Encephalopathies

Question 1

lysosomal storage disease signs + signalment

Answer 1

chronic, progressive encephalopathy

born NORMAL - signs show by 8-9 months

tremors + cerebellar signs

Question 2

hydrocephalus signs + signalment

Answer 2

acute or chronic insidious onset of signs

born normal or abnormal

toy breeds

Question 3

what are the most common primary neoplasias in dogs

Answer 3

meningiomas and gliomas

meningiomas: older dogs, acute or chronic clinical signs

glioma: middle aged to older, acute or chronic signs

Question 4

thiamine deficiency signs + signalment

Answer 4

symmetrical signs

chronic, progressive onset

Question 5

types of immune mediated encephalitis

Answer 5

MUE (meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology)
- GME
- NME, NE

Question 6

common causes of infectious encephalitis

Answer 6

cryptococcus, bacterial, distemper, rabies, FIP, protozoal, parasitic

Question 7

ischemic stroke signs + signalment

Answer 7

peracute (<24 hr) to acute onset

static to improving clinical signs

Question 8

hemorrhagic stroke signs + signalment

Answer 8

peracute to acute onset

static to improving clinical signs

Question 9

granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) forms

Answer 9

1. ocular
2. focal (majority; brainstem, C spine, cerebellum)
3. multifocal

Question 10

granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) signalment

Answer 10

small breeds
age 3-7 yo
acute onset of clinical signs

Question 11

granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) clinical signs

Answer 11

acute, progressive:
- vestibular signs
- long tract - CP deficits, paresis
- cerebellar signs
- CN deficits
- seizures

Question 12

granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) on histopathology

Answer 12

lymphoplasmacytic inflammation with perivascular cuffing

encephalitis and/or myelitis

Question 13

necrotizing encephalitis (NME, NE)

Answer 13

“pug encephalitis”

necrosis and cavitation of the meninges and cerebrum

Question 14

necrotizing encephalitis (NME, NE) signalment

Answer 14

small breeds (pugs»)
young dogs (1-2 yrs)
acute onset of clinical signs

Question 15

necrotizing encephalitis (NME, NE) clinical signs

Answer 15

cerebral signs - seizures, altered mentation, compulsivity, pacing
asymmetric circling

Question 16

necrotizing encephalitis (NME, NE) on histopathology

Answer 16

lymphoplasmacytic inflammation

grey matter disease - causes meningitis AND encephalitis

signs of necrosis and cavitation

Question 17

necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE)

Answer 17

necrosis and cavitation of the white matter

small breeds
young to middle aged

white matter disease - NO meningitis

Question 18

diagnosis of an immune mediated encephalitis

Answer 18

presumptive diagnosis - use signalment/history + MRI + CSF to evaluate
- MUST rule out infectious agents

CSF: mononuclear pleocytosis, high protein, negative infectious disease testing

definitive diagnosis: biopsy

Question 19

treatment of immune mediated encephalitis

Answer 19

immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids

adjunctive therapies can be used to reduce steroid dose; has the best results

Question 20

differentials for a chronic, progressive asymmetric paradoxical vestibular disease

Answer 20

1. primary neoplasia - meningioma vs glioma
2. secondary neoplasia
3. infectious or immune mediated encephalitis

Question 21

history for brain tumors

Answer 21

• vague clinical history
• rapid progression/acute decompensation
• LATERALIZING neurological deficits

Question 22

clinical signs for brain tumors in cats

Answer 22

behavioral changes - most common

seizures
altered mentation
circling
lethargy/anorexia

Question 23

clinical signs of brain tumors in dogs

Answer 23

seizures - most common

circling
ataxia
head tilt
altered mentation

Question 24

brain tumor diagnosis

Answer 24

• minimum database
• MRI > skull rads > CT
• CSF analysis

biopsy required for definitive diagnosis

Question 25

what is the most common brain tumor in dogs and cats

Answer 25

meningiomas

occurs in older dogs and cats (10-12 years)

Question 26

meningioma distribution

Answer 26

supratentorial or infratentorial

extra-axial - sits on brain surface

Question 27

meningioma treatment and prognosis

Answer 27

• palliative - prednisone
• surgery
• radiation therapy

prognosis: up to 2 years w/ surgery and RT

Question 28

what is the second most common brain tumor in dogs

Answer 28

gliomas
(RARE in cats)

originate from astrocytes or oligodendrocytes

middle aged to older dogs (8-11)
- boxers
- bostons
- bulldogs
- pitbulls

Question 29

treatment and prognosis for gliomas

Answer 29

palliative care
surgery
radiation therapy

POOR prognosis - <1 year with surgery and radiation

Question 30

glioma distribution

Answer 30

supratentorial

very few are infratentorial

intra-axial - located within parenchyma