Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with eosinophilic brain inflammation tracked by MRI and tests
By Cowan, Allison et al.·Published in Veterinary Record Case Reports·2017·Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital 1053 S Cleveland Massillon Rd Akron Ohio USA, United States·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: A case of canine idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis with serial MRI scans, CSF analyses and histopathology
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old Labrador retriever mix was brought in because she was acting differently, seemed overly sensitive to touch, and was urinating inappropriately. After several tests, including MRI scans and spinal fluid analysis, the vet diagnosed her with idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain inflammation. She was treated with a combination of medications, including immunomodulators and antibiotics, which helped resolve the inflammation, but she continued to have some lasting neurological issues and more difficult-to-manage seizures. The dog lived for about six more years after her diagnosis, but her condition showed that even with treatment, some effects can remain long-term.
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Abstract
A six‐year‐old labrador retriever mix was evaluated for behaviour change, hyperaesthesia and inappropriate urination. Neurological examination was consistent with a multifocal localisation. Multiple MRI scans, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses, infectious disease titres and a cerebral biopsy were performed over the course of nine months, confirming the diagnosis of idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The patient was treated with immunomodulatory medications, antibiotics, anthelminthics and anticonvulsant medications. Resolution of meningoencephalitis was achieved; however, permanent neurological deficits remained and seizures became more difficult to control. The patient’s neurological status was followed until her death approximately six years following initial presentation. This is the first and only reported case of idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis to have had multiple MRI scans and CSF analyses performed. This report allows for visual tracking of disease progression and correlates it with CSF characteristics and clinical signs. Furthermore, this report demonstrates the persistent long‐term ramifications of the disease, even after successful treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1136/vetreccr-2017-000446