Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Young dog with distemper causing limb weakness and seizures
By Green, Lauren et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2020·and Department of Veterinary Clinical Services (L.G., United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Distemper Encephalomyelitis Presenting with Lower Motor Neuron Signs in a Young Dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old spayed female mixed-breed dog was brought to the vet because she was showing weakness and sensitivity in her right front leg. Unfortunately, her condition quickly worsened, leading to weakness in all her legs and even a seizure. An MRI revealed a specific area in her spinal cord that indicated an infection. Sadly, due to the severity of her illness caused by the canine distemper virus, her prognosis was poor, and she was euthanized.
People also search for: puppy weakness in legs · dog seizure causes · canine distemper symptoms · mixed-breed dog euthanasia · dog hyperesthesia treatment
Abstract
A 4 mo old spayed female mixed-breed dog was presented for focal lower motor neuron signs of the right forelimb and marked hyperesthesia on axillary palpation. Her signs progressed rapidly over the following days to diffuse lower motor neuron signs in all limbs and a seizure. MRI demonstrated a focal, slightly right-sided, 2.5 cm region of noncontrast-enhancing T2 hyperintensity and T1 isointensity at C4-C5 spinal cord segments. Imaging of the brain was unremarkable. The dog was euthanized as a result of poor prognosis. Polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid and immunohistochemistry of brain tissue were both positive for canine distemper virus. This report documents an atypical presentation of canine distemper encephalomyelitis causing lower motor neuron signs and hyperesthesia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31961216/