Spongy degeneration of the central nervous system in two canine littermates

Progressive dysmetria was observed at four months and six months of age in two female Labrador retriever littermates. Neurological examinations indicated a cerebellar disorder. Laboratory analyses were normal. The dogs were studied clinically until they were killed for necropsy at nine months and eleven months of age. Both dogs had normal brain size, shape, and calvarial symmetry; the older dog had body weight loss, reduced brain weight, and muscle atrophy. Microscopically, there were vacuoles, hypertrophied fibrous astrocytes, myelin loss, and prominent blood vessels, distributed symmetrically in the subcortical and deep white matter of all lobes of the cerebrum; in the folial and deep white matter of the cerebellum; in the tracts of some cranial nerves; in the thalamic area, midbrain and brainstem; and in the white matter of the spinal cord. There was no significant myelinolysis, inflammation, or axonal degeneration. Ultrastructurally, there were intramyelinic vacuoles with separation of lamellae at intraperiod lines and larger spaces formed by coalescence of ruptured vacuoles. Hypertrophied fibrous astrocytes had abundant glial filaments, edematous cytosol, membrane-bound crystalline inclusions, dilated cytocavitary systems, and abnormal mitochondria. The clinical, histological, and ultrastructural findings resembled those reported for the juvenile form of Canavan's disease (van Bogaert and Bertrand type) in children.     

Transglutaminase 2: a novel autoantigen in canine idiopathic central nervous system inflammatory diseases

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE) and granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) are common idiopathic inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) diseases with unknown etiology in dogs. We previously showed that IgG autoantibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of NME cases reacted to unknown brain proteins as well as to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In the present report, we evaluated the autoantibodies against transglutaminase2 (TG2) in the canine CNS diseases. CSF samples obtained from dogs with NME (n=19), NLE (n=7), GME (n=11) and miscellaneous CNS diseases (n=12) were subjected. CSFs from 20 healthy dogs were used as controls. Indirect fluorescent antibody test on the canine cerebrum revealed astrocyte-binding IgG in the CSF of NME. After absorption of the CSF with bovine GFAP, the CSF still possessed the reactivity to astrocytes. Double-color staining showed clear colocalization of the autoantibodies and anti-human TG2 rabbit polyclonal IgG. An immunoblot assay against human recombinant TG2 revealed anti-TG2 IgG in the CSF from dogs with NME, NLE and GME. The CSF of canine idiopathic encephalitis cases, notably of NME, tended to show high ELISA OD values against human recombinant TG2 compared to healthy controls. The presence of anti-TG2 autoantibodies in the CSF may contribute to the elucidation of the etiology of canine NME, NLE and GME.     

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system.

Neurologic disease is seen commonly in cats, with infectious causes accounting for 30-45% of cases. However, since a specific infection cannot be identified in 12-40% of these cases, it is essential that we try to understand these cases better in the hope that we can eventually identify the cause(s), and so determine how best to treat and/or prevent them.     

Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes of primary tumors in the canine central nervous system

The pathophysiologic similarities of many human and canine cancers support the role of the domestic dog as a model for brain tumor research. Here we report the construction of a custom canine brain-specific cDNA microarray and the analysis of gene expression patterns of several different types of canine brain tumor. The microarray contained 4000 clones from a canine brain specific cDNA library including 2161 clones that matched known genes or expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and 25 cancer-related genes. Our study included 16 brain tumors (seven meningiomas, five glial tumors, two ependymomas, and two choroid plexus papillomas) from a variety of different dog breeds. We identified several genes previously found to be differentially expressed in human brain tumors. This suggests that human and canine brain tumors share a common pathogenesis. In addition, we also found differentially expressed genes unique to either meningiomas or the glial tumors. This report represents the first global gene expression analysis of different types of canine brain tumors by cDNA microarrays and might aid in the identification of potential candidate genes involved in tumor formation and progression.     

Idiopathic granulomatous and necrotising inflammatory disorders of the canine central nervous system: a review and future perspectives

Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, and necrotizing leukoencephalitis are common inflammatory conditions of the canine central nervous system. Although each disease has unique histopathological features, these canine disorders collectively seem to be aberrant immune responses directed against the central nervous system. A review of the neurological signs and general neurodiagnostic approach to canine meningoencephalitis is followed by an overview of the specific clinical and neuropathological features of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, and necrotizing leukoencephalitis. The aetiopathogenesis of each disorder is explored including potential genetic, immunological, and environmental factors along with the current and prospective immunomodulatory therapies for meningoencephalitis.     

Thrombocytosis and central nervous system involvement in a case of canine acute megakaryoblastic leukemia

This case report presents a 14‐month‐old female Poodle mix with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia based on a marked thrombocytosis, abnormal platelet morphology, circulating dwarf megakaryocytes, and blast cells in the blood. Bone marrow abnormalities included dysmegakaryopoiesis dygranulopoiesis, and an increased number of blast cells was observed in the blood. Extensive leukemic involvement was also found in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys, and brain. The cytopathologic features of the abnormal circulating cells were highly suggestive of being megakaryocytic in origin, which was supported by negative myeloperoxidase staining and positive von Willebrand factor staining on immunocytochemistry (ICC). The neoplastic cells were also CD61 positive and had variable von Willebrand factor expression on ICC. Although there were only 25% blast cells in the bone marrow, which theoretically supported myelodysplastic syndrome, the hypothesis that this case represented acute myeloid leukemia of megakaryoblastic origin was confirmed by the continuous increase in circulating blast cell numbers during follow‐up visits and the extensive leukemic involvement of parenchymal organs.     

Magnetic resonance imaging in two dogs with central nervous system disease

Accurate localization of the lesions in two dogs with progressive neurological disease was demonstrated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The first dog had unilateral cerebellar signs with associated paradoxical vestibular symptoms. The CSF tap and clinical localization suggested a right-sided cerebellar tumour and this was confirmed with MRI scanning. The second dog had predominantly asymmetrical fore-brain signs with circling, personality changes, seizures and contralateral proprioceptive deficits. CSF analysis suggested an inflammatory or neoplastic condition. MRI showed a diffuse oedematous lesion of the left cerebral hemisphere which corresponded exactly with the lesions seen at necropsy. The advantages of MRI over CT scans are discussed.     

Oxidative stress, aging, and central nervous system disease in the canine model of human brain aging.

Decline in cognitive functions that accompany aging in dogs may have a biologic basis, and many of the disorders associated with aging in dogs may be mitigated through dietary modifications that incorporate specific nutraceuticals. Based on previous research and the results of laboratory and clinical studies, antioxidants may be one class of nutraceutical that provides benefits to aged dogs. Brains of aged dogs accumulate oxidative damage to proteins and lipids, which may lead to dysfunction of neuronal cells. The production of free radicals and lack of increase in compensatory antioxidant enzymes may lead to detrimental modifications to important macromolecules within neurons. Reducing oxidative damage through food ingredients rich in a broad spectrum of antioxidants significantly improves, or slows the decline of, learning and memory in aged dogs.     

Macrophages in central nervous canine distemper: friends or foes?

Brain macrophages play an important role in the CNS. We review some biological aspects of brain macrophages in vivo and in vitro. The criteria and methods used for the identification of these cells are considered. They include some morphological features such as the use of histochemical and immunocytochemical techniques for internal and surface components. In the second part of this review, we describe the role of brain macrophages in canine distemper encephalitis as proposed earlier by us. Studies in cultured dog glial cells infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) have shown that brain macrophages stimulated by anti-CDV antibodies will release reactive oxygen species as measured by chemiluminescence. This response depends on the presence of viral antigens on the surfaces of infected cells and is mediated by the interaction of antigen-bound antibodies with Fc receptors on brain macrophages. These observations support the hypotheses that brain macrophages may contribute to the damage of the white matter observed in canine distemper encephalitis.     

Squash-prep cytology in the diagnosis of canine and feline nervous system lesions: a study of 42 cases

BACKGROUND: The increased sophistication of imaging techniques in veterinary medicine allows the detection of a wide variety of intracranial and intraspinal lesions; however, imaging often does not provide a definitive diagnosis for nervous system (NS) lesions. Cytology is emerging as a useful diagnostic tool for obtaining a fast and accurate assessment of NS lesions, but little information is available for dogs and cats. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of cytologic evaluation of squash samples from NS lesions in dogs and cats and to consider cytology-based diagnostic guidelines and sources of misdiagnosis. METHODS: Cytologic specimens from masses localized in the central and peripheral NS taken during surgery or postmortem examination were classified into 3 groups according to the final histopathologic diagnosis: Group 1 = completely correct diagnosis, when the cytologic diagnosis and final histologic diagnosis were exactly correlated; Group 2 = partial correlation, when the cytologic diagnosis only partially correlated with the final histologic diagnosis, and Group 3 = no correlation, when the cytologic diagnosis was incorrect and there was no correlation with the general histologic type of lesion. The diagnostic accuracy of cytopathology was calculated by considering the histopathologic diagnosis as the "gold standard," and calculating a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 42 animals (33 dogs and 9 cats) were included in the study. The cytologic diagnoses were classified in Group 1 for 32 cases (76%; 95% CI 0.63-0.89), in Group 2 for 6 cases (14%; 95% CI 0.04-0.25), and in Group 3 for 4 cases (10%; 95% CI 0.006-0.18). Considering both complete and partial correlation as an adequate result, cytologic diagnosis was satisfactory in 90% of biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Although the current series of cases is relatively small, cytologic evaluation of squash preparations can be considered a fairly accurate and reliable tool in the diagnosis of NS lesions.     

Inflammatory disease of the central nervous system

Inflammatory diseases involving the central nervous system can be difficult to diagnose and frustrating to treat. The clinician can maximize successful treatment of these patients by recognizing the clinical signs in the early stages of disease, following a logical diagnostic plan to identify the specific etiologic agent involved, and formulating an appropriate and aggressive therapeutic plan. Treatment will not always be successful owing to lack of effective treatments and irreversible neurologic damage.     

Acute injury to the central nervous system

Central nervous system (CNS) trauma is divided into brain and spinal cord injury. A basic understanding of the pathophysiology of CNS trauma helps the practitioner more accurately evaluate, treat, and prognose cases of CNS trauma. The progressive nature of CNS injuries and the contribution of microvascular ischemic are explored.     

Diseases of the central nervous system of pigs

Abstract

Extract

Sir — The recently published advances by Done (1957 Done, J. T. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 1341–1341.  [Google Scholar]). Done et al. (1957 Done, J. T., Brooksbank, N. H. and Buntain, D. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 67–67.  [Google Scholar]) and Harding cl al. (1957 Harding, T. D. J., Done, J. T. and Kershaw, G. F. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 824–824.  [Google Scholar]); ill Great Britain concerning the knowledge of different disease of the central nervous system ot pigs have prompted a closer examination of these diseases by Diagnostic Officers of the Animal Research Division in this country.     

成功治愈犬瘟热2例

犬瘟热是由犬瘟热病毒(CDV)引起的,是感染肉食兽中的犬科(尤其是幼犬),鼬科及一部分浣熊科动物的高度接触性、致死性传染病。病犬早期表现双相热型、急性鼻卡他,随后以支气管炎、卡他性肺炎、严重胃肠炎和神经症状为特征,少数病例出现鼻端和脚垫的高度角化。笔者在临床工作中,遇到过多例犬瘟热病例但仅有此2例成功治愈,现介绍如下:一、基本情况2006年4月18日晨,某犬场饲养员发现5头犬有咳嗽、厌食、流浓鼻涕等症状。兽医经过诊断,确诊其中一头藏獒(公,3月龄,10千克体重)为犬瘟热。4月19日晨,又有一头血犬(公,14月龄,35千克左右)发病:咳嗽…