Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog or cat suddenly blind - causes and MRI findings
By Seruca, Cristina et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2010·ECVO, Spain·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Acute postretinal blindness: ophthalmologic, neurologic, and magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs and cats (seven cases).
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old Golden Retriever and a 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat were both brought in for sudden blindness without any other noticeable neurological issues. After thorough examinations and MRI scans, it was found that both pets had lesions affecting their visual pathways, with the dog diagnosed with a meningioma (a type of brain tumor) and the cat with bilateral optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerves). These findings highlight the importance of MRI in diagnosing central nervous system problems in pets experiencing sudden blindness. Treatment options would depend on the specific diagnosis, but in cases like these, addressing the underlying cause is crucial for recovery.
People also search for: dog sudden blindness treatment · cat optic neuritis symptoms · Golden Retriever brain tumor diagnosis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the ophthalmologic, neurologic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of seven animals with acute postretinal blindness as sole neurologic deficit. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs and cats with postretinal blindness of acute presentation, that had a cranial MRI performed as part of the diagnostic workup. Only animals lacking other neurologic signs at presentation were included. Complete physical, ophthalmic, and neurologic examinations, routine laboratory evaluations, thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, electroretinography, and brain MRI were performed in all animals. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and postmortem histopathologic results were recorded when available. RESULTS: Four dogs and three cats met the inclusion criteria. Lesions affecting the visual pathways were observed on magnetic resonance (MR) images in six cases. Location, extension, and MRI features were described. Neuroanatomic localization included: olfactory region with involvement of the optic chiasm (n = 4), pituitary fossa with involvement of the optic chiasm and optic tracts (n = 1), and optic nerves (n = 1). Of all lesions detected, five were consistent with intracranial tumors (two meningiomas, one pituitary tumor, two nasal tumors with intracranial extension), and one with bilateral optic neuritis that was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Histologic diagnosis was obtained in four cases and included one meningioma, one pituitary carcinoma, one nasal osteosarcoma, and one nasal carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Central nervous system (CNS) disease should be considered in dogs and cats with acute blindness, even when other neurologic deficits are absent. This study emphasizes the relevance of MRI as a diagnostic tool for detection and characterization of CNS lesions affecting the visual pathways.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20840108/