the Bluecross Veterinary Clinic in Blagoevgrad within two hours after one of the seizures. At that stage the dog wasn‘t able to see properly and showed a tendency to circle to the left. Blood was taken for Cbc and biochemistry analysis and the results were normal. The patient was started on an antiepileptics drug – Phenobarbital and the steroids were continued (because of the high possibility of an inflammatory process). An examination at the clinic in Sofia and additional advance imaging were scheduled.2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Clinical examination:

good general condition, slight difficulties in breathing (because of the brachiocephalic syndrome), normal heart and lung sounds, normal temperature.

Neurological examination: a little overexcited behaviour (but it was impossible to tell if this behaviour was abnormal for the dog or not). Normal cranial nerve reflexes, no nysgmus or circling, normal pupillary light reflexes. There was slight spinal ataxia in all four limbs. The proprioceptive tests were normal on all four. On the hind left limb the dog has pattelar luxation second degree (this explains the limping epizode a month ago). From the video provided by the owner it could be observed that the dog was demonstrating clonic- tonic seizure.

The owner was questioned for possible toxins, drugs and plants that could be the reason for the seizures but he said that the dog couldn’t have eaten anything abnormal.

A forebrain lesion was localised but the possibility of a multifocal process was very high.

The blood results were normal; therefore, possible extracranial reasons for the seizures were excluded. Toxin exposure was excluded by the anamnesis.

The list of differential diagnoses was:

  1. Inflammatory process – Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME or Pug encephalitis)
  2. Idiopathic epilepsy
  3. Brain neoplasia
  4. Congenital lesion- hydrocephalus, cysts

To exclude most of the diagnoses from the list, advance imaging was performed – MRI 1,5tesla was used. The test was done with and without contrast material.

On the MRI we discovered a bilateral enlargement at the cranial part of both lateral ventricles within the frontal lobe of the brain. There was a visible communication between the ventricles and the subarachnoid space at the level of the eyes. They looked like cystic lesions filled with CSF. Bilateral loss of brain tissue was observed in both hemispheres. Around the cavities the cerebral cortex was reduced. These bilateral lesions could explain all the clinical signs that this dog was showing – seizures and the ataxia of all four limbs. There are motor cortex within the frontal lobe of the brain. There was no contrast enchantment after injection of contrast material within the brain tissue.

Therapeutic plan: the dog antiepileptic treatment was continued and regular measurements of the level of phenobarbital were scheduled. I added proton pump inhibitor –Esomeprazole (S enantiomer of omeprazole) because the drug has the effect of reducing the cerebrospinal fluid production. The steroids are slowly taped and they will be discontinued after two weeks.

The dog’s condition will be monitored by the owner and the vets at the BlueCross Veterinary Clinic in Blagoevgrad. In case of progression, especially after we stop the steroids, the necessity to take a CSF sample in order to finally exclude an inflammatory process is being discussed with the owner.

Porencephaly is a rare congenital cerebral defect and it is described in several reports in the field of veterinary medicine. It is more commonly seen in ruminants but there are few reports about dogs and cats.

There are few cystic congenital lesions of the brain, including focal lesions (porencephaly), extensive lesions (hydranencephaly) and very rarely schizencephaly (more commonly seen in humans). In porencephaly the defect creates a communication between the lateral ventricles and the subarachoid space. In schizencephaly the defect may be surrounded by a ring of polymicroglia. The schizencephalic defects are lined by gray matter.

The most frequent classification of these lesions based on their pathogenesis divides these defects into two major categories: developmental and encephaloclastic. Developmental porencephaly is due to a focal neuronal migration disorder, leaving a gap in the developing cerebral hemisphere. Encephaliclastic porencephaly includes cerebral cavities that result from tissue breakdown of various etiologies (cerebral ischemia, infection, trauma). In utero infection is the most common reason, especially in ruminants.

The interesting thing is that this type of lesions are congenital in nature but the clinical signs can start after the birth of the animal (which should be expected from the age) or sometimes later in life (after a few years).

According to the few reports about this type of pathology, the progression of the disease is different in every case. Some of those are completely asymptomatic, other cases are well controlled with drugs (antiepileptic drugs) third – their condition worsened, with poor control on drugs and some of those were euthanized. There was one report on a case of hydranencephaly where a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed and the dog’s condition slightly improved. Therefore, this is also a therapeutic option in some of those severe cases.

 

References:

  1. Porencephaly and cortical dysplasia as cause of seizures in a dog: Gisele Fabrino, Maria-Gisela Laranjeira, Augusto Schweigert and Guilherme Dias de Melo BMC Veterinary Research 2012
  2. Porencephaly and hydranencephaly in six dogs: Davies ES1, Volk HA, Behr S, Summers B, de Lahunta A, Syme H, Jull P, Garosi L. Vet Rec. 2012 Feb
  3. Porencephaly in dogs and cats: Magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical signs: Schmidt MJ1, Klumpp S, Amort K, Jawinski S, Kramer M. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2012
  4. Porencephaly in dogs and cats: relationships between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and hippocampal atrophy: Ai HORI, Kiwamu HANAZONO, Kenjirou MIYOSHI and Tetsuya NAKADE, J Vet Med Sci. 2015

Imaging – Case 1

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10 years old Golden Retriever

History:  chronic right inner ear infection

Technique: X-ray, MRI

Findings:

X-rays: There is thickening and destruction of the right tympanic bullae.
There is marked swelling of the soft tissues of the right aural region. The external ear canal is obliterated and there is calcification of its inner end.4321
MRI: There is a well-demarcated, expansile mass in the right tympanic bulla, with remodeling and destruction of the right tympanic bone. The right petrous temporal bone and the right inner ear are unclear indicating erosion from the mass. The right external ear canal is not visible. The muscles and tissues on the right side appear markedly hyperintense and there is a fluid filled cavity approximately 6 x 4.4 x 1.9 cm that appears to continue cranially and communicate with right tympanic bulla. This cavity extends from the level of the tympanic bulla and caudally up to the level of the C2 vertebra. The right mandibular salivary gland appears displaced medially from the cavitary lesion.sss

Conclusion:sss1

mass in the right tympanic bulla is consistent with cholesteatoma. Erosion of the right petrous temporal lobe and possible involvement of the inner ear is visible.
Cystic lesion may reflect abcess or haematoma.

Discussion:

Cholesteatoma, a destructive and expanding growth, in the middle ear and/or mastoid process, is a relatively rare cause of otitis media in dogs.
Cholesteatoma are epidermoid cysts lined by a pluristratified keratinizing epithelium containing keratin debris and is characterized by independent and progressive growth, causing destruction of adjacent tissue, especially bone.

Fibrocartilagenous embolic myelopathy

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Dr. Ionuţ Alexandru Ciupercă, CCRP, CVA (IVAS)

Dr. Ionuţ Alexandru Ciupercă, CCRP, CVA (IVAS)

VetPhysioCenter Bucureşti

Email: ionut@vetcenter.ro

Fibrocartilagenous embolism it is a spinal cord infarction caused by a vascular emboli, presumed to be fibrocartilage. It may produce bilateral or unilateral signs and can happen anywhere in the spinal cord, the thoraco-lumbar region being the most common. Usually it has a sudden onset and a full development in 12 hours. There are 50% chance of spontaneous recovery if it shows signs of improvement within the first week.

It is a nonpainful acute disease, seen only in nonchondrodystrophic breeds. It is very important to differentiate from the intervertebral disk disease, either protrusion or extrusion. This condition is less common in small dogs or cats. Any region of the spinal cord may be affected, and the spinal cord segments dictate the specific neurologic deficits. Very common are also asymmetric or unilateral signs. Also, ataxia, paresis or paralysis may affect all limbs or only pelvic limbs. There can be a loss of deep pain sensation caudal to the lesion.

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and by exclusion of other possible causes. The most important clues are the signalment, the acute onset, the stationary course of the disease and the absence of pain. The differential diagnosis include intervertebral disk disease, trauma, neoplasia and inflammatory disease. The best imaging modality is the MRI showing usually signal changes suggestive of focal spinal cord infraction.

There isn’t any specific treatment for this condition even though corticosteroids are used, but there is a lack of scientific evidence that they might work. Physical therapy and nursing care are the most beneficial treatment modalities to use; about 85% of the patients recover, depending of the severity of the lesions (De Risio and others, 2007).

Sara - assisted walking

Sara-assiced walking

Sara it is a 2 years old intact female Labrador retriever with a sudden onset of paraplegia; the disease started with a lameness of the left hind leg, then with a proprioceptive ataxia and in 2 hours she was already paraplegic.

Sara X-ray

Sara X-Ray

Sara MRI

Sara MRI

Sara did an MRI immediately which revealed a unique hyper signal medullary lesion of about 3 centimeters localized at the level of L2-L3 intervertebral disk. The lesion was consistent with a vascular disorder caused by a fibrocartilagenous emboli.

Sara started a therapy with corticosteroids for a week and also vitamins and antioxidants. The second day after the incident she started also rehabilitation.

At the first visit the patient was paraplegic with no deep pain sensation and also incontinent. The spinal reflexes were present and normal and the cutaneous trunci reflex was lost at the level of L3 – L4.

Sara on ground treadmill

Sara on ground treadmill

For the first sessions she did transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for 30 minutes followed by   class IV laser therapy, 8 – 10 joules per square centimeter. After that modalities we started static balance exercises on the peanut shaped physio roll and reflex exercises on the proprioceptive plate. We introduced also the underwater treadmill but she was not able to move the hind legs.

For the home exercises we recommended to the owners to perform passive range of motion exercises and assisted standing followed by weight shifting exercises, 2-3 times a day; also, we instructed them to try the flexor – reflex exercise.

Sara - therabands on ground treadmill

Sara – therabands on ground treadmill

The sessions were performed twice a week and after 10 days she was already able to maintain the standing position on her own, and also started to show some motion in the hind legs. After 5 sessions she started to perform walking in the underwater treadmill; for the home exercise we instructed the owners to start with assisted walking exercise and more weight shifting and balance exercises.

After 6 sessions she became ambulatory but with severe proprioceptive and motor deficits, so we introduced also ground treadmill with incline and then with resistive elastic bands. We increased the time spend in the underwater treadmill up to 25 minutes and also, gradually, we introduced cavaletti rails and weave polls exercise.

For the home program she had to walk assisted on inclines, on stairs, on sand and grass, and also to start sit-to-stand exercises.

Sara - underwater treadmill

Sara – underwater treadmill

After 12 sessions, Sara is now ambulatory with mild proprioceptive deficit on the left hind leg at walking, and a little bit more uncoordinated at trotting and turning. The strengthening exercises were increased with more resistive elastic bands on the ground treadmill and with more speed on the inclines, and of course with higher speed and lower water in the underwater treadmill.

She is still doing rehabilitation because we need to correct all the proprioceptive deficit, as much as possible, and also to increase the muscle mass in the hind legs. We are also very happy because during the rehabilitation we were able to reduce her weight with 6 kilograms, from a body condition score of 8 out of 10 to a 6 / 10.

References:

  1. Bockstahler, Barbara; Levine, D.; Millis, D. “Essential Facts of Physiotherapy in Dogs and Cats. Rehabilitation and Pain Management”  –  2004
  2. Millis D.L.; Levine D. “Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy” 2nd; Elsevier, 2014

Spinal Neurofibrosarcoma in a dog- diagnostic, treatment and prognosis

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 Dr Miroslav Todorov , DVM, MRCVS 

Neurosurgeon in Small Animal Veterinary Clinic Blue Cross, Sofia ,Bulgaria

 

 

 

 

Neurofibrosarcomas are malignant nerve sheath tumors that are type of soft tissue sarcomas. They are usually discovered in the peripheral nerves ( most commonly the nerves that are forming the brachial and lumbosacral plexus ). Sometimes they could be discovered in the cranial nerves ( trigeminal, vestibulocochlear ). These tumors are arising from perineural fibroblasts or Schwann cells. They are slow growing and usually locally invasive but are unlikely to metastasize.

5 -years old female dog , Miniature Poodle , was presented for clinical examination. The dog had a long lasting history of difficult movements of the hind limbs. The problem started about 2 months ago, at the beginning only with one limb lameness. The dog had work-up done this problem , including CBC , biochemistry analysis, UA , X-ray, ultrasound of the abdomen and CT of the spine, but not clear visible reason for its condition was discovered. The dog was treated with several drugs, including NSAID , antibiotics, Steroids and Nivalin ( Galantamine hydrobromide ) , but without any successful results.

The dog in general condition , with normal temperature and mild discomfort on  palpation on the abdomen. On the neurological examination : alert mental status, normal cranial reflexes, paraplegic patient, with increase patellar reflexes, and present withdrawal reflexes. There was a mild spinal pain over the spine, localized at the thoracic part of the spine around Th7- Th10 vertebra. The urinary bladder was distended and very hard to express.

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Pic.1

The problem was localized Th3-L3 area of the spinal cord ( Th3-L3 myelopathy ). The most probable diagnosis that could explain the patient’s condition are :          intervertebral disk disease and spinal neoplasia .

Treatment with Prazocin and Bethaneochol was started in order to improve bladder expression and MRI examination was scheduled. With MRI examination was found an ovoid , intradural, extra medullary mass with size 19/11.2 mm that is severely compressing the spinal cord at the level of Th7-Th8. The mass is slightly hyperintensive on T1 and is located on the right side of the spinal cord ( Pic. 1 ) .

After MRI examination the dog lost its deep perception and on the next day was scheduled for surgery. Before the surgery CSF was collected for analysis but the content of the protein and the cell count were normal. The dog had a dorsal laminectomy on the level of the arch of Th7-Th8 vertebra. After opening the spinal canal , a firm, white mass around 15 mm was discovered. ( Pic.2 – black arrows ). After being fully removed  , the mass was send for a histopathological examination.

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Pic. 2

In the post surgical period the dog had painkillers – Morphine/Ketamine/Lidocaine mixture for 5 days and intravenously administrates antibiotics. On the next day the dog regained its deep perception. On the day of its discharge from the hospital it had little movements of its hind limbs and no problem with urination. The owner was adviced about some rehabilitation techniques that he could do at home with the dog and treatment with antibiotics and NSAID was extended for another week. Two weeks later the patient was much better with slight ataxia and a week later – completely normal.

The histopathological result was Neurofibrosarcoma – malignant mesenchymal neoplasia . This type of tumor could reoccur even after a full surgical removal because of the formation of microsatellites.

The localization of this neoplasia is interesting. Usually this tumor grows at the level of brachial or lumbosacral plexuses and it is very uncommon to be found within the spinal canal.

Additional treatment was discussed with the owner. Usually in such cases radiotherapy could be beneficial ( but not available in Bulgaria ) . Additional metronomic chemotherapy with doxorubicin , cyclophosphamide and vincristine , very often in combination with NSAID , could be possible option.

In this case i suggested a combination with NSAID , Meloxicam at dose 0.1mg/kg , Cyclophosphamide 10-15 mg/m^2 q 24hours per os , but the owner declined the second drug, so the dog stay only on meloxicam only.

Unfortunately , two months later the dog came with clinical signs with the same neurolocalization. A new MRI examination and surgery afterwards were suggested to the owner but he declined. He ordered a wheelchair for the dog , to improve her mobility for a short period.

The prognosis of neurofibrosarcoma is guarded. The recurrence of the neoplastic lesion could be expected despite full surgical removal. The usual localization of this neoplasm is within peripheral nerves but sometimes it could be localized inside the spinal canal and look like an intradural extramedullary lesion. The best treatment option is surgical removal and radiotherapy afterwards.