Encefalite parasitária em cadela / Parasitic encephalitis in a bitch

ABSTRACT

Background: Encephalitis is common in most inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system, andbacterial and viral pathogens, protozoa, fungi, and erythematous parasites are recognized as etiological agents. Clinicalsigns vary according to the anatomical location and severity of the inflammation. Some parasites may undergo aberrantmigration into the brain of dogs and cats, which is are considered a rare clinical phenomenon. This case report describesthe occurrence of parasitic encephalitis in a mixed breed bitch about 4 year-old.Case A mixed breed bitch, about 4 year-old, rescued from the street with weakness of the pelvic limbs, was treated at theVeterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí - UFPI. After A clinical and neurological examination, the patientwas hospitalized for diagnosis, treatment, confirmation and follow-up of her clinical evolution. Complementary tests wereperformed to evaluate her general condition, given her unknown history because she was a rescue dog. Complete blood count(CBC), hemoparasite screening, biochemical function (urea, creatinine, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albuminand globulin), abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, serological and parasitological tests for leishmaniasis, distemper antigenand ehrlichiosis antibody detection tests were performed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected for analysis. TheCBC revealed normocytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Biochemical functions were within normal limits,except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which was slightly low. The ultrasound examination showed splenomegaly.The canine distemper, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniasis tests were negative. The results of the CSF analysis revealed the presence of spherical structures compatible with parasitic cysts, suggestive of Echinococcus granulosus. After the laboratorydiagnosis of parasitic encephalitis, the animal was treated with prednisolone...(AU)