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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To develop an innovative process for stereotactic brain biopsies in dogs and cats that would provide a definitive diagnosis and optimize the management of patients with brain lesions.

ANIMALS

4 dogs and 1 cat diagnosed with 1 or more brain lesion(s) underwent brain biopsies between March 24, 2023, and October 25, 2023.

METHODS

Based on trajectories selected on images of MRI and CT scan performed on each patient, a computerized software program was used to design a 3-D–printed patient-specific device with maxillary dental impression located on a baseplate to secure the patient's head and with insertion ports for the biopsy instrumentations located on a C-arm. As proof of concept, the device was successfully used in 2 cadavers before being used on clinical patients. All biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Histological diagnosis was obtained in 80% (4/5) of the cases (choroid plexus tumor, astrocytoma, meningioma, and chronic meningoencephalitis of unknown origin). In 1 patient, the results of biopsy were nondiagnostic; postmortem diagnosis was consistent with a low-grade oligodendroglioma. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure without complications. This novel stereotactic system allows the surgeon to perform safe, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and minimally invasive precise brain biopsies in dogs and cats, without complications.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This unique technique could be applied to any size and type of skull and for any type of brain lesions and would provide diagnostic information that would be valuable for future treatment planning and prognosis.

Open access
in American Journal of Veterinary Research
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

Case Description—A 7-month-old neutered male ferret was evaluated for episodic pelvic limb weakness of 2 weeks' duration.

Clinical Findings—Neurologic examination revealed flaccid tetraparesis with decreased spinal reflexes suggestive of a neuromuscular disease. Results of hematologic and CSF analyses, thoracic radiography, and abdominal ultrasonography were unremarkable. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed subtle spontaneous activity localized to pelvic limb interosseous muscles, unremarkable motor nerve conduction velocities, and lower than typical compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for tibial nerve stimulation only. A severe decremental response of the CMAP was detected with repetitive nerve stimulation (45.5% at the third ulnar nerve). An esophagogram revealed mild megaesophagus. Intravenous neostigmine methylsulfate administration resulted in immediate resolution of muscle weakness. Cross-reacting anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were detected in serum (0.35 nmol/L) by use of a canine- and feline-specific muscle extract. Clinical signs and ancillary test results were diagnostic of acquired myasthenia gravis.

Treatment and Outcome—Pyridostigmine bromide was administered (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h), resulting in complete remission of clinical signs. However, 1 month after the diagnosis, the ferret was euthanized because of recurrence of weakness despite anticholinesterase treatment.

Clinical Relevance—To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of acquired myasthenia gravis in a ferret and the first identification of anti-AChR antibodies in this species. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis should be considered in ferrets when weakness and flaccid paresis suggest a neuromuscular disease. Electrodiagnostic testing, anticholinesterase challenge, and AChR antibody titer determination were helpful for diagnosis of this condition.

Full access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the prevalence of congenital sensorineural deafness (CSD) and its association with phenotypic markers in client-owned ferrets.

Design—Epidemiological study.

Animals—152 healthy European pet ferrets.

Procedures—Brainstem auditory evoked response tests were recorded in ferrets during general anesthesia. Phenotypic markers such as sex, coat color and pattern, coat length (Angora or not), and premature graying trait were assessed.

Results—Overall, 44 of the 152 (29%) ferrets were affected by CSD; 10 (7%) were unilaterally deaf, and 34 (22%) were bilaterally deaf. There was no association between CSD and sex or Angora trait, but a strong association between CSD and white patterned coat or premature graying was identified. All panda, American panda, and blaze ferrets were deaf.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The ferrets in this study had a high prevalence of CSD that was strictly associated with coat color patterns, specifically white markings and premature graying. This seemed to be an emerging congenital defect in pet ferrets because white-marked coats are a popular new coat color. Breeders should have a greater awareness and understanding of this defect to reduce its prevalence for the overall benefit of the species. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:1047–1052)

Full access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To compare the use of the video telescope operating monitor (VITOM) and use of a conventional unassisted surgical method for treatment of cervical intervertebral disc herniation in dogs.

ANIMALS

39 dogs with cervical intervertebral disc disease.

METHODS

Prospective study. Dogs were prospectively nonrandomly assigned to either the VITOM (n = 19) or conventional surgery (20) group depending on VITOM system availability. Signalment and preoperative neurologic status were recorded for all dogs. Preoperative and postoperative CT myelography was performed to compare intervertebral space location, spinal cord dimensions at the decompression level, ventral slot dimensions, and residual disc material. Surgical complications and postoperative neurologic outcomes were recorded. Data were compared between the 2 groups using fixed-effects or mixed-effects models to consider double reading of CT myelography images.

RESULTS

No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups regarding the decompression ratio (P = .85), vertebral length body ratio (P = .13), ventral slot width ratio (P = .39), residual disc material (P = .30), and sinus bleeding (P = .12). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups regarding postoperative neurologic grade (P = .17).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

VITOM-assisted ventral slot decompression is equivalent to conventional surgery in treatment of cervical intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. The use of VITOM remains a good alternative to the conventional surgical method.

Full access
in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association