Doença cerebelar em cães e gatos

Diseases of the cerebellar system are common in small animals, and result in a clinical syndrome characterized by hypermetria, base-wide stance and intentional tremors of the head and body. All movements of the limbs are spastic and awkward. The neurological examination assists in the localization of lesions restricted to the cerebellum or in the detection of disorders relating to other parts of the nervous system, which characterizes a multifocal disease process. Neurological disorders in dogs and cats may suggest a very extensive list of differential diagnoses, since they may be caused by infectious, degenerative and traumatic processes, among others. The possible etiologies for cerebellar syndrome include: aplasia and hypoplasia, abiotrophy, cancer, vascular stroke and inflammatory disorders. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical signs that aid in the location of the cerebellar lesion and discuss the possible causes of this syndrome in dogs and cats.

Meningite supurativa secundária a otite média e interna em um gato: relato de caso

Suppurative meningitis are rarely reported in dogs and cats. The present study aims to report the occurrence of suppurative meningitis secondary to otitis media and interna in a five-year-old female Persian cat examined at the Veterinary School of Unesp-Botucatu with acute progressive multifocal neurological alterations. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) demonstrated predominance of neutrophils (90%) and the presence of bacteria. Therapy with antibiotics was initiated, but the animal came to die. beta-hemolytic Staphylococcus, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus and Proteus mirabilis were detected in fragments sent to culture. The present report demonstrates the importance of performing more specific exams such as complete CSF analysis in cases of otitis media and interna. This way, central nervous infections can be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, as those are acute diseases with poor prognosis.

Glioma misto em um cão: relato de caso

Intracranial neoplasms are common causes of neurological disorders in middle-aged and elderly dogs. With the feasibility of computed tomography, it is now possible to determine the extent and exact location of brain tumors, identifying them ante mortem in dogs and cats. This paper aims to report the occurrence of a mixed glioma in a Boxer dog examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Unesp, Botucatu Campus. The animal presented with a brain syndrome of acute onset and progressive course. CT scan showed the presence of a mass in the right cerebral hemisphere extending from the frontal to the parietal region and involving the basal ganglia. Given the gravity of the neurological disorder, the owner chose to perform euthanasia. Microscopic analysis of the mass allowed the diagnosis of mixed glioma.

Síndrome da disfunção cognitiva em cães

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive degenerative disorder of older dogs, characterized by a decline in cognitive function. The main clinical signs consistent with CDS are: disorientation, changes in socio-environmental interaction, sleep-wake cycle disturbance, changes in hygiene habits, urinate and/or defecate in unusual places, decreased physical activity, anxiety and eating disorders. There are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition in vivo, but alterations in neurological examination, cognitive tests and magnetic resonance imaging can be observed. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination of brain tissue. Diets rich in antioxidants, environmental enrichment with exercise and the use of selegiline and L-deprenyl have been recommended for the treatment of CDS.

Características tomográficas de neoplasias encefálicas primárias em cães

Computed tomography (CT) can be considered an important test to identify the presence of primary brain neoplasias in dogs. CT results can help define the type of brain tumor when associated with clinical findings. It allows the identification of lesions and their features, such as size, location, compression and invasion of adjacent tissue. One must analyze the density, mass effect, peritumoral edema, calcification, and image enhancement after intravenous injection of contrast medium. Gliomas, meningiomas and tumors of the choroid plexus and pituitary are the most common primary brain neoplasms diagnosed by CT in dogs. The aim of this paper is to review the literature related to primary brain tumors and report their most important tomographic features, in order to help clinicians achieve a presumptive diagnosis of tumor type.