Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Progressive unsteady walk and sensory loss in Azawakh dog with spinal
By Mandara, Maria Teresa et al.·Published in Research in veterinary science·2017·Department of Veterinary Medicine, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A leukomyeloencephalopathy of unknown origin in an Azawakh dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old male Azawakh dog was brought in for slowly worsening coordination problems (ataxia) that had been developing over six months. Tests revealed significant damage to the spinal cord's myelin sheaths, which are crucial for proper nerve function, leading to sensory issues. Unfortunately, the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, and while some changes in the brain were noted, there were no signs of nerve damage outside the spinal cord. The dog’s condition is serious, and treatment options may be limited, so it's essential to discuss management strategies with your veterinarian.
People also search for: Azawakh dog ataxia treatment · dog coordination problems · unknown cause of dog neurological issues
Abstract
A diffuse bilaterally symmetrical leukomyeloencephalopathy was observed in a 6-year-old male Azawakh dog showing a slowly progressive ataxia of six months duration associated with sensory disorders. Severe bilaterally symmetrical demyelination and vacuolisation were confined to the dorsal columns along the entire spinal cord with a minor axonal degeneration. The main changes of myelin sheaths consisted in splitting and intramyelin vacuolization. Naked axons were scattered in a network of astrocytic processes and collagen fibres. Few reactive macrophages exhibiting a foamy pattern were observed adjacent to the small vessels. In the brain, cuneatus nuclei showed a number of atrophic neurons. A spongy change was observed in the raphe nuclei, spinal tract and nuclei of trigeminal nerve, and caudal cerebellar peduncles. Lesions there were neither in the spinal and trigeminal nerves, nor in the spinal ganglia. Although in the absence of a pedigree analysis support an inherited cause cannot be completely excluded.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28926781/