Surgical Treatment of Suspected Meningioangiomatosis in the Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord.

A 5 yr old male neutered Labrador retriever was evaluated for an 8 wk history of a slowly progressive abnormal hind limb gait that did not respond to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Initial examination findings were mild pelvic limb ataxia and moderate right pelvic limb lameness. A computed tomography with a myelogram was performed and showed a suspected intramedullary spinal mass. MRI was conducted and supported the computed tomography with myelogram findings of a possible intradural spinal mass at L1. A left-sided hemilaminectomy followed by a durotomy at L1 was performed and a firm, tan mass was removed. The histopathologic findings indicated a vascular proliferation most suggestive of a rare proliferative disorder of leptomeningeal blood vessels termed meningioangiomatosis. Although the dog's signs initially worsened after surgery and he was nonambulatory with marked paraparesis, he regained ambulation within 3-4 wk after the operation. Eighteen months after surgery, he was ambulatory with mild hind limb ataxia with no progression of signs. This case suggests that surgical resection of lesions of suspected meningioangiomatosis can result in improvement of clinical signs with a good long-term prognosis.

Cervical spinal locking plate in combination with cortical ring allograft for a one level fusion in dogs with cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of a surgical technique commonly used in humans for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs with CSM (n=10). METHODS: Dogs weighing >30 kg that had CSM at 1 vertebral articulation were eligible for inclusion. Dogs had vertebral column distraction/fusion performed using a cortical ring allograft, cancellous autograft, and a spinal locking plate. Dogs were evaluated temporally by repeat neurological examinations and by client perception of postsurgical outcome, determined by telephone interview. RESULTS: Nine dogs survived the immediate postoperative period. Seven of 8 dogs had moderate to complete improvement without recurrence (mean follow-up, 2.48 years). The most common postsurgical complications were screw loosening (n=4) and plate shifting (2), neither of which required surgical revision. One dog had pseudoarthrosis that may have negatively impacted outcome. CONCLUSION: Treatment of single level CSM in dogs with ring allograft and a spinal locking plate system may lead to successful outcomes. The major problems encountered with included cost of the implants and adjusting the system designed for humans to fit the vertebral column of a dog. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dogs with CSM at a single level, the use of a spinal locking plate in combination with a cortical ring allograft can be an effective surgical treatment. Costs of the implants as well as anatomic differences in dogs make this type of surgery less appealing.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum of dogs with acute spinal cord trauma from intervertebral disk disease.

OBJECTIVE: To detect matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in serum and CSF and determine relationships between MMP activity and severity of disease, duration of clinical signs, and duration of hospitalization in dogs with acute intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). ANIMALS: 35 dogs with acute IVDD and 8 clinically normal control dogs. PROCEDURE: CSF and serum were collected from affected and control dogs. Zymography was used to detect MMP-9. RESULTS: Activity of MMP-9 in CSF was detected in 6 of 35 dogs with IVDD; activity was significantly more common in dogs with duration of signs < 24 hours. Paraplegic dogs were more likely to have MMP-9 activity in the CSF than non-paraplegic dogs. No significant difference in hospitalization time was detected in dogs with IVDD between those with and without activity of MMP-9 in the CSF. Serum MMP-9 was detected more frequently in dogs with IVDD than in control dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data were consistent with results of experimental rodent spinal cord injury studies that indicate that MMP-9 is expressed early during secondary injury.

CT myelography of the thoraco-lumbar spine in 8 dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

CT myelography of the T11-L2 region was performed in 8 large-breed dogs with a clinical diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy (DM) and 3 large-breed dogs that were clinically normal. CT myelographic characteristics were recorded for each dog, at each disc level. Area measurements of the spinal cord, dural sac, vertebral canal, and vertebral body were recorded at 4 slice locations for each disc level. Mean area ratios were calculated and graphically compared, by slice location and group. In all dogs, CT myelography identified morphologic abnormalities that were not suspected from conventional myelograms. Characteristics observed with higher frequency in DM versus normal dogs were: spinal stenosis, disc protrusion, focal attenuation of the subarachnoid space, spinal cord deformity, small spinal cord, and paraspinal muscle atrophy. Mean spinal cord:dural sac, spinal cord:vertebral canal, dural sac: vertebral canal, and vertebral canal:vertebral body ratios were smaller in DM versus normal dogs at more than one disc level. Some CT myelographic characteristics in DM dogs were similar to those previously reported in humans, dogs and horses with stenotic myelopathy.

Myasthenia gravis and hypothyroidism in a dog with meningomyelitis.

A 12-year-old, spayed female miniature poodle was evaluated because of a 4-day history of paraparesis, dysuria, and tenesmus. Neurological assessment suggested peripheral nervous system dysfunction, predominantly pelvic limb weakness with a possible concurrent sixth lumbar (L(6)) to second sacral (S(2)) myelopathy. Further studies supported the diagnoses of myasthenia gravis, hypothyroidism, and meningomyelitis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of concurrent myasthenia gravis and meningomyelitis in the dog. It was unclear whether the identified conditions evolved from a shared etiopathogenesis or were merely coincidental.

A preliminary study of intravenous surfactants in paraplegic dogs: polymer therapy in canine clinical SCI.

Hydrophilic polymers, both surfactants and triblock polymers, are known to seal defects in cell membranes. In previous experiments using laboratory animals, we have exploited this capability using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to repair spinal axons after severe, standardized spinal cord injury (SCI) in guinea pigs. Similar studies were conducted using a related co-polymer Poloxamer 188 (P 188). Here we carried out initial investigations of an intravenous application of PEG or P 188 (3500 Daltons, 30% w/w in saline; 2 mL/kg I.V. and 2 mL/kg body weight or 300 mL P 188 per kg, respectively) to neurologically complete cases of paraplegia in dogs. Our aim was to first determine if this is a clinically safe procedure in cases of severe naturally occurring SCI in dogs. Secondarily, we wanted to obtain preliminary evidence if this therapy could be of clinical benefit when compared to a larger number of similar, but historical, control cases. Strict entry criteria permitted recruitment of only neurologically complete paraplegic dogs into this study. Animals were treated by a combination of conventional and experimental techniques within approximately 72 h of admission for spinal trauma secondary to acute, explosive disk herniation. Outcome measures consisted of measurements of voluntary ambulation, deep and superficial pain perception, conscious proprioception in hindlimbs, and evoked potentials (somatosensory evoked potentials [SSEP]). We determined that polymer injection is a safe adjunct to the conventional management of severe neurological injury in dogs. We did not observe any unacceptable clinical response to polymer injection; there were no deaths, nor any other problem arising from, or associated with, the procedures. Outcome measures over the 6-8-week trial were improved by polymer injection when compared to historical cases. This recovery was unexpectedly rapid compared to these comparator groups. The results of this pilot trial provides evidence consistent with the notion that the injection of inorganic polymers in acute neurotrauma may be a simple and useful intervention during the acute phase of the injury.

Characterization of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in cerebrospinal fluid of clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 in CSF of clinically normal dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of CSF collected from 23 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were anesthetized, CSF samples were collected, and dogs were then euthanatized. Each CSF sample was evaluated immediately for RBC count, WBC count, and protein and glucose concentrations, and cytologic examination also was performed. Samples were considered normal when protein concentration was < 25 mg/dL and CSF contained < 6WBCs/microL and < 25 RBCs/microL. Samples were stored at -70 degrees C. Sections of brain tissue were collected and processed for histologic examination. The MMPs were evaluated by use of gelatin zymography and a polyclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Mean WBC count for CSF samples was < 1 WBC/microL (range, 0 to 3 WBCs/mL). Mean protein concentration was 12 mg/dL (range, 8 to 17 mg/dL). Mean RBC count was 3.65 RBCs/microL (range, 0 to 21 RBCs/microL). All CSF samples generated a clear band on zymography gels that corresponded to the human commercial standard of proenzyme MMP-2. Other major clear bands were not detected on zymography gels. Bands correlating to MMP-9 were not detected in any samples. The ELISA results revealed a mean +/- SD proenzyme MMP-2 concentration of 5.61 +/- 1.92 ng/mL (range, 3.36 to 10.83 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proenzyme form of MMP-2 is detectable in CSF of clinically normal dogs, whereas MMP-9 is not detectable. Additional investigation of MMPs in CSF from dogs with various diseases of the nervous system is indicated.

Neurologic complications after melarsomine dihydrochloride treatment for Dirofilaria immitis in three dogs.

Melarsomine dihydrochloride is highly effective against both sexes of adult and L5 Dirofilaria immitis. Common adverse reactions include injection site irritation and reluctance to move. Neurologic complications associated with i.m. injection of melarsomine dihydrochloride for treatment of heartworm disease in 3 dogs are described. Different degrees of neurologic complications have been identified; the pathophysiologic features are unknown. It is speculated that the compound migrates out of the injection site via fascial planes and causes an ascending inflammation along nerve roots. The resulting extradural cord compression secondary to extensive inflammation and necrosis of epidural fat could induce a variety of neurologic deficits. Alternatively, inappropriate injection technique may result in direct contact of melarsomine with neural tissue. A heightened awareness of proper injection technique might prevent the development of most neurologic complications.

A retrospective comparison of cervical intervertebral disk disease in nonchondrodystrophic large dogs versus small dogs.

Medical records of 144 small-breed dogs (< or =15 kg) and 46 medium- to large-breed dogs (>15 kg) with surgically confirmed, Hansen type I, cervical intervertebral disk extrusions were reviewed. The most common clinical presentation was cervical hyperesthesia. The most common sites affected were the second (C(2)) to third (C(3)) cervical intervertebral disk space in small-breed dogs and the sixth (C(6)) to seventh (C(7)) cervical intervertebral disk space in the larger dogs. Following surgery, 99% of the dogs had resolution of cervical hyperesthesia and were able to ambulate unassisted. Seven (4%) dogs required a second surgery; four of these were large-breed dogs.

Intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage following lumbar myelography in two dogs.

Intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage is a rare but serious complication of lumbar puncture in humans. Possible sequelae include increased intracranial pressure, cerebral vasospasm, or mass effect, which can result in dysfunction or brain herniation. We describe two dogs that developed intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage following lumbar myelography. In both dogs, myelography was performed by lumbar injection of iohexol (Omnipaque). Both the dogs underwent uneventful ventral decompressive surgery for disk herniation; however, the dogs failed to recover consciousness or spontaneous respiration following anesthesia. Neurologic assessment in both dogs postoperatively suggested loss of brain stem function, and the dogs were euthanized. There was diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and leptomeningeal hemorrhage throughout the entire length of the spinal cord, brain stem, and ventrum of brain. No evidence of infectious or inflammatory etiology was identified. The diagnosis for cause of brain death was acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our findings suggest that fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a potential complication of lumbar myelography in dogs. The cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage is not known, but may be due to traumatic lumbar tap or idiosyncratic response to contrast medium. Subsequent brain death may be a result of mass effect and increased intracranial pressure, cerebral vasospasm, or interaction between subarachnoid hemorrhage and contrast medium.

A modified lateral approach to the canine cervical spine: procedural description and clinical application in 16 dogs with lateralized compressive myelopathy or radiculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified lateral surgical approach to the cervical spine in dogs and evaluate clinical outcomes of dogs with neurologic disorders treated with this technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixteen dogs with lesions involving the cervical spine. METHODS: Medical records (1998-2002) of dogs that had a modified lateral approach to the cervical spine were reviewed. To reduce procedural morbidity, the surgical approach was modified from original descriptions of the technique by minimizing disruption of epaxial and extrinsic thoracic limb musculature and limiting the size of the operative field to the affected vertebral segment. Signalment, neurologic status on admission; onset, progression, and duration of clinical signs; diagnostic testing, etiologic diagnosis, surgical site(s), intra- and postoperative complications, hospitalization, time to optimum recovery, neurologic status at discharge, final neurologic status, and outcome were recorded. Neurologic status (0-5) was scored preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, at discharge, and at recheck examination (8 dogs). Telephone interviews were used to obtain additional follow-up information. RESULTS: None of the dogs had postoperative deterioration in neurologic status. Outcomes were good or excellent in dogs with intervertebral disc disease, 3/4 dogs with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, 1/2 dogs with spinal neoplasia, and in 1 dog with the vascular anomaly; long-term outcomes were unknown in 2 dogs. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3 dogs and included controllable venous plexus hemorrhage (2) and incorrect lesion localization (1). One dog was euthanatized because of postoperative complications. Hospitalization, time to optimal recovery, and overall outcome were not different from previously reported results using other surgical approaches to treat analogous neurologic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine is viable for surgical treatment of cervical myelopathic or radiculopathic lesions when exposure to foraminal and lateralized lesions of the vertebral canal involving the C2-C7 vertebral articulations is desirable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine can be successfully used in dogs of all sizes to treat caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, other anomalous conditions of the cervical spine, intervertebral disc disease, and spinal neoplasms. Although long-term follow-up was not available for all patients, outcomes were generally favorable.

Dermatophyte granulomas caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a dog.

Multiple, dermal and subcutaneous nodules developed in a young female Manchester Terrier dog that had a chronic history of superficial dermatophytosis. Skin biopsy specimens of the nodules revealed granulomatous inflammation in the deep dermis and subcutis with branching fungal organisms. Cultures of multiple biopsy specimens from the nodules all yielded Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The lesions in this dog were similar to granulomatous dermatophytosis, a skin disease that has been reported in Persian cats and one Yorkshire Terrier dog.

Inflammatory polyp in the middle ear with secondary suppurative meningoencephalitis in a cat.

A 15-month-old male Maine Coon Cat presented with persistent auricular discharge and progressive head tilt, ataxia, and loss of blink on the right side. Using computed tomography a hyperattenuating, contrast-enhancing material within a thickened right tympanic bulla and contrast enhancement of the adjacent cerebellum were identified. Marked suppurative inflammation was identified on cerebrospinal fluid analysis with no growth on bacterial culture. Ventral bulla osteotomy was performed to remove a soft tissue mass, and an inflammatory polyp with chronic severe suppurative inflammation was confirmed using histology. Staphylococcus auricularis was grown on aerobic culture and Fusobacterium necrophorum and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were grown on anaerobic culture. The cat was treated for 10 weeks with amoxicillin/clavulinic acid and metronidazole. Dramatic improvement in body weight, appetite, energy level, balance, and resolution of right-sided facial paralysis were noted, but the cat retained a head tilt.

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Labrador retriever.

Sex-linked muscular dystrophy associated with dystrophin deficiency has been reported in several breeds of dogs and is best characterized in the golden retriever. In this case report, a young, male Labrador retriever with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy is presented. Clinical signs included generalized weakness, lingual hypertrophy, and dysphagia. Electromyographic abnormalities including complex repetitive discharges were present. Serum creatine kinase concentration was dramatically elevated. Histopathological changes within a muscle biopsy specimen confirmed a dystrophic myopathy, and dystrophin deficiency was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining. While X-linked muscular dystrophy has not previously been reported in the Labrador retriever, a hereditary myopathy with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been characterized. A correct diagnosis and classification of these two disorders are critical for breeders and owners since both the mode of inheritance and the prognosis differ.