Clinical Relevance of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Dogs (Review)

From the early 20th century, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was an invaluable diagnostic process in clinical neurology and later in veterinary neurology. For the clinicians, the CSF analysis provides reliable information about the neurological health and the presence of a disease.The purpose of this review is to bring scientific evidence and support for the current state regarding the clinical relevance of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in veterinary neurology. The utility of this review is to highlight the canine breed specific diseases in veterinary neurology and the role of CSF analysis for the diagnosis of CSF inflammatory disorders.The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid represents an important diagnostic tool, which has to be assessed in every neurological patient in order to obtain information about the central nervous system. Moreover, we strongly encourage to step forward with this diagnostic procedure and corroborate with the diagnostic imaging results

Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings in Six Dogs with Neurological Disease

The aim of the study was to emphasize the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in dogs with neurological pathology and to support the clinical relevance of the CSF analysis in patients with neurological diseases. A total of six dogs with pleocytosis, from different breeds were included in this study. Cisternal tap was processed and CSF workup was done in all six. Elevated cell count, increased protein level and cytological findings like lymphocytic, monocytic and mixed pleocytosis were also observed. CSF cytological findings were consistent with inflammatory disorders. CSF analysis is a safe diagnostic tool for detecting central nervous system inflammation in our study, still not confirmatory based solely for definitive diagnosis

Clinical findings and outcome in feline tetanus: a multicentric retrospective study of 27 cases and review of the literature.

Tetanus is a toxigenic illness caused by the action of Clostridium tetani neurotoxin (TeNT), which results in partial or generalized muscle stiffness in infected mammals and birds. The disease is rarely reported in cats due to their innate resistance to the toxin. This multicentric retrospective study aimed to describe a significant population of cats with a diagnosis of tetanus and report their signalment, clinical and neurological signs, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome. A retrospective search through medical records from 11 referral centers in Europe resulted in the identification of 27 cases of feline tetanus from July 2005 to April 2023. These cases were further compared with previously reported cases in the veterinary literature. Young cats were more commonly represented than older cats, with a median age of 4 years. Clinical signs were initially characterized by a lame and/or stiff limb, near the primary injury site, in 17/26 (65%) cats. Signs were focal or multifocal in 21/27 (78%) cats of this study and one typical sign was the inability to flex the most severely affected limbs. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed characteristic changes, such as continuous spontaneous motor unit discharges in both agonist and antagonist muscles. Such studies are particularly useful in focal and multifocal cases and should be performed to further support the diagnosis. The toxin was successfully identified in one case using the mouse bioassay. Treatment included antibiotherapy (metronidazole) in most cases, muscle relaxants, appropriate nursing cares and handling of potential complications. Overall, the outcome appeared to be positive, with only 1/27 (3.7%) cats being euthanized due to financial restrains. 23/25 (92%) cats returned to an independent ambulatory capacity on all limbs within a median delay of 25 days. Mild to moderate long-term sequelae were reported in eight (30%) cats. This multicentric study is the first to bring together such a large number of cats affected with tetanus. Presentation of the disease in cats differs from that observed in humans and dogs, with most cats being locally affected. Compared to previous reports of tetanus, this series of cats had a better outcome overall, especially for cats affected with generalized tetanus

Current Aspects Regarding the Clinical Relevance of Electroacupuncture in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury: A Literature Review

In recent years, the use of acupuncture and electroacupuncture has been increasing as more clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of animals, particularly dogs. Electroacupuncture is a more complex and specific acupuncture technique that involves electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. Most of the studies have shown that the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture are more evident than in acupuncture alone. This review included studies focused only on dogs with spinal cord injury. Research facility animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) were avoided. Titles and abstracts of identified articles were read, and outlines were made to be better understood. Clinical applications are discussed and suggested in each section. When specialists use this method, electroacupuncture can be an excellent complementary therapy for veterinary patients’ pain control