Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with episodic balance problems helped by 4-aminopyridine
By Hopkins, A L & Clarke, J·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2010·North Florida Neurology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Episodic cerebellar dysfunction in a bichon frise: a canine case of episodic ataxia?
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old neutered male bichon frise was brought in for episodes of unsteady movements and coordination problems that seemed to get worse over time. Despite thorough testing, including blood work and imaging, the vet couldn't find any underlying issues. The dog didn't respond to common treatments like phenobarbital or prednisone, but when given a medication called 4-aminopyridine, he showed complete improvement and returned to normal.
People also search for: bichon frise ataxia treatment · dog unsteady movements · episodic neurological dysfunction in dogs
Abstract
A four-year-old neutered male bichon frise was presented for the evaluation of chronic, progressive yet episodic neurological dysfunction that was predominantly cerebellar in nature. Diagnostic testing including haematology, serum chemistry, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and urine organic acid screening was normal. Trial therapies with phenobarbital, prednisone and acetazolamide were unsuccessful. Treatment with 4-aminopyridine led to complete resolution of the signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20536690/