Meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in a 4 year old Maltese

Somes, Stacie A.

Meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology in a 4 year old Maltese

Abstract

Case Description- A 4 year old spayed female maltese presented to the Cornell University Hospital for animals for slowly progressive neurological signs indicative of multifocal CNS disease. Clinical Findings- A neurologic evaluation revealed signs consistent with multiple central lesions in the forebrain and cerebellum. Bloodwork was within normal limits. MRI showed cavitary lesions in the cerebrum, metencephalon and cerebellum. CSF protein concentration and cellularity were within normal limits. Treatment and Outcome- Treatment consisted of oral prednisone and cyclosporine and subcutaneous cytosine arabinoside. Neurological signs were greatly reduced and patient became ambulatory. Signs that remained were mild and did not interfere with quality of life. Clinical Relevance- Multiple forms of encephalitis exist in small breed, middle-aged dogs. It can be difficult to classify a given case under any one disease due to overlap of clinical signs and lesions via imaging modalities. A definitive diagnosis requires histopathology of necropsy samples of brain biopsies. Regardless of the diagnosis, treatment can be initiated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents.

Journal / Series

Senior seminar paper
Seminar SF610.1 2008 S69

Date Issued

2007-11-14

Keywords

Dogs -- Diseases -- Case studies

Types

term paper