Meningeal sarcoma mimicking a sciatic neuropathy in a dog

A 5-year-old Golden Retriever presented for lameness evaluation and removal of a dynamic compression plate on the left femur exhibited neurologic signs compatible with a left sciatic peripheral neuropathy. Radiographs revealed a healed fracture of the left femur and a slightly narrowed intervertebral disc space with ventral spondylosis at T_12–13. An EMG demonstrated fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves in the left hind limb muscles innervated by the peroneal nerve. Surgery was performed to remove the bone plate and explore the left sciatic nerve. The proximal 3 cm of the left peroneal nerve was surrounded by thick fibrous connective tissue and its diameter was smaller than the more distal segment. The dog's condition remained static for 4 weeks and then gradually progressed to paraparesis in 2 weeks. A neurologic examination at that time indicated a caudal lumbar spinal cord lesion and a myelogram confirmed an intradural mass at the level of the 4th lumbar vertebra. The dog was destroyed and a necropsy performed. The histologic diagnosis was meningeal sarcoma.     

Suspected protozoal myeloencephalitis in a two-month-old colt

A two-month-old Appaloosa colt developed neurological signs shortly after birth involving deficits affecting cranial nerves IV, VII, VIII, IX, X and XII, and possibly nerve VI. The most likely differential diagnoses were congenital anomalies, meningoencephalitides, trauma or nutritional causes. The foal was investigated by the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), electromyelography (EMG), brain auditory evoked responses, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), peripheral nerve biopsy, and Western blot analysis for the presence of intrathecal antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, the causative agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Significantly abnormal EMG findings included spontaneous electrical activity of the tongue, suggesting denervation. The MRI was useful in ruling out masses, congenital anomalies and focal abscessation. The cytology of CSF revealed mild mononuclear reactivity. Western blot testing of CSF was positive, indicating the intrathecal presence of antibodies to S neurona. The foal was treated with pyrimethamine and trimethoprim-sulphadiazine for two months and returned to nearly normal neurologic status.     

Raccoon dog rabies surveillance and post-vaccination monitoring in Lithuania 2006 to 2010

Background

Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in rabies infected regions should target the primary rabies vector species, which in Lithuania includes raccoon dogs as well as red foxes. Specific investigations on ORV in raccoon dogs are needed e.g. evaluation of vaccine effectiveness under field conditions. The objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of the ORV programme 2006-2010 in Lithuania by examining the number of rabies cases and estimating the prevalences of a tetracycline biomarker (TTC) and rabies virus antibodies in raccoon dogs.

Methods

From 2006 to 2010, 12.5 million rabies vaccine-baits were distributed by aircraft. Baiting occurred twice per year (spring and autumn), targeting raccoon dogs and red foxes in a 63,000 km² area of Lithuania. The mandibles of raccoon dogs found dead or killed in the vaccination area were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy for the presence of the TTC. Rabies virus sera neutralizing anti-glycoprotein antibody titres were determined using an indirect ELISA method and seroconversion (> 0.5 EU/ml) rates were estimated.

Results

During the study period, 51.5% of raccoon dog mandibles were positive for TTC. 1688 of 3260 tested adults and 69 of 175 tested cubs were TTC positive. Forty-seven percent of raccoon dog serum samples were positive for rabies virus antibodies. 302 of 621 investigated adults and 33 of 95 investigated cubs were seropositive. In the same time 302 of 684 and 43 of 124 tested samples were TTC and ELISA positive in spring; whereas 1455 of 2751 and 292 of 592 tested samples were TTC and ELISA positive in autumn. There was a positive correlation between the number of TTC and antibody positive animals for both adult and cub groups.

Conclusions

ORV was effective in reducing the prevalence of rabies in the raccoon dog population in Lithuania. The prevalence of rabies cases in raccoon dogs in Lithuania decreased from 60.7% in 2006-2007 to 6.5% in 2009-2010.     

Re‐emergence of rabies virus maintained by canid populations in Paraguay

Paraguay has registered no human cases of rabies since 2004, and the last case in dogs, reported in 2009, was due to a variant maintained in the common vampire bat “Desmodus rotundus”. In 2014, a dog was diagnosed as positive for rabies with aggression towards a boy and all required measures of control were successfully adopted. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the dog was not vaccinated and had been attacked by a crab‐eating fox, “zorro” (Cerdocyon thous). The sample was diagnosed by the Official Veterinary Service of the Country and sent to the Center on Rabies Research from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, for antigenic and genetic characterization. A second sample from a dog positive for rabies in the same region in 2015 and 11 samples from a rabies outbreak from Asuncion in 1996 were also characterized. The antigenic profile of the samples, AgV2, was compatible with one of the variants maintained by dogs in Latin America. In genetic characterization, the samples segregated in the canine (domestic and wild species)‐related group in an independent subgroup that also included samples from Argentina. These results and the epidemiology of the case indicate that even with the control of rabies in domestic animals, the virus can still circulate in wildlife and may be transmitted to domestic animals and humans, demonstrating the importance of continuous and improved surveillance and control of rabies, including in wild species, to prevent outbreaks in controlled areas.     

Tick-borne encephalitis virus as a possible cause of optic neuritis in a dog

A 3-year-old spayed female Siberian Husky was presented due to acute vision loss. Examination revealed bilateral optic neuritis and lymphocytic meningoencephalitis. The serum (1:800) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; 1:200) immunoglobulin (Ig)G titers for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) were elevated as were the serum IgG titer for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1:640) and serum IgM titer for Toxoplasma gondii (1:20). Intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies such as ehrlichial or anaplasmal morulae were not observed in the CSF or blood smear. The dog was treated with methylprednisone and doxycycline. The left eye regained vision; the right eye remained blind. Anti-inflammatory therapy was stopped on day 18 after diagnosis. Four days later the dog showed evidence of hyperesthesia in the cervical region. Analysis of CSF showed no abnormalities and CSF IgG titers for TBEV and A. phagocytophilum were negative. Funduscopic evidence of active papillitis was absent on day 22 in the left eye and on day 86 in the right eye. On day 243, the dog was presented again with lethargy, ataxia, disorientation and temporary head tilt. The IgG titer for TBEV was again elevated in the CSF (1:800) and in serum (1:400). After interpretation of all findings, we assume that meningoencephalitis and optic neuritis in this patient was caused by TBEV and associated immune-mediated inflammation. In endemic areas, TBEV should be considered as cause of optic neuritis in dogs.     

Susceptibility of domestic dogs and cats to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV)

The susceptibility of cats and dogs to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV; genotype VII) was investigated by intramuscular (IM) inoculation of 10(3.7)-10(5) 50% tissue culture infective doses (TCID(50)) of virus followed by observation of experimental animals for up to 3 months post-inoculation (pi). Each experiment also included positive and negative controls, animals inoculated with a bat variant of rabies virus (Eptesicus I, genotype I), or a 10% suspension of uninfected mouse brain, respectively. Each of the ABLV-inoculated cats showed occasional abnormal clinical signs, but none died. Necropsies performed at 3 months pi revealed no lesions, and no viral antigen, in the central nervous system of any cat. ABLV could not be recovered from any cats. However, rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies were detected between 4 and 14 weeks pi in the sera of all three ABLV-inoculated cats. At 2-3 weeks pi, three of the five ABLV-inoculated dogs showed very mild abnormal clinical signs that persisted for 1-2 days, after which the dogs recovered. At 3 months pi, when all dogs were necropsied, neither lesions nor ABLV antigen were detected in, and virus was not isolated from, any dog. No ABLV RNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in clinical or necropsy samples from the three ABLV-affected dogs. However, all ABLV-inoculated dogs seroconverted by 2 weeks pi, and serum antibody titres were higher than those observed in cats. CSF, collected at 3 months pi, was positive for rabies virus-neutralizing antibody in two ABLV-inoculated dogs.     

An epidemic of sylvatic rabies in Finland--descriptive epidemiology and results of oral vaccination.

When rabies reappeared in Finland in April 1988, the country had been rabies free since 1959. Soon a picture of sylvatic rabies become evident, its main vector and victim being the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Between 8 April 1988 and 16 February 1989, 66 virologically verified cases were recorded (48 raccoon dogs, 12 red foxes, 2 badgers, 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 dairy bull) in an area estimated at 1700 km2 in south-eastern Finland. The greatest distance between recorded cases was 67 km. A positive reaction with monoclonal antibody p-41 indicated that the virus was an arctic-type strain. A field trial on oral immunization of small predators was initiated in September 1988 using Tübingen fox baits according to the Bavarian model of bait distribution. Each bait contained 5*10(7) TCID50/ml modified live rabies virus (SAD-B19). The 6 months' surveillance indicate a seroconversion rate of 72% (N = 126) in the raccoon dog population, 67% (N = 56) in the red foxes and 13% (N = 16) in the badgers, when titers greater than or equal to 1.0 IU/ml are considered seropositive. In the whole follow-up period, no statistically significant difference could be detected between the raccoon dogs and red foxes in the rate of seroconversion or in the uptake of tetracycline from the baits. Notably high antibody levels were recorded in both raccoon dogs and red foxes within 4-5 months after vaccination. Of the seropositive animals, the proportion of animals with titers 3.0 IU/ml or greater was higher in raccoon dogs (73%) than in red foxes (51%) (x2 = 5.29, p less than 0.05). The trial shows that raccoon dogs can be immunized against rabies in the field with vaccine baits originally developed for controlling sylvatic rabies in foxes.     

Unilateral external and internal ophthalmoplegia caused by intracranial meningioma in a dog

Unilateral internal and external ophthalmoplegia caused by an intracranial meningioma occurred in a 15-year-old Belgian Sheepdog. The dog initially presented with ventro-lateral strabismus of the left eye, and ptosis of the left upper eyelid. Anisocoria was present with the left pupil fixed and dilated. Both eyes were visual. Neuro-ophthalmic evaluation revealed a lesion located in the left oculomotor nerve. Pharmacological testing with dilute pilocarpine (0.1% in artificial tears) revealed evidence of parasympathetic denervation of the left eye. Further evaluation via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined mass to the left of midline and lateral to the sella turcica. An attempt was made to excise/debulk the mass due to worsening conditions and the dog died the following day. Necropsy revealed a mass of randomly arranged bundles and streams of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a strong avidity for vimentin and a negative response for S-100 protein. These findings suggest a diagnosis of meningioma.     

Dogs Entering the United States from Rabies‐Endemic Countries, 2011–2012

International dog imports pose a risk because of the potential movement of disease agents, including the canine rabies virus variant which has been eliminated from the United States since 2007. US regulations require a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs arriving from rabies‐endemic countries, but permit the importation of dogs that have not been adequately immunized against rabies, provided that the dogs are confined under conditions that restrict their contact with humans and other animals until they have been immunized. CDC Form 75.37, ‘Notice to Owners and Importers of Dogs’, explains the confinement requirements and serves as a binding confinement agreement with the importer. In this evaluation, we describe the characteristics of unimmunized dogs imported into the United States over a 1‐year period based upon dog confinement agreements recorded at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quarantine stations. Confinement agreements were issued for nearly 2800 unimmunized dogs that entered the United States during 1 June 2011–31 May 2012, the majority of which travelled to the United States by air and without any seasonal pattern in import volume. Over 60% of these animals were puppies <3 months of age and included a wide variety of breeds. The dogs arrived from 81 countries, with the majority arriving from North America or Europe. Dogs placed on confinement agreements had final destinations in 49 states. California, New York, Texas, Washington and Florida received the largest number of dogs on confinement agreements. These results (which do not reflect human travel or US dog ownership data) suggest that a large portion of unimmunized dogs arrive from rabies‐endemic countries for commercial, shelter and rescue purposes. Further evaluation and key stakeholder involvement are needed to assess whether the current dog importation regulations are an adequate compromise between the benefits and risks of dog importation.     

Rabies status in Zambia for the period 1985-2004

Rabies has been present in Zambia since the early years of the 20th century. It is a significant public health problem in Zambia. Domestic dogs accounted for 69.7% (1348/1935) of the samples received for rabies diagnosis for the period 1985-2004. Of the 1069 positive cases confirmed by the fluorescent antibody test, 747 (69.9%) were from domestic dogs, 139 (13.0%) from cattle and 98 (9.2%) from humans. Wildlife samples accounted for 4.5% (87/1935) of the samples tested with the jackal (Canis adustus) being the predominant species. Cases of rabies were highest in Lusaka Province followed by the Copperbelt, Southern and Central Provinces. The monthly distribution of canine rabies showed an average of 2.93 (95% CI 2.59-3.29) dog positive cases per month. The study confirms that rabies is endemic in Zambia and that the domestic dog is the principal maintenance host. The epidemiology and control measures currently used in Zambia are herein discussed highlighting their limitations and successes. Based on the findings obtained from this study we advocate for strengthening the delivery of public health services and that steps must taken to reduce the incidence of rabies in Zambia.     

LOW-FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF A PYOCEPHALUS AND A SUSPECTED BRAIN ABSCESS IN A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on an eight-year-old, neutered female German Shepherd dog with a history of acute depression, inappetence, and hyperthermia. A lesion in the cerebrum was suspected. Possible differential diagnoses were meningoencephalitis, neoplasia, and vascular lesion (infarction, bleeding). A ring enhancing lesion was found in the basal ganglia on the left side with edema of the surrounding brain tissue. A similar mass lesion was present in the right pterygoid musculature. With inversion recovery sequences an altered composition of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the left lateral ventricle could be detected. CSF analysis confirmed a pyocephalus, probably due to rupture of a brain abscess into the left lateral ventricle.     

重庆市2009-2010年动物狂犬病检测及流行病学调查

用RT-PCR方法检测重庆地区2009—2010年发生的36份临床疑似狂犬病脑组织样品和969份临床健康犬唾液拭子样品,并利用流行病学调查方法对阳性样品进行疫情溯源。结果从20份临床疑似狂犬病样品中检测出狂犬病毒,流行病学调查显示未免疫的流浪犬是主要的传染源,而农民(55.95%)和儿童(30.95%)是最容易受到狂犬攻击的人群。从969份临床健康犬唾液拭子和犬脑组织样品中未检出阳性样品。因此重庆地区狂犬病防控应加强对犬的免疫及流浪犬的管理,实行强制性疫苗免疫,加强对儿童和农民的狂犬病知识宣传和安全防护工作。     

厦门市宠物犬狂犬病的血清学调查

为掌握厦门市宠物犬狂犬病感染和免疫情况,厦门市动物疫病预防控制中心于2013年8月对厦门市宠物犬进行了狂犬病血清学调查。结果显示：抽检的145份犬血清样品中,检出疑似狂犬病阳性犬4只,同时在流浪犬中也检测到抗体阳性犬4只;在已免疫狂犬病疫苗的86只犬中,有3只是新办证免疫的宠物犬,免疫率为82.7%,免疫抗体合格率为56.6%,疫苗接种频率与抗体保护水平显著关联,免疫接种超过1次的犬只,抗体保护水平是免疫接种1次的犬只的3倍（P＜0.05）。     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis of rabid and vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant, orally vaccinated raccoons (Procyon lotor)

Cerebrospinal fluid obtained from clinically normal free-ranging raccoons was analyzed and compared with CSF obtained from raccoons vaccinated orally with vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein (V-RG) recombinant virus vaccine and subsequently challenged peripherally with street rabies virus, and CSF from naive, rabies virus challenge-exposed control raccoons. Significant differences were not found in CSF of free-ranging or V-RG recombinant virus vaccine recipient raccoons, and there was no evidence of CNS invasion by V-RG virus. The CSF of naive, rabies challenge-exposed control raccoons contained high numbers of lymphocytes and monocytes, compatible with rabies virus encephalitis. Although V-RG orally vaccinated challenge-exposed raccoons were protected from lethal rabies virus infection, a mild lymphocytic pleocytosis was evident at 90 days after challenge exposure.     

Ventricular pneumocephalus and septic meningoencephalitis secondary to dorsal rhinotomy and nasal polypectomy in a dog

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old sexually intact female French Bulldog was evaluated because of lethargy, anorexia, and chronic rhinitis-sinusitis. The dog had nasal discharge of 18 months' duration; dorsal rhinotomies were performed 3 months and 2 weeks prior to referral. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On initial evaluation, intraventricular pneumocephalus and sinusitis were diagnosed; CSF analysis revealed high total protein concentration and mononuclear pleocytosis. The dog's condition improved with treatment. Two weeks after discharge, it was treated by a local veterinarian because of upper airway obstruction; 3 days later, the dog was referred because of seizures. Computed tomography revealed a large fluid-filled, left lateral ventricle and a soft tissue mass protruding through a cribriform plate defect. The mass was histologically consistent with brain tissue. Findings of clinicopathologic analyses were unremarkable. Results of cytologic examination of a CSF sample were indicative of septic, suppurative inflammation, and bacteriologic culture of CSF yielded Escherichia coli. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Amputation of the herniated olfactory bulb and antimicrobial treatment resolved the septic meningoencephalitis, but neurologic deficits recurred 6 weeks later. Definitive correction of the cribriform plate defect with bone and fascial grafts was attempted. Postoperative rotation of the bone graft resulted in cerebral laceration and hemorrhage, and the dog was euthanized. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggest that following dorsal rhinotomy and nasal polypectomy surgery, the dog developed herniation of the left olfactory bulb, intra-ventricular pneumocephalus, and septic meningo-encephalitis because of a cribriform plate defect. Care must be taken to prevent rotation of bone grafts used in cribriform defect repair.     

Influence of electrical stimulation on regeneration of the radial nerve in dogs

The effects of biphasic electric fields on nerve regeneration that follows injury to the left radial nerve were studied in dogs by electromyography (EMG). Left and right radial nerves were crushed with a serrated haemostat. Stimulating electrodes were positioned proximally and distally to the site of the injury. The left nerves received rectangular, biphasic and current pulses (30 microA, 0.5 Hz) through the injury for two months. The right radial nerves were treated as controls and regenerated without electrical stimulation. EMG activities were recorded intramuscularly from the left and right musculus extensor digitalis communis (MEDC). Results obtained at the end of the two-month stimulation period showed a significant difference in EMG activity between the left (stimulated) and the right (non-stimulated) MEDC, suggesting that electrical treatment enhanced nerve regeneration.     

Retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma causing chronic hindlimb lameness in a dog.

The clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, computed tomographic, surgical and histopathological findings in a Boxer dog with retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma are described in this study. A seven-year-old, male, castrated Boxer dog was referred for evaluation of chronic hindlimb lameness. The physical examination revealed muscle atrophy and sciatic nerve deficits. Radiography and ultrasonography revealed a caudodorsal abdominal mass. Computed tomography revealed that the mass involved the left margin of the L7 vertebra, lumbosacral canal, and lumbosacral plexus. At surgery, a large retroperitoneal haematoma was removed. Histopathology of amorphous tissue found near the haematoma was consistent with haemangiosarcoma. The owner declined any further treatment. Ten weeks after discharge, the dog was euthanatized due to collapse and haemo-abdomen.     

Rabies vaccine virus infection in three dogs

Ascending paralysis developed in 3 dogs, 12 to 14 days following inoculation with a modified live virus, chicken embryo origin, low egg passage, Flury strain rabies vaccine. The paralysis began in the inoculated limb but rapidly involved both hindlimbs. Partial paresis of the forelimbs was seen several days following the hindlimb paralysis in all 3 dogs, and in 1 of these dogs the infection ascended rapidly to the brain as well. Two of the dogs recovered within 1 and 2 months, respectively, but the 3rd dog died within 5 days of the onset of paralytic signs. The fatal case was complicated by naturally acquired coincidental distemper. Serologic studies in 2 dogs and virus isolation from the 3rd dog indicated that rabies virus was the cause of the paralysis in 2 of the dogs and contributed to the disease syndrome in the 3rd dog. Virus could not be isolated from the saliva of CSF of the 2 surviving dogs. The virus isolated in the fatal case appeared to have some of the characteristics of the vaccine virus, as determined by its behavior in mice, cell culture, and embryonating chicken eggs and by its failure to produce Negri bodies in the brain of the infected dog.     

镇江市2008年兽用狂犬病疫苗免疫效果观察

为评价镇江市家犬兽用狂犬病疫苗的免疫效果,探讨影响免疫效果的因素,采集镇江市不同地区免疫犬和非免疫犬只的血清样本,ELISA法测定其抗体产生情况。结果表明,镇江市总的免疫犬只抗体阳性率为34．53％（67／194）;不同地区犬只抗体阳性率差异显著（χ2 =23．743,P=O．000）;犬只的免疫3剂次及以上与3剂次以...