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Background: Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging., Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis., Animals: A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis., Methods: Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin-embedded muscle samples., Results: 13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a gradient echo (GE) MRI sequence. Intravenous administration of gadolinium (Gd) may affect GE images, but its effect on SWI has not been investigated in veterinary medicine. This cross-sectional prospective study evaluated the effects of Gd on SWI. Seventy-one dogs that underwent brain MRI were included and distributed in two groups. Susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed pre- and postcontrast, obtained immediately after Gd administration (Group A: n = 35) or delayed (Group B: n = 36; median delay 19.9 min). Pre- and post-Gd SWI were analyzed for signal intensity changes in the lentiform nuclei of gray matter (GM), in the centrum semiovale of white matter (WM), and in brain lesions. No difference in GM signal intensity was identified in either group between pre- and postcontrast images (Group A, P = .395; Group B, P = .895). In group A, WM signal intensity was lower in pre- than post-Gd sequences (P = .019). Brain lesions were identified in 30/71 (41%) cases; the signal intensity of intracranial lesions was significantly lower in pre- than post-Gd images in both groups (P < .001); the number of lesions influenced the difference in signal intensity in group B (P = .043). Susceptibility artifacts did not change in appearance between pre- and postcontrast images in either the normal brain or in parenchymal lesions. In conclusion, Gd may modify the signal intensity of WM and brain lesions but does not affect the susceptibility artifacts and does not interfere with SWI interpretation., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Introduction: Large clinical studies regarding cervical intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) in Dachshunds are lacking. This retrospective multicentric study therefore aims to describe the clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcomes of Dachshunds diagnosed with cervical IVDE., Methods: Medical records of Dachshunds with cervical IVDE were reviewed for signalment, onset of clinical signs, neurological examination, MRI features, treatment and outcome., Results: Eighty Dachshunds were included in the study, mostly ambulatory (55% grade 1 and 33% grade 2) and without nerve root signature (85% of cases) on presentation. Information on coat type was available for 56% of dogs; specifically, 41% were smooth-haired, 9% were long-haired and 6% were wire-haired Dachshunds. There were 29 (36%) neutered female, 27 (34%) male entire, 15 (19%) male neutered and 9 (11%) entire female dogs. The onset of clinical signs was most often >48 h (84%). The most common intervertebral disc space affected was C2-C3 (38%) and foraminal IVDEs were reported in 14% of dogs. A foraminal IVDE was diagnosed in only 25% of dogs presented with nerve root signatures. Most dogs (77.5%) were treated surgically. In this group, a higher body condition score on presentation and a higher mean spinal cord compression ratio calculated on MRI were directly and moderately associated with a longer hospitalization time ( r  = 0.490 p  = 0.005 and r  = 0.310 p  = 0.012, respectively). The recovery time was longer in dogs with an onset of clinical signs <24 h or 24-48 h compared to those with an onset of clinical signs >48 h (3.1 ± 6.5 days versus 1.6 ± 6.2, p  < 0.001) in both medically and surgically treated groups. Data about the outcome was available for 83% of dogs. Eighty percent of the entire population of dogs was considered to have completely returned to normal. There was no association between the therapeutic choice (surgical versus medical management) and the outcome of the dogs included in this study., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Violini, Tirrito, Cozzi, Contiero, Anesi, Zini and Toni.)

An 11-year old, intact male Border Collie was referred with a history of subacute and progressive left eye exophthalmos and mydriasis associated with reduced pupillary light reflex, ventrolateral strabismus, and absence of physiologic nystagmus in the left eye. Neuroanatomical localization was consistent with a left oculomotor neuropathy, involving the general somatic and visceral parasympathetic efferent components. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were performed. Imaging findings were consistent with an infectious-inflammatory process involving the left retrobulbar space and regional muscles, extending intracranially through the left orbital fissure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the cerebellomedullary cistern, and the analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. The dog was treated with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and prednisolone at anti-inflammatory dose; a significant improvement of neurologic status was observed afterward. However, 4 weeks after the initial presentation, the dog showed an abnormal, bilateral adduction of both eyes and third eyelid protrusion of the left eye while chewing the leash; the dog's mental status was normal, and the patient did not appear to be in discomfort during these episodes. A presumptive diagnosis of acquired trigemino-oculomotor synkinesis, induced by the intracranial inflammation was made. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first case of presumed trigemino-oculomotor synkinesis reported in veterinary medicine., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.)

The objective of this study was to calculate lateral ventricles dimension in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs with Chiari-like malformation and investigate the association between ventriculomegaly and signalment, clinical signs, ventricular asymmetry, grade of Chiari-like malformation, syringomyelia and index of medullary kinking. Retrospectively, 43 client-owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, older than 1 year of age, with magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of Chiari-like malformation were enrolled. Initial and follow-up (up to 36 months) clinical status was graded. Images were reviewed to quantify the enlargement of lateral ventricles, evaluate ventricular symmetry, grade of Chiari-like malformation, grade of syringomyelia and medullary kinking index. Cases presenting epileptic seizures during the evaluation period were also recorded. The most common initial clinical signs were scratching and neck pain. Ventriculomegaly was identified in 70% of dogs, Chiari-like malformation grade 2 was observed in 77% of cases, ventricular asymmetry and syringomyelia were identified in 54% and 80% of dogs, respectively; the median medullary kinking index was 37.77%. Moreover, 28% of dogs presented epileptic seizures. No significant association was identified between dimension of lateral ventricles and signalment, clinical signs, and imaging findings; no significant association was identified between ventriculomegaly and epilepsy (P≥0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of ventriculomegaly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is high but this finding does not seem related to the severity of clinical signs, presence of Chiari-like malformation, syringomyelia and craniocervical junction abnormalities such as medullary kinking.

Objectives: A previous single-country pilot study indicated serum anti-GM2 and anti-GA1 anti-glycolipid antibodies as potential biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis. This study aims to validate these findings in a large geographically heterogenous cohort., Materials and Methods: Sera from 175 dogs clinically diagnosed with acute canine polyradiculoneuritis, 112 dogs with other peripheral nerve, cranial nerve or neuromuscular disorders and 226 neurologically normal dogs were screened for anti-glycolipid antibodies against 11 common glycolipid targets to determine the immunoglobulin G anti-glycolipid antibodies with the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis., Results: Anti-GM2 anti-glycolipid antibodies reached the highest combined sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity: 65.1%, 95% confidence interval 57.6 to 72.2%; specificity: 90.2%, 95% confidence interval 83.1 to 95.0%), followed by anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies (sensitivity: 61.7%, 95% confidence interval 54.1 to 68.9%; specificity: 89.3%, 95% confidence interval 82.0 to 94.3%) and these anti-glycolipid antibodies were frequently present concomitantly. Anti-GA1 anti-glycolipid antibodies were detected in both acute canine polyradiculoneuritis and control animals. Both for anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies, sex was found a significantly associated factor with a female to male odds ratio of 2.55 (1.27 to 5.31) and 3.00 (1.22 to 7.89), respectively. Anti-GalNAc-GD1a anti-glycolipid antibodies were more commonly observed in dogs unable to walk (OR 4.56, 1.56 to 14.87)., Clinical Significance: Anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a immunoglobulin G anti-glycolipid antibodies represent serum biomarkers for acute canine polyradiculoneuritis., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Small Animal Practice published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

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., (© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the surgeon's perception versus postoperative MRI findings in assessing the effectiveness of spinal cord decompression achieved in dogs surgically treated for intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE) and whether postoperative MRI findings were more likely to be associated with various outcomes., Animals: 68 dogs surgically treated for cervical or thoracolumbar IVDE., Procedures: Data on clinical, neurologic, pre- and postoperative MRI, and intraoperative findings as well as outcomes and recovery times (6-month follow-up period) were prospectively collected and compared between various groups., Results: 54 (79%) dogs had thoracolumbar IVDE, and 14 (21%) had cervical IVDE. Median degree of spinal cord compression as assessed on transverse T2-weighted MRI images was 45.6% before surgery and 8.8% after surgery. The correlation between surgeons' perception (n = 3) and postoperative MRI findings for the degree of spinal cord decompression achieved was only fair (κ = 0.40). Unsatisfactory spinal cord decompression as assessed via postoperative MRI was associated with severity of preoperative neurologic grade and preoperative compression, thoracolumbar (vs cervical) IVDE, and ventral (vs ventrolateral or dorsolateral) circumferential distribution of extruded material. Satisfactory (vs unsatisfactory) decompression as assessed via MRI was associated with a lower postoperative neurologic grade, greater likelihood of a successful outcome, and lower mean recovery time., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggested that for dogs surgically treated for IVDE, the surgeon's perception of adequate spinal cord decompression may be less reliable than postoperative MRI findings. Postoperative MRI appeared particularly useful for dogs with a severe preoperative neurologic status, severe preoperative spinal cord compression, and thoracolumbar IVDE.

Background: The intranasal (IN) route for rapid drug administration in patients with brain disorders, including status epilepticus, has been investigated. Status epilepticus is an emergency, and the IN route offers a valuable alternative to other routes, especially when these fail., Objectives: To compare IN versus IV midazolam (MDZ) at the same dosage (0.2 mg/kg) for controlling status epilepticus in dogs., Animals: Client-owned dogs (n = 44) with idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy, or epilepsy of unknown origin manifesting as status epilepticus., Methods: Randomized parallel group clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated to the IN-MDZ (n = 21) or IV-MDZ (n = 23) group. Number of successfully treated cases (defined as seizure cessation within 5 minutes and lasting for ≥10 minutes), seizure cessation time, and adverse effects were recorded. Comparisons were performed using the Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests with statistical significance set at α < .05., Results: IN-MDZ and IV-MDZ successfully stopped status epilepticus in 76% and 61% of cases, respectively (P = .34). The median seizure cessation time was 33 and 64 seconds for IN-MDZ and IV-MDZ, respectively (P = .63). When the time to place an IV catheter was taken into account, IN-MDZ (100 seconds) was superior (P = .04) to IV-MDZ (270 seconds). Sedation and ataxia were seen in 88% and 79% of the dogs treated with IN-MDZ and IV-MDZ, respectively., Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Both routes are quick, safe, and effective for controlling status epilepticus. However, the IN route demonstrated superiority when the time needed to place an IV catheter was taken into account., (© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

Platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α and PDGFRβ are tyrosine kinase receptors that are overexpressed in 70-80% of human osteosarcomas (OSAs) and may be suitable therapeutic targets for specific kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Canine OSA shows histopathological and clinical features similar to human OSA, and is considered an excellent model in comparative oncology. This study investigated PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ expression in 33 canine OSA samples by immunohistochemistry and in seven primary canine OSA cell lines by Western blot and quantitative PCR analysis. Immunohistochemical data showed that PDGF-A and PDGF-B are expressed in 42% and 60% of the OSAs analysed, respectively, while PDGFRα and PDGFRβ were expressed in 78% and 81% of cases, respectively. Quantitative PCR data showed that all canine OSA cell lines overexpressed PDGFRα, while 6/7 overexpressed PDGFRβ and PDGF-A relative to a normal osteoblastic cell line. Moreover, in vitro treatment with a specific PDGFR inhibitor, AG1296, caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in AKT phosphorylation. Collectively, these data show that PDGFRs/PDGFs are co-expressed in canine osteosarcomas, which suggests that an autocrine and/or paracrine loop is involved and that they play an important role in the aetiology of OSA. PDGFRs may be suitable targets for the treatment of canine OSA with a specific TKI., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)