Neurodegeneration in a domestic rabbit with severe malnourishment and low hepatic copper.
J Vet Diagn Invest
; 36(5): 765-770, 2024 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39101522
ABSTRACT
Copper is a trace element that plays an essential role in neurodevelopment and neurologic function. Acquired copper deficiency has a range of neurologic manifestations, with myelopathy being the most common association. We describe here the clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, and toxicologic findings of a rabbit with malnutrition, neurodegeneration, and suspected copper deficiency. A stray, adult female dwarf rabbit cross (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in poor body condition developed ataxia and pelvic limb weakness progressing to lateral recumbency and urine retention. The clinical findings suggested multifocal brainstem disease with right-sided central vestibular involvement; however, microscopic examination identified thoracic and lumbosacral spinal cord myelopathy. Differentials for the spinal cord changes included neurodegenerative disease, nutritional deficiency, neurotoxin, trauma to the lumbosacral region, and ischemia. Hepatic copper levels were suboptimal at 18 ppm dry weight (RI 24-150 ppm dry weight). While speculative, copper-deficiency myelopathy is a treatable cause of non-compressive myelopathy that may occur in this species.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cobre
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Doenças Neurodegenerativas
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Desnutrição
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Fígado
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Vet Diagn Invest
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J. vet. diagn. invest
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Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA VETERINARIA
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos