Brainstem auditory-evoked response in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and describe brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements were performed in 12 adult African pygmy hedgehogs (seven males, five females) under general anaesthesia. Waveform morphology was assessed and wave latencies, amplitudes and interpeak latencies calculated. RESULTS: Brainstem auditory-evoked response measurements were successfully performed in both ears from all hedgehogs. Three distinct waves were reproducible in all patients in both ears using a stimulus with an intensity of 90 dB nHL (decibel above normal hearing level). Amplitudes of waves I and V, latencies of waves I, II-III and V and interpeak latencies of waves I-V were calculated at 90 dB for both ears of each animal. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study describes normal brainstem auditory-evoked response morphology and latencies for African pygmy hedgehogs. General anaesthesia is required to perform this neurodiagnostic, given the unique behaviour and anatomy of hedgehogs. This baseline data may be useful for investigating hearing abnormalities and central nervous system disorders in hedgehogs.

Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dogs diagnosed with suspected meningoencephalitis in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in a population of dogs with a diagnosis of suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of three referral centres were reviewed from 2008 to 2016 to identify a cohort of dogs diagnosed and treated for suspected inflammatory meningoencephalitis after testing for evidence of exposure to these pathogens. RESULTS: In our sample of 400 dogs the prevalence for exposure (IgG>1:50) to Toxoplasma gondii was 8/201 (3∙98%). Active infection (IgG titre >1:400 or/and an IgM titre >1:64 and/or positive PCR in CSF) was suspected in 1/400 (0∙25%). The prevalence for exposure [Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titre >1:50] and active infection (IFA titres ≥⃒1:400 and/or positive PCR in CSF) with Neospora caninum were 14/201 (6∙96%) and 9/400 (2∙25%), respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In view of the low prevalence of protozoan infections, the risk associated with starting immunosuppressive medication in dogs with evidence of inflammatory meningitis or encephalitis in the UK appears low.

Clinical Features, Imaging Characteristics, and Long-term Outcome of Dogs with Cranial Meningocele or Meningoencephalocele.

BACKGROUND: The term meningoencephalocele (MEC) describes a herniation of cerebral tissue and meninges through a defect in the cranium, whereas a meningocele (MC) is a herniation of the meninges alone. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and outcomes of dogs with cranial MC and MEC. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned dogs diagnosed with cranial MC or MEC. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective descriptive study. Clinical records of 13 institutions were reviewed. Signalment, clinical history, neurologic findings and MRI characteristics as well as treatment and outcome were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: Most affected dogs were presented at a young age (median, 6.5 months; range, 1 month - 8 years). The most common presenting complaints were seizures and behavioral abnormalities. Intranasal MEC was more common than parietal MC. Magnetic resonance imaging identified meningeal enhancement of the protruded tissue in 77% of the cases. Porencephaly was seen in all cases with parietal MC. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis identified mild abnormalities in 4 of 11 cases. Surgery was not performed in any affected dog. Seventeen patients were treated medically, and seizures were adequately controlled with anti-epileptic drugs in 10 dogs. Dogs with intranasal MEC and mild neurologic signs had a fair prognosis with medical treatment. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although uncommon, MC and MEC should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs presenting with seizures or alterations in behavior. Medical treatment is a valid option with a fair prognosis when the neurologic signs are mild.

A review of canine atlantoaxial joint subluxation.

Atlantoaxial subluxation was first reported in dogs nearly fifty years ago. Since that time a better understanding of the aetiologies predisposing to joint laxity and instability has been achieved. Surgeons however are still trying to address the problems associated with stabilizing this joint which by nature is often required in small juvenile dogs. This review describes the various techniques used, discussing the associated benefits and complications thereby allowing the clinician to make an informed decision on the best treatment for the individual patient.

Leucemias en Venezuela asociadas al virus humano de leucemia/linfoma tipo I (HTLV-1) / Human T cells leukaemia/limphoma virus type I (HTLV-1) associated leukaemias in Venezuela

Se describen 5 casos de leucemias positivas para el virus humano de leucemia/linfoma tipo I (HTLV-1). Tres de los pacientes eran nativos de una región de alta endemicidad para este virus, (Estado Zulia, Venezuela) y padecían de leucemia aguda linfoblástica o indiferenciada. Los otros dos pacientes eran originarios de una zona de baja endemicidad (Caracas), con leucemia linfocítica crónica y promielocítica aguda. El estudio de los marcadores de superficie celular no mostró evidencia de un fenotipo de leucemia de célula T del adulto en ningún caso y sugiere que la infección por HTLV-1 puede estar asociada con desórdenes proliferativos no T. Alternativamente HTLV-1 puede ser el agente etiológico de una variedad de formas de leucemias, específicamente en las áreas de alta endemicidad en el Caribe