Canine Top 10 Neurological Diseases - Part 2 Flashcards
what is the classic case presentation of FCE?
acute, asymmetrical, non-painful, non-progressive paraparesis/tetraparesis/plegia - often a history of vigorous exercise before onset
what dog breeds are over-represented with FCE?
usually large non-chondrodystrophic breeds - mini schnauzers & shetland sheepdogs
how is FCE diagnosed?
MRI/myelography - normal or slight swelling of the spinal cord
how is a dog with FCE managed?
bladder management if necessary, prevent decubital ulcers with frequent turning/well padded bedding, physical therapy, & NO STEROIDS
what is an FCE?
embolization of a tiny amount of fibrocartilage into the spinal cord surrounded by edema
what is a type III missile disc?
acute, non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion
why do clinical signs differ on dogs with encephalitis?
depends on the area of the brain affected
what are the classical clinical signs of a dog with encephalitis?
seizures, circling, pacing, abnormal behavior, head pressing, adipsia, tetraparesis, hypermetria, head bobbing, head tilt, ataxia, nystagmus, loss of conscious proprioception, +/- neck pain
T/F: no specific etiology causing encephalitis is found in 30% of cases until necropsy
TRUE
what diagnostics are run when working up a dog with suspected encephalitis?
CBC, CSF analysis - protein, cytology, c/s, & infectious disease titer +/- MRI
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to an idiopathic/non-infectious cause?
immunosuppression
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to a fungal cause?
antifungals
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to a rickettsial cause?
doxycycline
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to a bacterial cause?
antibiotics
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to a protozoal cause?
clindamycin or sulfonamides
what treatment options are used for a dog with encephalitis due to a viral cause?
no treatment - just supportive
what encephalitis type are maltese dogs predisposed to? what about yorkies?
maltese - necrotizing meningoencephalitis yorkies - necrotizing leukoencephalitis
what is the most common non-infectious cause of encephalitis?
granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis
what is the most common viral cause of encephalitis in dogs?
distemper virus
T/F: for all cases of encephalitis in a dog, rabies should be on the differential list
TRUE
what is the classic case presentation of myasthenia gravis?
episodic weakness, weakness with exercise, coughing/gagging/regurg, depressed or absent palpebral reflex upon repeated stimulation, but NO loss of conscious proprioception
what breed of dog is predisposed to myasthenia gravis?
german shepherds
what is the gold standard test of diagnosing myasthenia gravis?
acetylcholine receptor antibody test
what may be seen on thoracic rads of a dog with myasthenia gravis?
megaesophagus & aspiration pneumonia
how is myasthenia gravis treated?
acetylcholinesterase drugs, supportive care/antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia, elevated feedings, & immunosuppression (controversial due to high incidence of aspiration pneumonia)
T/F: the highest morbidity due to myasthenia gravis is seen in german shepherds & golden retrievers
TRUE
what is the prognosis of myasthenia gravis with megaesophagus/aspiration pneumonia?
guarded
what is the classic case presentation of a dog with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis?
stridor, dysphonia, retching/coughing with ingestion of food or water
what dog breeds are typically affected by idiopathic laryngeal paralysis?
old large/giant breeds - labs, chesapeake bay retrievers, irish setters, afghan hounds, st bernards, & rotties
how is laryngeal paralysis diagnosed?
laryngoscopy under light anesthesia - rule out hypothyroidism & myasthenia gravis +/- electromyography
how is laryngeal paralysis treated?
exercise restriction, stress avoidance, avoid obesity, & arytenoid lateralization (tie back surgery)
what are the complications associated with corrective surgery for laryngeal paralysis?
aspiration pneumonia, coughing, gagging, & exercise intolerance
