Imaging diagnosis: Multiple cartilaginous exostoses and calcinosis circumscripta occurring simultaneously in the cervical spine of a dog.

An 8-month-old female Saint Bernard dog was presented with gait abnormalities consistent with a left-lateralizing cervical myelopathy. Imaging revealed a large, irregular soft tissue and mineral mass at the level of C1 and C2. The lesion was successfully excised, and histopathology was performed, revealing evidence of both multiple cartilaginous exostoses and calcinosis circumscripta. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report comparing features using magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radiography. Additionally, multiple cartilaginous exostoses have not previously been reported to occur in combination with calcinosis circumscripta.

Neurological complications associated with spontaneously occurring feline diabetes mellitus.

In this study, neurological complications associated with spontaneously occurring feline diabetes were comprehensively evaluated. Physical and neurological examinations, electrophysiological assessment, and biochemical and histological analysis of nerve and muscle biopsy specimens were performed in 19 diabetic cats and referenced to similar data from 28 nondiabetic cats without evidence of neuropathy. Compared to nondiabetic cats, diabetic cats exhibited a range of functional, structural, and biochemical defects that, depending on severity, manifested as striking neurological dysfunction. A broad spectrum of clinical signs was apparent with the most notable and severe impairment being a plantigrade posture when standing or walking. A sensorimotor neuropathy, characterized by conduction deficits and increased F wave and cord dorsum potential latencies, was present in both pelvic and thoracic limbs and, except in the most severely affected animals, occurred with little or no electromyographic abnormality. As for nerve structural abnormalities, Schwann cell injury was prevalent and included myelin defects, such as splitting and ballooning, and demyelination, although axonal degeneration was noted in biopsies from severely affected cats. Evidence of polyol pathway activity consisted of marked increases in nerve fructose without appreciable sorbitol accumulation. The occurrence of diabetic neuropathy in the cat, a relatively large animal with a long life span and long nerves, provides unique opportunities to study the development and treatment of this debilitating complication.

Acquired canine peripheral neuropathies.

Accurate diagnosis of the many causes of acute and chronic peripheral neuropathy in the dog presents a challenging prospect for any clinician. Being able to accurately localize the observed neurologic signs to the peripheral nervous system is the first challenge. Once this is accomplished, a logical series of diagnostic steps should be pursued so as to have the best chance of reaching a final etiologic diagnosis. Specific therapy can then be instituted to attempt to halt or, in some cases, reverse the peripheral nerve dysfunction.

Electrophysiology in neuromuscular disease.

Electrophysiologic assessment of the peripheral nervous system is an integral part of the diagnostic workup for neuromuscular disease. This article is designed to provide insight into the importance and limitations of the various testing procedures now available in veterinary electrophysiology and to provide the reader with an understanding of the theory behind each of these procedures. The article also provides a guideline for the interpretation and clinical significance of each of the available tests.

Canine spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy is associated with a missense mutation in cytochrome b.

Two families of dogs (Australian cattle dogs and Shetland sheepdogs) with an inherited "spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy" were identified, with widespread vacuolation of white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Affected dogs of both breeds developed tremors at 2-9 weeks of age followed by progressive neurological worsening with ataxia, paresis, paralysis, spasticity, and cranial nerve dysfunction. The modes of inheritance of both families were most likely maternal. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated ratio of 3-OH butyrate to acetoacetic acid. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing showed a G to A transition at 14,474 nt (G14474A, GenBank accession no. NC002008 ) that results in an amino acid change of valine-98 to methionine (V98M) of mitochondrial encoded cytochrome b. Western blot analysis showed increased levels of core I and core II but decreased level of cytochrome c1 of the complex III and cytochrome c oxidase of the complex IV of the respiratory chain.

Treatment of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis in a dog.

The clinical work-up, diagnosis and follow-up of an 8-year-old, female-spayed Shih Tzu with diffuse, granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)-causing visual deficits is reported. The use of cytosine arabinoside as an alternative treatment for GME is discussed.