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Background: Choroid plexus papilloma is a benign neoplasm derived from the neuroepithelium of the choroid plexus of the ventricular cavity, commonly located in the fourth ventricle, affecting dogs of different age groups and without predilection for sex. There is a range of therapeutic options, and the treatment to be chosen will be defined based on tumor localization and development. Due to the difficulties in accessing treatments, tutors opt for euthanasia or death occurs with the worsening of the clinical condition. This case report aims to present the symptomatology, treatment and evolution of the case until the death of the animal, as well as the pathological findings. Case: A 12-year-old bitch, mixed breed, was treated presenting behavior alteration, with unusual aggressiveness, perceived by the tutor four weeks ago. Neurological examination revealed changes in behavior, compulsive walking and focal epileptic seizures. After the presumptive diagnosis of brain neoplasia, the dog underwent symptomatic treatment with prednisolone (1 mg/kg, orally, every 24 h, for 15 days, with subsequent reduction to 0.5 mg/kg for another 15 days) and phenobarbital (3 mg/kg, every 12 h, orally), until death. After the beginning of the treatment, no more epileptic seizures and aggressive behavior were observed. After 5 months of consultation, the dog returned with aggressive and anorexic behavior. Due to the worsening of clinical signs, with the possibility of brain neoplasia, the tutor opted for euthanasia. Necropsy was performed and macroscopic examination was observed in the telecephalus, occlusion of the third ventricle by grayish mass, soft, 1.2 cm in diameter with slight dilation of lateral ventricles. On histological examination, it was observed that the third ventricle was occluded, epithelial proliferation of arboriform aspect, composed of cuboidal cells to columnares sustained by moderate fibrovascular stroma. Based on macroscopic and histopathological findings of the telecephalus, the alterations determined the diagnosis of choroid plexus papilloma. Discussion: The diagnosis of choroid plexus papilloma was confirmed by observing the neurological signs and pathological findings that characterize this neoplasm. Choroid plexus tumors are less common, in the third ventricle, only in 36% of all reports are of tumors in that area. The search for care is mainly due to clinical signs that include behavioral, and locomotor changes and sometimes epileptic seizures, such clinical signs were found in the dog. Choroid plexus papilloma affects dogs of all ages, but more in adults and increasing the occurrence as they age. The tumor is still correlated in a higher occurrence in large animals, the evaluated dog was of age, but small in size. During anamnesis, in addition to the clinical history, neurological examinations provide a good basis for the presumptive diagnosis that can be complemented by an imaging diagnosis. Sometimes such technologies are not available for use, therefore, more comprehensive knowledge about clinical signs and anamnesis are indispensable for a correct diagnosis. Palliative drug therapies are an excellent option for most cases presented in the literature and clinical routine, since they provide better quality of life by decreasing or eliminating clinical signs, besides being easily administered by tutors. The therapy proved to be of great value for the improvement of the clinical signs of the evaluated dog, confirming the importance of knowledge of the appropriate prescriptions for each case and reinforcing that consultation with one was important in defining the diagnosis and symptomatic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dioctophyme renale, also known as "giant kidney worm", is a cosmopolitan parasite, which usually affects domestic and wildlife canids in wetlands. Nephrotomy and nephrectomy are the only treatment options. Laparoscopic nephrectomy for dioctophymosis was first performed in veterinary patients in the late 90's. Canine pyometra is one of the most frequent surgical disorder in the small animal setting. The purpose of this study was to report a case of successful one-stage laparoscopic approach for nephrectomy and ovariohysterectomy in a bitch. Case: A female stray dog, rescued from a riverside community, was presenting hematuria. Abdominal echography revealed presence of Dioctophyme renale worms within the right renal parenchyma. Moreover, the uterus was moderately filled by anechoic content. The patient was clinically stable and undergone laparoscopy. A 10-mm trocar was established at the middle third of the right flank, followed by 12-mmHg CO2 insufflation. The telescope was inserted and a giant worm was seen free within the abdominal cavity. A second 10-mm port was inserted cranial and dorsally to the first one. The parasite was retrieved using a laparoscopic Kelly forceps. A third 5-mm trocar was inserted in a classic laparoscopic triangulation port positioning. Renal artery and vein were individually triple ligated using titanium clips and then transected. The right ovarian pedicle was sequentially coagulated and transected using laparoscopic bipolar forceps. The right kidney was then dissected and detached from the abdominal wall, followed by cauterization and transection of the left ovarian pedicle. The uterus was exposed out of the abdominal cavity through the 5-mm port access. Uterine body and vessels were double ligated using polyglactin 910, with transfixating ligatures, and then transected. The opening of the retrieval bag was exposed through the cranial port site incision. Eight dioctophyme worms and the kidney sections were withdrawn through the sac using a Kelly hemostat. Abdominal wounds were closed in two layers using cross-mattress polyglactin 910 sutures. Skin was closed using interrupted horizontal mattress nylon sutures. Patient was discharged on the early post-op, receiving tramadol chloride and sodium dipyrone for three days and enrofloxacin for seven days. The patient recovered uneventfully. Owner was contacted by phone eight months following surgery, which informed the bitch was clinically stable. Discussion: Riverside stray dogs present high incidence of dioctophymosis worldwide, due to irregular feeding and consequent intake of intermediate hosts. The reported patient met those features, without previous background regarding infestation episode. It presented hematuria, which usually results from renal parenchyma consumption by the worms. The patient was retrieved nine dioctophyme worms. Laparoscopic approach for nephrectomy has already been reported in veterinary patients, as well as three-port lap-assisted OVH have been performed. Innovative aspect of this case report concerns the one-stage laparoscopic approach for both nephrectomy and OVH. Moreover, the procedures required only three-port access, which was considered a suitable and safe minimally invasive approach in dogs affected by Dioctophyme renale and concurrent indication for OVH. The three-port access shown is adequate to perform one-stage nephrectomy and ovariohysterectomy in bitches, for reaching benefits of laparoscopic surgery in comparison to conventional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid volume, with progressive dilatation of the ventricular system, with subsequent destruction and atrophy of the brain parenchyma. The congenital form is the most observed in the first months of life and occurs more frequently in small breed dogs. Because of the importance of this disease in the differential diagnosis in young dogs with signs cortical thalamus and the lack of national literature on the subject, the objective of this report was to present ten cases of congenital hydrocephalus in dogs and information about the race, sex, age, neurological signs, the findings of complementary tests and response to therapy. Cases: Ten dogs were referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the UFSM, being three mixed breed dogs, two Lhasa apso, two Dachshunds, one Poodle, one English Bulldog and one Yorkshire terrier, aged between one month and one year and six months, seven females and three males. In all cases, the owners reported during anamnesis, altered level of consciousness (drowsiness or hallucination) and behavior and learning difficulties. For anatomical location of the lesion was performed complete neurological examination. As complementary tests were requested hemogram and serum biochemistry. In some individuals was performed analysis of cerebrospinal fluid by puncturing the lower back. transcranial ultrasound examination was performed only in five dogs. Opposite the historical, clinical, neurological and laboratory test findings, the diagnosis was congenital hydrocephalus. After the diagnosis, seven dogs were subjected to treatment with corticosteroids and three dogs were euthanized at the option of the owner. Of the seven treated dogs, none had a satisfactory clinical improvement during long time. Five dogs died during clinical treatment and were not subject to the necropsy by the lack of notification by the owners. Discussion: Congenital hydrocephalus is diagnosed more frequently than acquired in routine clinical small animal. In addition, young animals are the most affected by the primary hydrocephalus. The mean age of the dogs of this report was four months. Only one dog was over one year old, but the history, the onset of clinical signs was at six months of age. As for breed all were predisposed breeds and crossbred dogs were small, as described in the literature. Due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system, clinical signs occur by compression of adjacent brain parenchyma. The clinical signs in dogs found in this study were changes in behavior and level of consciousness, characterized by drowsiness and/or hallucinations (100%), skull increased volume (80%), bilateral lateral ventral strabismus (60%), seizures (30%), non ambulatory tetraparesis (20%), walking in circles (20%) and head turn (10%). As the evolution of clinical signs, although some patients may remain stable for some time, clinical signs are generally progressive. In nine dogs of this study the signs were progressive. Medical therapy includes general supportive care and medication to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid and hence reduce intracranial pressure. Various medications are used for this purpose, such as corticosteroids, diuretics and blockers carbonic anhydrase. In this study, the protocol was instituted therapy with prednisolone at the dose of 0.5 mg kg (body weight) oral, every 24 h for 14 days. Three dogs had mild clinical improvement in the first week of therapy, however, subsequently had worsening of neurological signs. The study has as clinical relevance, the importance of congenital hydrocephalus in the differential diagnosis of young dogs with neurological signs of cortical thalamus, and the effective ultrasound examination to conclude the diagnosis. The prognosis is poor in patients undergoing medical treatment with corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ovariosalpingohisterectomy (OSH) is the treatment of choice for the remaining ovary syndrome and canine pyometra, which can be performed by conventional or laparoscopic approach. In recent years, have developed new techniques for laparoscopic treatment of uterine and ovarian diseases in dogs. However, there are few reports of laparoscopic OSH for treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome and stump pyometra. Thus, the present report aims to describe the use of laparoscopy for the treatment of pyometra uterine horns and ovaries in a bitch remaining. Case: A bitch, mixed breed, with two years of age, was answered with a history of heat after being submitted to OSH was five months. Against clinical and ultrasonographic findings, the diagnosis was the remaining ovary syndrome pyometra and uterine horns, the animal being referred for laparoscopic surgery to remove the remaining uterine and ovarian tissue. After placing two laparoscopic portals, the animal was placed in right lateral recumbency. After the seizure of the ovarian ligament itself with the Kelly forceps, was held dual temporary transparietal suture for better exposure of the left arteriovenous ovarian complex. Was continued with bipolar cautery and Metzenbaum scissors with section. The animal was repositioned in the left lateral decubitus position, and the procedure was repeated on the right ovarian arterial-venous complex. The animal was positioned in dorsal recumbency again. Was held to apply temporary transparietal suture involving the urinary bladder for inspection of the uterine stump, without this change. There was exposure of the ovaries and uterine segments from the removal of the cannula and aspiration of uterine contents with the aid of a catheter 18. Verifying the absence of hemorrhage, the cavity was deflated, and the wounds sutured into muscle level access quilter cross pattern with 2-0 polyglactin 910. Subcutaneous suture was performed with the same wire a simple continuous pattern. The skin was occluded with a 3-0 monofilament nylon in standard default horizontal quilter stopped. Discussion: Patient in this report, when it was found the remaining ovaries and uterine horns increased in volume, remained the proposal OSH by laparoscopy, once the laparoscopic surgery is associated with better and faster postoperative recovery, as well as lower production of painful stimuli, magnification of images, the possibility of wide-ranging exploration of the peritoneal cavity, decreases the length of hospitalization and intensive care at that stage. Despite the success of previous reports of therapeutic video-assisted OSH in dogs and cats, the use of laparoscopic OSH with two portals for the treatment of ovarian remnant syndrome is still scarce in the small animal clinic. The minimally invasive procedure has disadvantages as a steep learning curve, with consequent initial prolonged surgical time and high operating costs. On the other hand, laparoscopy has less adhesion formation and better preservation of lung function. This may have contributed to the rapid postoperative recovery this dog. It is concluded therefore that laparoscopic OSH with two portals proved effective and beneficial in the treatment of ovarian remnant stump pyometra and uterine horn can be used in dogs as an alternative to conventional surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Syndrome responsive to corticosteroid tremor (SRCT) is an immune-mediated cerebellitis commonly observed among young adults small dogs. The main clinical sign of this disorder is a tremor of high frequency and low intensity of head, trunk and limbs. The diagnosis is based on the signalment, the historical, and examinations, physical, neurological and laboratory. The aim of this study was to report four cases of SRCT in dog, stressing the importance of the neurological examination and anamnesis data for location of the lesion in the central nervous system, to establish a list of differential diagnoses and treatment to be instituted. Cases: Two mixed breed dogs, one Shih tzu and one Poodle, being three females and one male, aged between four and six years, with a history of generalized tremors between one and seven days, which ceased when they slept, were presented to a veterinary neurologist at the Veterinary Medical teaching Hospital of the UFSM. The onset of clinical signs was acute, with no progressive evolution. The dogs had no history of intoxication, trauma, or use of medications. Clinical and neurological examination was performed complete, the latter consisting of: observation of mental status (level of consciousness and behavior), evaluation of gait and posture, postural reactions, spinal segmental reflexes, cranial nerves and nociception (pain deep). Opposite the historical, clinical, neurological and laboratory test findings, a presumptive diagnosis was SRCT. With a presumptive diagnosis, all dogs were subjected to treatment with corticosteroids in immunosuppressant doses with subsequent gradual decrease. The patients had a satisfactory clinical improvement within the first month after onset of clinical signs. Discussion: The SRCT affects small breed dogs, and most dogs have between one and five years of age, weighing less than 15 kg. In dogs of this report, only one had more than five years of age and all had less than 15 kg. The patient's medical history and neurological examination are essential for the localization of the lesion in the nervous system. On neurological examination, no changes were observed in mental statusin the evaluation of locomotion was observed cerebellar ataxia characterized by dysmetria (hypermetria) in three dogs and intention tremor (head, trunk and limbs) in all cases, which are intensified to start a movement, as when the head was coming from a particular place, for example, in attempts to feed, drink or smell something. These tremors decreased at rest and ceased during sleep. The animals also showed broad-based stance and absence of proprioceptive deficits, characteristic of cerebellar lesions. The segmental spinal reflexes and muscle tone were normal. The final diagnosis was established after exclusion of differential diagnosis and the response to treatment with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Discontinue therapy early in treatment may lead to recurrence. In general, clinical improvement is expected in the first three days, however, some dogs are less responsive and can take two weeks or more remission of clinical signs. In three dogs were observed reduction of tremors in three days and complete remission of up to 15 days of treatment. Treatment was discontinued at 42 days in the four dogs, as had remission of clinical signs. Recurrence may occur after months or years, and may be required imposition of new treatment or continuous administration of the drug. The SRCT, although uncommon, can be observed in the clinical routine of small animals and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with cerebellar signs. For the above, it is concluded that the abnormality has good prognosis when dogs responding at the start of immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The intervertebral disc disease (IVD) is one of the most common causes of neurological disorders in dogs and is caused by the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. The objectives of the surgical treatment of IVD are: decompression of the spinal cord, removal of material from the vertebral canal, reducing the edema, pain relief and the prevent future extrusion. The extrusion of the intervertebral disc usually occurs in isolation being uncommon involve two or more concomitant locations. Thus, the objective of this study was to report the functional recovery of a dog with multiple intervertebral disc disease submitted to surgical spinal decompression. Case: A canine dachshund female five years old, was seen with a history of total loss of movement of the pelvic limbs two days, in an acute manner and no history of trauma. On neurological examination, the patient was alert and found out paraplegia and deficiency in postural reactions, evaluated by tests of proprioception and hopping reaction, normal segmental spinal reflexes in the hind limbs and muscle tone, urinary retention, pain on epaxial palpation between L1-L2 and absence of deep feeling in the pelvic limbs. As complementary tests hematological exams were requested which were within the standard for the species and simple and contrast radiography (myelography) of the spine were requested. In simple radiographic examination was observed decreased intervertebral space between T12-T13 and calcification various intervertebral discs, and no signs of vertebral fracture or dislocation. In myelography, observed deviation of the contrast line ventral intervertebral space between T12-T13 in the lateral projection, deviation of the contrast line at the the lateral right between interspace L1-L2 in the right and left oblique projection, and deviation of the contrast line left side between T12-T13 in the left oblique projection, featuring two extramedullary compressions. Opposite the historical, clinical, neurological and laboratory test findings, the presumptive diagnosis was intervertebral disc disease. After a presumptive diagnosis, the animal was referred for surgery to the spinal cord decompression. For this, was elected to hemilaminectomy technique, which was performed between the L1-L2 (right) and T12-T13 (left). Discussion: In dogs chondrodystrophic breeds is found with higher frequency chondroid degeneration, in which the nucleus pulposus can move into the vertebral canal through rupture of the annulus fibrosus, causing acute spinal cord compression. The extrusion of the intervertebral disc usually occurs in isolation being uncommon involve two or more concomitant locations. In this case, the oblique projections in myelography provided relevant information, contributing with the other usual radiographic projections to locate the cord compression and were essential to locate the two sites of spinal cord compression, which would be inconclusive or passed unnoticed if they were not performed. The presumptive diagnosis of IVD was initially performed based on the signalment, history, clinical signs, changes in neurological examination and myelography. However, various other diseases should be considered as possible differential diagnoses, such as inflammatory, infectious conditions and neoplasm. The definitive diagnosis was made at surgery by observing the material extrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the vertebral canal in both intervertebral discs. The report brings to clinical relevance, the description of the multiple intervertebral disc disease in the differential diagnosis of dogs with a history of acute loss of limb movement being myelography in the oblique projections, essential for definitive diagnosis and treatment plan, and dogs in grade V of neurological dysfunction may present functional recovery after surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]