Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dogs and cat with vision problems due to bone infection
By Busse, Claudia et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2009·Animal Health Trust, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected sphenoid bone osteomyelitis causing visual impairment in two dogs and one cat.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old English Springer Spaniel and a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, along with a 3-year-old Domestic Long Haired cat, were brought in for problems with their vision that had developed over 2 to 14 days. They showed reduced responses to light and other visual deficits. After thorough examinations and MRI scans, the dogs were diagnosed with sphenoid bone osteomyelitis, a bone infection affecting the area behind the eyes. They were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications for several weeks, leading to full recovery. The cat's condition was managed similarly, and all pets remained healthy for years after treatment, although the Golden Retriever had a relapse that was successfully treated with a second round of antibiotics.
People also search for: dog vision problems · cat eye issues · sphenoid bone infection treatment · antibiotics for dog eye problems · dog visual deficits recovery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis. PROCEDURES: Two dogs (English Springer Spaniel--ESS, Golden Retriever--GR) and one cat (Domestic Long Haired) were presented with a 2-14-day history of visual deficits and reduced pupillary light reflexes. Investigations included physical, ophthalmologic and neurological examination as well as hematology, serum biochemistry, MRI of the head and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. RESULTS: MRI changes included thickening of the sphenoid bone and a loss of normal bone marrow signal on T1W MRI. Enhancement of the sphenoid bones, ventral meninges and ventral surface of the brain was present using paramagnetic contrast medium. CSF analysis was abnormal in the two dogs with increased cellularity, neutrophilic pleocytosis, intracellular bacteria and increased total protein in one, and with lymphocytic pleocytosis in another. CSF analysis was normal in the cat. An underlying cause for the osteomyelitis could not be identified. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for 3-6 weeks combined with anti-inflammatory medications proved effective. Full clinical recovery occurred with no relapse during the follow up time of 7 (ESS) and 4 (Domestic Long Haired) years. The GR relapsed 10 months after treatment and recovered following a second 3-week course of broad-spectrum antibiotics with no relapse during the following 3 years. CONCLUSION: Visual pathway deficits in dogs and cats may be due to sphenoid bone osteomyelitis. MRI and CSF analysis can assist diagnosing this potentially treatable condition. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of sphenoid bone osteomyelitis in these species.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19261160/