Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
DNA test detects Neospora infection in Greyhound dog with hindlimb
By Ishigaki, Kyohei et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2012·Noya Animal Hospital, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Nesopora caninum-specific DNA from cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction in a dog with confirmed neosporosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A one-month-old male Greyhound was brought in because he had a swinging gait in his hind legs and later developed muscle wasting in his thighs. Tests showed he had antibodies for a parasite called Neospora caninum, which can cause serious issues in dogs, but it was hard to diagnose through standard methods. However, a special test found the parasite's DNA in his spinal fluid, confirming the diagnosis. Early treatment is crucial for recovery, and this method of detecting the parasite's DNA can help vets diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
People also search for: puppy swinging gait · Greyhound muscle wasting · Neospora caninum treatment · dog spinal fluid test · dog parasite diagnosis
Abstract
A one-month male Greyhound dog presented with a swinging gait of the hindlimbs, and later developed muscular atrophy of the femoral region and hyperextension of hindlimbs. The dog had positive serum IFAT titers to Neospora caninum, but a negative titer in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). N. caninum-specific DNA was amplified from the CSF using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction assay. Clusters of protozoa in biopsied muscle fibers were subsequently confirmed as N. caninum tachyzoites by immunohistochemical examination. Early recognition and treatment are necessary for effective recovery of clinical canine neosporosis, but antemortem diagnosis is difficult. We suggest that the detection of parasite deoxyribonucleic acid in the CSF is a useful antemortem diagnostic method in facilitating treatment of this disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22446406/