Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brain infection from plant material in three young dogs
By Dennis, M M et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2005·Colorado State University, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bacterial meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis due to migrating plant foreign bodies in three dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three young dogs in Colorado developed serious brain infections after grass awns (sharp plant parts) migrated into their brains. They showed symptoms like weakness in all four legs, confusion, and unusual behaviors such as circling and head-pressing. The veterinarians found bacteria in their brain tissue, likely introduced by the grass awns. Treatment details weren't specified, but these conditions can be severe and require immediate veterinary attention. If you notice similar symptoms in your dog, it's crucial to seek help right away.
People also search for: dog brain infection symptoms · why is my dog circling · treatment for dog tetraplegia · grass awn injury in dogs
Abstract
Regional suppurative meningoencephalitis and ventriculitis of variable chronicity was diagnosed in three young dogs residing in Colorado. Grass awns were grossly identified in the right occipital cortex of one dog and in the right lateral ventricle of another. Intralesional plant material was microscopically evident in the dura mater overlying the right occipital cortex of the third dog. One grass awn was identified as a floret of Hordeum jabatum. In each case, aerobic culture of brain tissue identified multiple isolates of bacteria. The dogs presented with clinically variable, rapidly progressive neurologic dysfunction, including tetraplegia, depressed mentation, and episodic extensor rigidity, ataxia, circling, stupor, vocalization, and head-pressing. Encephalitis due to bacteria introduced from migrating plant foreign material is a potential sequela of intranasal, periocular, or pharyngeal foreign bodies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16301584/