Phenotypic characterization of paroxysmal dyskinesia in Maltese dogs

Background Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of central nervous system diseases characterized by episodes of abnormal involuntary hyperkinetic movement without altered consciousness that increasingly have been recognized in dogs. Objectives To present the phenotypical characterization, treatment, and outcome of a PD observed in Maltese dogs. Animals Client-owned Maltese dogs (n = 19) with presumed diagnosis of PD. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from medical records (2014-2019), and supporting information was added prospectively by using a questionnaire directed to the owners of the affected dogs. Results The episodes were characterized mainly by sudden dystonia of >= 1 limbs and generalized body tremors with preserved consciousness. The mean age of clinical onset was 5.4 years. Episode frequency varied widely both among and within individuals. Median episode duration was 4.5 minutes. Most episodes were stress- or exercise-induced. Acetazolamide was administered to 6 dogs, and 4 dogs experienced a decrease in episode frequency. In 7 dogs that received a gluten-free diet, 6 dogs became episode-free. In 4 dogs, the episodes stopped spontaneously and in 2 dogs no medication or specific diet was given and the episodes continued at the same frequency. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Given the breed predisposition and regional distribution of the disease, additional research should focus on elucidating the underlying genetic cause doing so might advance both our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease, not only in dogs, but also in humans. Regardless of the treatment protocol selected, prognosis appears fair to good

Neurological signs and imaging findings in three cats with multiple articular process hypertrophy = Neurologische symptomen en resultaten van medische beeldvorming bijdrie katten met hypertrofie van multipele articulaire processen

An eight-year-old British Shorthair (case 1), an eleven-year-old British Shorthair (case 2) and a six-year-old European Shorthair cat (case 3) showed signs of chronic T3–L3 myelopathy. Computed tomography of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral region was performed in all three cases and magnetic resonance imaging was only performed in case 2. Cross sectional imaging revealed an enlargement of the articular process joints from T2 to T5 in case 1, from T11 to T13 in case 2 and from T10 to T13 in case 3 causing spinal cord compression. Based on the severity of the spinal cord compression, surgical decompression by hemilaminectomy was performed in case 1. In cases 2 and 3, conservative treatment was instituted, although this condition could have been an incidental finding in these two cases. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing the neurological signs, imaging findings and short-term outcome in cats with multiple thoracolumbar articular process hypertrophy

Extradural Synovial Cyst of the Cervical Spine in a Saint Bernard

Background: Extradural synovial cysts (ESC) originate from an extrusion of the synovium in unstable or degenerated joints. In the spine, this condition can cause neurological signs such as hyperesthesia, proprioceptive ataxia and paresis. Since extradural presentations of synovial cysts are unusual in dogs, the aim of this manuscript is to report a case of extradural synovial cyst of the cervical spine, as well as the clinical findings, diagnosis, surgical treatment and clinical evolution after therapy.Case: A 3-year-old spayed Saint Bernard weighing 60 kg was presented to a Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital with a history of acute paraparesis that evolved to non-ambulatory tetraparesis five days after the appearance of the first clinical signs. Neurological examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, normal muscle tone and segmental spinal reflexes in the thoracic and pelvic limbs, as well as cervical pain associated with limited neck movement. According to the neurological examination, the likely lesion location was the C1-C5 spinal cord segment. The differential diagnosis list included intervertebral disc disease, caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, neoplasm, infectious or noninfectious inflammatory disease, and cystic diseases. Complete blood (cell) count and serum biochemistry tests were within reference limits. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed 35 mg/dL of protein (< 30 mg/dL) and 27 cells (up to 5 cells/mm3) with a predominance of lymphocytes. In plain radiography, bone proliferations of the C4 (caudal) C5 (cranial) articular processes were observed and, in myelography, extradural spinal cord compression was evident between C4-C5 on the right side. The animal underwent dorsal laminectomy for spinal cord decompression. An extradural synovial cyst and proliferated articular processes were removed. At 1,281 days after surgery, the dog was clinically normal and presented no neurological deficits.Discussion: The etiology of synovial cysts has not been well established. However, it is believed that osteoarthritic degeneration associated with joint mobility could cause a rupture in the articular capsule, leading to a synovial membrane protrusion, which would fill with synovial fluid and compress spinal structures. ESC in the cervical region have been reported, often associated with cervical neoplasm. The case we report had no evidence of bone or intervertebral disc compression in myelographic and radiographic exams, abnormalities that would appear in cervical neoplasm. The patient underwent dorsal laminectomy to confirm the presumptive diagnosis and decompress the spine. In the histopathological exam, the cystic material consisted of connective fibrous tissue with a synovial cell lining layer, compatible with synovial cysts. The fluid drained during surgery was also analyzed, showing similarities to synovial fluid drained from other conventional joints. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed mononuclear pleocytosis, a common finding in ESC. The ESC should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with cervical myelopathy, especially in young animals and large breeds. A myelographic exam is an important but not definitive auxiliary tool for diagnosis and the therapeutic plan. Dorsal laminectomy is an effective technique for treating ESC

Therapeutic Aspects of Dogs with Presumptive Diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures. Various antiepileptic drugs are used for the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy. Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for long-term treatment in dogs. Although it is well tolerated, phenobarbital can cause liver injury if administered alone or in combination with other drugs. Therefore, the main of this study was to identify dogs with presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy and information about the antiepileptic drugs, the dose and frequency of administration, period of treatment, frequency of the seizure before and after start the treatment, complementary exams and adverse effects.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In this study were included 21 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. All dogs were examined and having blood taken for blood count, biochemical tests (ALT, AST, AP, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, amylase, lipase, cholesterol and triglycerides), measurement of serum phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide and, some dogs, free T4 by dialysis and canine TSH. In this study, it was observed monotherapy (phenobarbital) in 76.19% (16/21), double therapy (phenobarbital and potassium bromide) in 19.05% (4/21) and triple therapy (phenobarbital, potassium bromide and gabapentin) in 4.76% (1/21) of dogs. The phenobarbital was used as monotherapy with dose between 1.4 and 12 mg kg-1 and the median of serum concentration was 26.41 μg kg-1. There was significant reduction in the frequency of the seizure after start the treatment. There was refractory to antiepileptic drugs in two dogs (9.5%). In blood analysis, there was increase serum activities of AP (23.81%) and ALT (14.20%), decrease total protein (42.29%), hypoalbuminemia (9.5%) and it was not increased AST activities. The main adverse effects were nodularliver damage and hypothyroidism.Discussion: In most cases of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, monotherapy is preferred, because it tends to avoid complications that may arise from drug interactions and may also improve compliance by providing a simple treatment regimen. In this study, the phenobarbital controlled the seizures when used as monotherapy. It is considered success of an antiseizure drug when there is a reduction of seizure frequency by at least 50%, with minimal drug side effects. Approximately 20-30% of dogs with epilepsy do not have satisfactory seizure control or experience intolerable adverse effects with appropriate conventional medical treatment. In this study, there was refractory to antiepileptic drugs in 9.5%, one dog treated with phenobarbital and other with phenobarbital and potassium bromide. The long-term use of phenobarbital causes increase in liver enzymes, ALT and, mainly, ALP, these are attributed to enzymatic induction and to low degree of liver damage. ALT and AP increased the values and this does not necessarily indicate clinically significant liver damage or the need to stop therapy. The risk of liver toxicity appears to be greater with concentrations higher than 35 μg mL-1 or when multiple potentially hepatotoxic drugs are used. Other factors associated to the long-term use of anticonvulsant, such phenobarbital, potassium bromide or both, for the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is acute pancreatitis and hypothyroidism. In this study, it was not observed acute pancreatitis, but there were two dogs with hypothyroidism. The long-term use of phenobarbital did not cause significant side effects, even with changes in the biochemical tests

Primary orthostatic tremor and orthostatic tremor-plus in dogs: 60 cases (2003-2020).

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare movement disorder characterized by high-frequency (>12 Hz) involuntary, rhythmic, sinusoidal movements affecting predominantly the limbs while standing. OBJECTIVE: To describe the signalment, presenting complaints, phenotype, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome of a large sample of dogs with OT. ANIMALS: Sixty dogs diagnosed with OT based on conscious electromyography. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case series study. Dogs were included if they had a conscious electromyography consistent with muscle discharge frequency >12 Hz while standing. RESULTS: Fifty-three cases were diagnosed with primary OT (POT). Giant breed dogs represented most cases (83%; 44/53). Most dogs (79%; 42/53) were younger than 2 years of age at onset of signs, except for Retrievers which were all older than 3.5 years of age. The most common presenting complaints were pelvic limb tremors while standing (85%; 45/53) and difficulty when rising or sitting down (45%; 24/53). Improvement of clinical signs occurred in most dogs (85%; 45/53) treated medically with phenobarbital, primidone, gabapentin, pregabalin or clonazepam, but it was mostly partial rather than complete. Orthostatic tremor-plus was seen in 7 dogs that had concurrent neurological diseases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Primary OT is a progressive disease of young, purebred, giant/large-breed dogs, which appears to begin later in life in Retrievers. Primary OT apparently responds partially to medications. Orthostatic tremor-plus exists in dogs and can be concomitant or associated with other neurological diseases

Phenotypic characterization of paroxysmal dyskinesia in Maltese dogs

Background Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of central nervous system diseases characterized by episodes of abnormal involuntary hyperkinetic movement without altered consciousness that increasingly have been recognized in dogs. Objectives To present the phenotypical characterization, treatment, and outcome of a PD observed in Maltese dogs. Animals Client-owned Maltese dogs (n = 19) with presumed diagnosis of PD. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from medical records (2014-2019), and supporting information was added prospectively by using a questionnaire directed to the owners of the affected dogs. Results The episodes were characterized mainly by sudden dystonia of >= 1 limbs and generalized body tremors with preserved consciousness. The mean age of clinical onset was 5.4 years. Episode frequency varied widely both among and within individuals. Median episode duration was 4.5 minutes. Most episodes were stress- or exercise-induced. Acetazolamide was administered to 6 dogs, and 4 dogs experienced a decrease in episode frequency. In 7 dogs that received a gluten-free diet, 6 dogs became episode-free. In 4 dogs, the episodes stopped spontaneously and in 2 dogs no medication or specific diet was given and the episodes continued at the same frequency. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Given the breed predisposition and regional distribution of the disease, additional research should focus on elucidating the underlying genetic cause doing so might advance both our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease, not only in dogs, but also in humans. Regardless of the treatment protocol selected, prognosis appears fair to good

Doença do disco intervertebral cervical em cães: 28 casos (2003-2008) Cervical intervertebral disk disease in dogs: 28 cases (2003-2008)

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar cães com doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV) cervical atendidos no Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) entre janeiro de 2003 e outubro de 2008 e obter informações a respeito de raça, sexo, idade, sinais neurológicos, resposta ao tratamento cirúrgico, complicações, tempo de recuperação funcional após a cirurgia e ocorrência de recidiva. Hiperestesia cervical foi observada em todos os cães (n=28). Quanto ao grau de disfunção neurológica foram verificados: grau I (8/28[28,5%]), grau II (3/28 [10,7%]), grau III (5/28[17,8%]) e grau V (12/2 [42,8%]). A duração dos sinais neurológicos antes da cirurgia em sete cães (25%) permaneceu por até 15 dias, em 14 cães (50%) entre 15 e 30 dias e nos outros sete cães (25%) por mais de 30 dias. A recuperação satisfatória e sem recidiva foi observada em todos os cães submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico e que sobreviveram (n=21). Pode-se concluir que a DDIV cervical em nossa rotina acomete principalmente cães adultos, machos, de raças condrodistróficas e não condrodistróficas, incluindo as de grande porte; a hiperestesia cervical é a principal manifestação clínica; a técnica de fenda ventral promove recuperação funcional satisfatória e sem recidiva; as principais complicações trans-operatórias são a hemorragia do plexo venoso, a bradicardia e a hipotensão; e a duração dos sinais clínicos não interfere no tempo de recuperação pós-operatória dos cães.<br>The aim of this study was to evaluate the medical records of dogs with cervical intervertebral disk disease (IDD), submitted to surgical treatment at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (HVU-UFSM), between January 2003 and October 2008. The animal data included breed, sex, age, neurological signs and their durations, response to surgical treatment, complications, time for functional recovery after surgery, and recurrence. All dogs showed cervical hyperaesthesia confirmed by the neck movement test. Regarding the degree of neurological dysfunction, the following were verified: degree I (eight dogs, 28.5%), degree II (three dogs, 10.7%), degree III (five dogs, 17.8%), and degree V (twelve dogs, 42.8%). In relation to the duration of neurological signs prior to surgery, seven dogs (25%) showed neurological deficits for up to 15 days, fourteen dogs (50%) for 15 to 30 days and the other seven dogs (25%) showed signs of neurological deficiencies for more than 30 days. All dogs (n=21) showed satisfactory recovery and no recurrence. It can be concluded that most affected dogs are middle aged, males and condrodystrophic and noncondrodystrophic breeds including large-breed dogs and the main neurological sign is cervical hyperaesthesia. The surgical treatment promotes satisfactory functional recovery and no recurrence, the main complications intraoperative are venous plexus hemorrhage, bradycardia and hypotension and the duration of clinical signs prior to surgery do not interfere with the recovery time of the dogs

Phenotypic characterization of paroxysmal dyskinesia in Maltese dogs

Background Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of central nervous system diseases characterized by episodes of abnormal involuntary hyperkinetic movement without altered consciousness that increasingly have been recognized in dogs. Objectives To present the phenotypical characterization, treatment, and outcome of a PD observed in Maltese dogs. Animals Client‐owned Maltese dogs (n = 19) with presumed diagnosis of PD. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from medical records (2014‐2019), and supporting information was added prospectively by using a questionnaire directed to the owners of the affected dogs. Results The episodes were characterized mainly by sudden dystonia of ≥1 limbs and generalized body tremors with preserved consciousness. The mean age of clinical onset was 5.4 years. Episode frequency varied widely both among and within individuals. Median episode duration was 4.5 minutes. Most episodes were stress‐ or exercise‐induced. Acetazolamide was administered to 6 dogs, and 4 dogs experienced a decrease in episode frequency. In 7 dogs that received a gluten‐free diet, 6 dogs became episode‐free. In 4 dogs, the episodes stopped spontaneously and in 2 dogs no medication or specific diet was given and the episodes continued at the same frequency. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Given the breed predisposition and regional distribution of the disease, additional research should focus on elucidating the underlying genetic cause doing so might advance both our understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease, not only in dogs, but also in humans. Regardless of the treatment protocol selected, prognosis appears fair to good

Therapeutic Aspects of Dogs with Presumptive Diagnosis of Idiopathic Epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent epileptic seizures. Various antiepileptic drugs are used for the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy. Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for long-term treatment in dogs. Although it is well tolerated, phenobarbital can cause liver injury if administered alone or in combination with other drugs. Therefore, the main of this study was to identify dogs with presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy and information about the antiepileptic drugs, the dose and frequency of administration, period of treatment, frequency of the seizure before and after start the treatment, complementary exams and adverse effects.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In this study were included 21 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. All dogs were examined and having blood taken for blood count, biochemical tests (ALT, AST, AP, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea, amylase, lipase, cholesterol and triglycerides), measurement of serum phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide and, some dogs, free T4 by dialysis and canine TSH. In this study, it was observed monotherapy (phenobarbital) in 76.19% (16/21), double therapy (phenobarbital and potassium bromide) in 19.05% (4/21) and triple therapy (phenobarbital, potassium bromide and gabapentin) in 4.76% (1/21) of dogs. The phenobarbital was used as monotherapy with dose between 1.4 and 12 mg kg-1 and the median of serum concentration was 26.41 μg kg-1. There was significant reduction in the frequency of the seizure after start the treatment. There was refractory to antiepileptic drugs in two dogs (9.5%). In blood analysis, there was increase serum activities of AP (23.81%) and ALT (14.20%), decrease total protein (42.29%), hypoalbuminemia (9.5%) and it was not increased AST activities. The main adverse effects were nodularliver damage and hypothyroidism.Discussion: In most cases of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, monotherapy is preferred, because it tends to avoid complications that may arise from drug interactions and may also improve compliance by providing a simple treatment regimen. In this study, the phenobarbital controlled the seizures when used as monotherapy. It is considered success of an antiseizure drug when there is a reduction of seizure frequency by at least 50%, with minimal drug side effects. Approximately 20-30% of dogs with epilepsy do not have satisfactory seizure control or experience intolerable adverse effects with appropriate conventional medical treatment. In this study, there was refractory to antiepileptic drugs in 9.5%, one dog treated with phenobarbital and other with phenobarbital and potassium bromide. The long-term use of phenobarbital causes increase in liver enzymes, ALT and, mainly, ALP, these are attributed to enzymatic induction and to low degree of liver damage. ALT and AP increased the values and this does not necessarily indicate clinically significant liver damage or the need to stop therapy. The risk of liver toxicity appears to be greater with concentrations higher than 35 μg mL-1 or when multiple potentially hepatotoxic drugs are used. Other factors associated to the long-term use of anticonvulsant, such phenobarbital, potassium bromide or both, for the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs is acute pancreatitis and hypothyroidism. In this study, it was not observed acute pancreatitis, but there were two dogs with hypothyroidism. The long-term use of phenobarbital did not cause significant side effects, even with changes in the biochemical tests

Recuperação funcional de cães paraplégicos com doença do disco intervertebral toracolombar sem percepção à dor profunda submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico: 15 casos (2006-2010)

O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar a recuperação funcional de cães paraplégicos sem percepção à dor profunda (PDP) com doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV) toracolombar submetidos à hemilaminectomia dorsolateral. Foram incluídos somente cães com DDIV entre os segmentos da medula espinhal T3 e L3, que estavam paraplégicos sem PDP submetidos à cirurgia descompressiva. Foi observada recuperação funcional satisfatória em 73,3% dos cães (n=11), sendo um, aos cinco dias, sete entre 15 e 30 dias e três acima de 30 dias do procedimento cirúrgico. A duração da perda da PDP antes da cirurgia em cinco cães recuperados foi entre 12 e 48 horas e, em seis cães, acima de 48 horas. Cães paraplégicos sem PDP em decorrência da DDIV toracolombar podem apresentar recuperação funcional satisfatória quando submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico mesmo sem percepção a dor profunda com tempo superior a 48 horas. Futuras pesquisas serão necessárias para avaliar a eficiência do tratamento cirúrgico, principalmente para aqueles que perderam a PDP acima de 48 horas