Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Puppy with rapid neurological decline diagnosed with Eastern equine
By Sun, Jessica A & Hallowell, Terry C·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2021·Ocean State Veterinary Specialists, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic resonance imaging, clinicopathologic findings, and clinical progression of a puppy with confirmed Eastern equine encephalitis virus.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-month-old puppy was brought to the vet with severe neurological symptoms and a high fever that worsened quickly. MRI scans showed serious brain swelling and herniation, and tests confirmed the puppy had Eastern equine encephalitis, a viral infection. Despite efforts to treat the puppy, including mechanical ventilation, the condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to respiratory failure and ultimately, euthanasia. Unfortunately, the prognosis was poor due to the severity of the brain damage and other complications.
People also search for: puppy with fever and seizures · Eastern equine encephalitis in dogs · neurological symptoms in puppies
Abstract
A 5-month-old puppy was evaluated for rapidly progressive neurologic signs and pyrexia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multifocal meningoencephalitis with transtentorial and foramen magnum herniation. A cerebrospinal fluid tap revealed highly cellular fluid, and the puppy was euthanized. Histopathology showed lymphoplasmacytic and neutrophilic meningoencephalitis. Viral polymerase chain reaction testing for Eastern equine encephalitis was positive. Rapid progression of neurologic signs and respiratory arrest necessitated mechanical ventilation. Severe hypernatremia, most consistent with central diabetes insipidus, developed. Key clinical message: Transtentorial and foramen magnum herniation and high cerebrospinal fluid cell counts may be indicators of poor prognosis. Brain death, respiratory arrest, and central diabetes insipidus may also ensue with Eastern equine encephalitis infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34857965/