Psychomotor Episode of a Poodle

Diagnosis and treatment of convulsive disorders in the dog and cat can often lead to a certain degree of confusion and a feeling of futility. To demonstrate one of the broad spectrum of signs that may be observed in seizures, the following case of psychomotor epilepsy is presented

Examination of the Thoraco Lumbar Cord

Spinal disorders are often confusing when first presented to the clinician. Unfortunately, too much reliance is placed upon radiographic examination. A thorough neurological examination should not be neglected. Such an examination can be rapidly performed, and is inexpensive. Proper radiological interpretation depends upon the central beam being directed through the area of the lesion as determined by the neurological examination

Chorioretinitis And Detached Retina as Post-Distemper Lesions in the Canine

In the canine species there are many causes of chorioretinitis and detachment of the retina. Among these are: fungal infections such as Blastomycosis and Cocidiodomicosis; invasion by Toxoplasma organisms; trauma to structures of the eye with subsequent hemorrhage, infection or rupture of the vitreous; tumors of the choroid or retina; parasitic larval migrans such as Toxacara vanis; progressive hereditary diseases; and those of unknown etiology

The Demyelinating Encephalomyelitis of Canine Distemper

The pathogenesis of canine distemper was well described by Max Appel (1969). Upon infection by inhalation or ingestion, the virus first invades the tonsils and bronchial lymph nodes. During the first week, the virus spreads to the rest of the lymphoid tissues, including the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow, causing a leukopenia and a transient fever

Differential Diagnosis of Conditions Mimicking Intervertebral Disc Disease in the Canine

Abnormal conditions of the canine can produce clinical signs that in some way mimic those associated with intervertebral disc disease. This oftentimes leads to unnecessary confusion and frustration in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of these cases by practicing veterinarians. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the signs associated with those seen most commonly and thereby to clarify the manner in which these can be most readily differentiated in a clinical situation

Lead Poisoning in Dogs

Lead poisoning is seen primarily in dogs less than one year old; the highest percentage of those are less than five months old. Many sources of lead are available to young dogs, although lead-based paint and linoleum are the principal problems. The characteristic clinical signs involve the gastrointestinal system (vomiting, colic and diarrhea), nervous system (hysteria, convulsions and nervousness) or both

Canine Insulinoma

Hypoglycemia in a dog due to an insulinoma was first reported in the literature in 1927. Although there have been many reported cases since that time, it is still considered to be a fairly rare condition by most authors. Its frequency, however, is probably much greater than the literature would lead one to believe, as the vast majority of cases go unreported or unrecognized. The Iowa State University Teaching Hospital alone diagnoses three or four cases each year, which is a substantial number in light of the fact that functional beta cell tumors have been reported in only 45 dogs

History as a Diagnostic Aid in Canine Epilepsy

Diagnosis of the etiology of an epileptic dog involves prudent history acquisition coupled with clinical signs, neurological examination, blood chemistry, cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, and urinalysis

Degenerative Myelopathy in the German Shepherd

Older large breed dogs, primarily of the German Shepherd type, may be presented with progressive ataxic spastic paresis. There seems to be no sex predominance. The lesion found on necropsy is diffuse degeneration of spinal cord myelin and axons in all fiber tracts, most extensive and in the mid-thoracic region, but not associated with intervertebral disc herniation, spondylosis, or osseous metaplasia of the dura. The condition is thought to be primary spinal cord degeneration of unknown cause

Dermoid Sinus in a Rhodesian Ridgeback

An 11 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback had a noncommunicating, cervical dermoid sinus. Radiological examination was used to determine the extent of the sinus. The sinus was excised surgically