Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with ataxia and brain lesion from amoebic meningoencephalitis
By Hodge, Priscilla J et al.·Published in Parasitology research·2011·Department of Veterinary Science, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Another case of canine amoebic meningoencephalitis--the challenges of reaching a rapid diagnosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A previously healthy dog showed signs of ataxia, meaning it was unsteady and tended to fall to the left side. After being exposed to stagnant water, the dog was diagnosed with a serious brain infection caused by an amoeba called Balamuthia mandrillaris. Despite treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, the dog's condition worsened rapidly, leading to severe neurological symptoms. Unfortunately, the dog had to be euthanized after just four days due to the progression of the disease. This case highlights the importance of considering amoebic infections in dogs that have been in stagnant water and show neurological symptoms.
People also search for: dog ataxia causes · amoebic meningoencephalitis in dogs · dog swimming stagnant water symptoms
Abstract
A case of granulomatous amoebic meningoencephalitis in a previously healthy, mature, apparently immunocompetent dog, with a history of exposure to stagnant water, is reported. The case presented with ataxia and a tendency to fall to the left side. A computed tomography (CT) showed a ring-enhancing lesion within the cerebellum; an examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed nonspecific mixed-cell pleocytosis. Despite antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy, clinical signs progressed rapidly to decerebellate rigidity over 4 days, and the dog was euthanased. Significant post-mortem findings were restricted to the brain, with a localised lytic lesion in the deep cerebellar white matter. Histopathological examination of the brain showed focally extensive cavitation of the white matter and communication of the lesion with the fourth ventricle. The affected area contained structures consistent with amoebae and was infiltrated by neutrophils mixed with lower numbers of macrophages, plasma cells and lymphocytes. The amoebae were identified as Balamuthia mandrillaris, based on specific immunofluorescence detection. Amoebic meningoencephalitis should be considered in dogs with evidence of focal cavitary lesions in the brain, particularly in cases with a history of swimming in stagnant water.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21161275/