Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with brain infection treated with spinal amphotericin B and MRI
By Young, Martin et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2012·Bush Veterinary Neurology Service, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serial MRI and CSF analysis in a dog treated with intrathecal amphotericin B for protothecosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old female spayed English setter mix was brought to the vet with diarrhea, weight loss, a right head tilt, and difficulty walking straight. Tests confirmed she had a rare infection called protothecosis, which affected her brain. The vet treated her with a combination of medications, including amphotericin B, but while there was some temporary improvement, her symptoms worsened over time. Unfortunately, follow-up tests showed that the infection persisted, indicating that this condition can be challenging to treat in dogs.
People also search for: dog diarrhea and weight loss · English setter head tilt · protothecosis treatment in dogs
Abstract
A 3 yr old female spayed English setter mixed-breed dog presented with diarrhea, weight loss, side stepping to the right, and a right head tilt. Rectal and cerebrospinal fluid cytology and culture confirmed a diagnosis of Prototheca zopfii. MRI of the brain showed inflammation of the brain and meninges, ventriculomegaly, and syringomyelia. Treatment with prednisone, itraconazole, and amphotericin B lipid complex administered intrathecally yielded transient improvement. Progressive brainstem signs were noted, and a repeat MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis documented persistent disease. This is the first description of the MRI findings and treatment with intrathecal amphoteracin B lipid complex for protothecosis of the central nervous system. Protothecosis should be considered in dogs with chronic diarrhea and compatible MRI findings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22267176/