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De Miguel R, Hague DW, Johnson JL, Zilinger AM, Kukekova A, Lezmi S. Congenital spongiform leukodystrophy in 2 female littermate German shepherd puppies. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1730-1736. [PMID: 38544400 PMCID: PMC11099797 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Two 9-week-old female littermate German Shepherd puppies showed severe high-frequency low-amplitude trembling that worsened with movement. The white matter (WM) of the central nervous system (CNS) showed bilateral diffuse severe spongiosis in the cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord, and the neuropil of the oculomotor and red nuclei. The cortical corona radiata was less severely affected. Rare necrotic or apoptotic glia-like cells also were identified in the WM. Luxol fast blue staining disclosed severe diffuse myelin loss in the entire CNS; peripheral nerves were spared. Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry showed diffuse astrogliosis and astrocytosis in the WM. Genetic analyses of the littermates excluded the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene as a candidate for this condition in dogs. In conclusion, this description of a rare congenital spongiform leukodystrophy in the German Shepherd breed, closely resembling to Canavan disease in humans, is likely caused by a genetic alteration unrelated to the ASPA gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devon Wallis Hague
- Department of Veterinary Clinical MedicineUniversity of IllinoisUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Jennifer L. Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinoisUSA
| | - Amber M. Zilinger
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinoisUSA
| | - Anna Kukekova
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinoisUSA
| | - Stephane Lezmi
- Department of PathobiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignChampaignIllinoisUSA
- Excilone ServicesJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
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Mandigers PJJ, Stehling O, Vos-Loohuis M, Van Steenbeek FG, Lill R, Leegwater PA. A novel IBA57 variant is associated with mitochondrial iron-sulfur protein deficiency and necrotizing myelopathy in dogs. Front Genet 2023; 14:1190222. [PMID: 37588046 PMCID: PMC10425596 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1190222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hereditary necrotizing myelopathy (HNM) in young Kooiker dogs is characterized by progressive ataxia and paralysis with autosomal recessive inheritance. The basic genetic defect is unknown. We investigated the possible cause by a genome-wide analysis using six affected and 17 unrelated unaffected Kooiker dogs and by functional follow-up studies. Method: The HNM locus was mapped by a case-control study using a dense SNP array and confirmed by linkage analysis of two pedigrees. The gene exons in the critical region were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. The functional effect of the candidate canine IBA57 pathogenic variant was biochemically examined in an established HeLa cell culture model in which the endogenous IBA75 gene product was depleted by RNAi. Results: The basic defect was localized in the centromeric 5 Mb region of canine chromosome 14. The most associated SNP co-segregated fully with HNM and reached an LOD score of 6.1. A candidate pathogenic mutation was found in the iron-sulfur cluster assembly gene IBA57 and led to the amino acid substitution R147W. The expression of human IBA57 harboring the canine R147W exchange could only partially restore the biochemical defects of several mitochondrial [4Fe-4S] proteins upon IBA57 depletion, showing that the mutant protein is functionally impaired. Discussion: Pathogenic variants in human IBA57 cause multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome 3 (MMDS3), a neurodegenerative disorder with distant similarities to HNM. The incomplete functional complementation of IBA57-depleted human cells by IBA57-R147W identifies the DNA mutation in affected Kooiker dogs as the genetic cause of HNM. Our findings further expand the phenotypic spectrum of pathogenic IBA57 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. J. Mandigers
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Oliver Stehling
- Institut für Zytobiologie und Zytopathologie and Center for Synthetic Microbiology Synmikro, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Manon Vos-Loohuis
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank G. Van Steenbeek
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roland Lill
- Institut für Zytobiologie und Zytopathologie and Center for Synthetic Microbiology Synmikro, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Peter A. Leegwater
- Expertise Centre of Genetics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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3
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Vandenberghe H, Baiker K, Nye G, Escauriaza L, Roberts E, Granger N, Reeve L. Diagnostic features of type II fibrinoid leukodystrophy (Alexander disease) in a juvenile Beagle dog. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:670-675. [PMID: 36799664 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A 3-month-old female entire Beagle presented with a progressive history of caudotentorial encephalopathy. Reactive encephalopathies were ruled out and tests for the most common infectious diseases agents were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain using a 1.5 Tesla scanner showed diffuse, bilateral, T2-weighted and T2-weighted-FLAIR hyperintense, T1-weighted hypointense, noncontrast-enhancing lesions involving the white matter of the cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord, and forebrain to a lesser extent. There was cerebellar enlargement. Abnormalities were not detected on cerebrospinal fluid examination. Given the progressive nature of the disease and suspected poor prognosis the dog was euthanized. Histopathological analysis of the brain was consistent with fibrinoid leukodystrophy, also known as Alexander disease. Based on the classification used in humans, this is a description of MRI of a case of type II Alexander disease in veterinary medicine, with characteristics different to other described leukoencephalopathies in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kerstin Baiker
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - George Nye
- Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Bristol, UK
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TSEN54 missense variant in Standard Schnauzers with leukodystrophy. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008411. [PMID: 31584937 PMCID: PMC6795476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a hereditary leukodystrophy in Standard Schnauzer puppies. Clinical signs occurred shortly after birth or started at an age of under 4 weeks and included apathy, dysphoric vocalization, hypermetric ataxia, intension tremor, head tilt, circling, proprioceptive deficits, seizures and ventral strabismus consistent with a diffuse intracranial lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diffuse white matter disease without mass effect. Macroscopically, the cerebral white matter showed a gelatinous texture in the centrum semiovale. A mild hydrocephalus internus was noted. Histopathologically, a severe multifocal reduction of myelin formation and moderate diffuse edema without inflammation was detected leading to the diagnosis of leukodystrophy. Combined linkage analysis and homozygosity mapping in two related families delineated critical intervals of approximately 29 Mb. The comparison of whole genome sequence data of one affected Standard Schnauzer to 221 control genomes revealed a single private homozygous protein changing variant in the critical intervals, TSEN54:c.371G>A or p.(Gly124Asp). TSEN54 encodes the tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit 54. In humans, several variants in TSEN54 were reported to cause different types of pontocerebellar hypoplasia. The genotypes at the c.371G>A variant were perfectly associated with the leukodystrophy phenotype in 12 affected Standard Schnauzers and almost 1000 control dogs from different breeds. These results suggest that TSEN54:c.371G>A causes the leukodystrophy. The identification of a candidate causative variant enables genetic testing so that the unintentional breeding of affected Standard Schnauzers can be avoided in the future. Our findings extend the known genotype-phenotype correlation for TSEN54 variants. Various hereditary diseases of the cerebral white matter occur in humans and dogs. We describe a new leukodystrophy in Standard Schnauzers. Genetic mapping and whole genome sequence analysis identified a likely candidate causative variant in the TSEN54 gene encoding tRNA splicing endonuclease 54. These results provide new information about the role of TSEN54 in cell metabolism and the development of the central nervous system in the late gestational and early post-natal period. The affected dogs potentially represent a translational large animal model for similar leukoencephalopathies in human medicine. The clinical phenotype in Schnauzers included multifocal central nervous system signs. A holistic pathogenically driven understanding of disease initiation and perpetuation requires a solid analysis of the underlying genetics and characterization of the disease phenotype at the clinical and cellular as well as sub-cellular level. In contrast to the canine phenotype with a predominant manifestation in the cerebrum white matter, other TSEN54 variants in humans have been reported to result in a different pathological phenotype characterized by pontocerebellar hypoplasia. The differences between humans and dogs underscore the need for comparative analysis at the clinical, pathological and molecular level to understand species-specific protein mediated pathways, interactions and outcomes.
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Minor KM, Letko A, Becker D, Drögemüller M, Mandigers PJJ, Bellekom SR, Leegwater PAJ, Stassen QEM, Putschbach K, Fischer A, Flegel T, Matiasek K, Ekenstedt KJ, Furrow E, Patterson EE, Platt SR, Kelly PA, Cassidy JP, Shelton GD, Lucot K, Bannasch DL, Martineau H, Muir CF, Priestnall SL, Henke D, Oevermann A, Jagannathan V, Mickelson JR, Drögemüller C. Canine NAPEPLD-associated models of human myelin disorders. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5818. [PMID: 29643404 PMCID: PMC5895582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP) is a juvenile-onset neurodegenerative disorder of the CNS white matter currently described in Rottweiler and Leonberger dogs. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) allowed us to map LEMP in a Leonberger cohort to dog chromosome 18. Subsequent whole genome re-sequencing of a Leonberger case enabled the identification of a single private homozygous non-synonymous missense variant located in the highly conserved metallo-beta-lactamase domain of the N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPEPLD) gene, encoding an enzyme of the endocannabinoid system. We then sequenced this gene in LEMP-affected Rottweilers and identified a different frameshift variant, which is predicted to replace the C-terminal metallo-beta-lactamase domain of the wild type protein. Haplotype analysis of SNP array genotypes revealed that the frameshift variant was present in diverse haplotypes in Rottweilers, and also in Great Danes, indicating an old origin of this second NAPEPLD variant. The identification of different NAPEPLD variants in dog breeds affected by leukoencephalopathies with heterogeneous pathological features, implicates the NAPEPLD enzyme as important in myelin homeostasis, and suggests a novel candidate gene for myelination disorders in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Minor
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - A Letko
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - D Becker
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - M Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - P J J Mandigers
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, CM, The Netherlands
| | - S R Bellekom
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, CM, The Netherlands
| | - P A J Leegwater
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, CM, The Netherlands
| | - Q E M Stassen
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, CM, The Netherlands
| | - K Putschbach
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - A Fischer
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - T Flegel
- Department of Small Animal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - K Matiasek
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - K J Ekenstedt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - E Furrow
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - E E Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - S R Platt
- Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - P A Kelly
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - J P Cassidy
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - G D Shelton
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - K Lucot
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - D L Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - H Martineau
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - C F Muir
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - S L Priestnall
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - D Henke
- Division of Clinical Neurology, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - A Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - V Jagannathan
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland
| | - J R Mickelson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - C Drögemüller
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern, 3001, Switzerland.
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6
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Mandara MT, Reginato A, Balducci F, Bernardini M. A leukomyeloencephalopathy of unknown origin in an Azawakh dog. Res Vet Sci 2017; 113:101-104. [PMID: 28926781 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A diffuse bilaterally symmetrical leukomyeloencephalopathy was observed in a 6-year-old male Azawakh dog showing a slowly progressive ataxia of six months duration associated with sensory disorders. Severe bilaterally symmetrical demyelination and vacuolisation were confined to the dorsal columns along the entire spinal cord with a minor axonal degeneration. The main changes of myelin sheaths consisted in splitting and intramyelin vacuolization. Naked axons were scattered in a network of astrocytic processes and collagen fibres. Few reactive macrophages exhibiting a foamy pattern were observed adjacent to the small vessels. In the brain, cuneatus nuclei showed a number of atrophic neurons. A spongy change was observed in the raphe nuclei, spinal tract and nuclei of trigeminal nerve, and caudal cerebellar peduncles. Lesions there were neither in the spinal and trigeminal nerves, nor in the spinal ganglia. Although in the absence of a pedigree analysis support an inherited cause cannot be completely excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Mandara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Alice Reginato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Balducci
- Veterinary Hospital "I Portoni Rossi", Via Roma 57/A, 40069 Zola Predosa, BO, Italy.
| | - Marco Bernardini
- Veterinary Hospital "I Portoni Rossi", Via Roma 57/A, 40069 Zola Predosa, BO, Italy; Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy.
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Mhlanga-Mutangadura T, Johnson GS, Ashwini A, Shelton GD, Wennogle SA, Johnson GC, Kuroki K, O'Brien DP. A Homozygous RAB3GAP1:c.743delC Mutation in Rottweilers with Neuronal Vacuolation and Spinocerebellar Degeneration. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:813-8. [PMID: 26968732 PMCID: PMC4913561 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of presumed hereditary, neurologic diseases have been reported in young Rottweilers. Overlapping ages of onset and clinical signs have made antemortem diagnosis difficult. One of these diseases, neuronal vacuolation and spinocerebellar degeneration (NVSD) shares clinical and histological features with polyneuropathy with ocular abnormalities and neuronal vacuolation (POANV), a recently described hereditary disease in Black Russian Terriers (BRTs). Dogs with POANV harbor mutations in RAB3GAP1 which codes for a protein involved in membrane trafficking. HYPOTHESIS Rottweilers with NVSD will be homozygous for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele associated with POANV in BRTs. ANIMALS Eight Rottweilers with NVSD confirmed at necropsy, 128 Rottweilers without early onset neurologic signs, and 468 randomly selected dogs from 169 other breeds. METHODS Retrospective case-control study. Dogs were genotyped for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele with an allelic discrimination assay. RESULTS All 8 NVSD-affected dogs were homozygous for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele while the 128 NVSD-free Rottweilers were either homozygous for the reference allele (n = 105) or heterozygous (n = 23) and the 468 genotyped dogs from other breeds were all homozygous for the reference allele. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The RAB3GAP1:c.743delC mutation is associated with a similar phenotype in Rottweilers and BRTs. Identification of the mutation permits a DNA test that can aid in the diagnosis of NVSD and identify carriers of the trait so that breeders can avoid producing affected dogs. Disruption of membrane trafficking could explain the neuronal vacuolation seen in NVSD and other spongiform encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mhlanga-Mutangadura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - G S Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - A Ashwini
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - G D Shelton
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - S A Wennogle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - G C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - K Kuroki
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - D P O'Brien
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
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Eagleson JS, Kent M, Platt SR, Rech RR, Howerth EW. MRI findings in a rottweiler with leukoencephalomyelopathy. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2013; 49:255-61. [PMID: 23690496 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-5864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A 22 mo old male rottweiler presented with a 1 mo progressive history of general proprioceptive ataxia and upper motor neuron tetraparesis. Neurologic examination was consistent with a lesion affecting the first through fifth cervical spinal cord segments. MRI disclosed bilaterally symmetric hyperintensities on T2-weighted (T2W) images in the crus cerebri and pyramidal tracts of the brain and the dorsal portion of the lateral funiculi of the cervical spinal cord. Fifty days after initial presentation, the dog was euthanized due to disease progression. Pathologic examination of the central nervous system (CNS) revealed a bilaterally symmetric chronic leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEM) consistent with previous reports of LEM in rottweilers. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the MRI characteristics of LEM in the rottweiler. The topography of the changes observed with MRI paralleled the pathologic changes, which were widespread loss of myelin, decreased axon numbers, and astroglial proliferation. Consequently, MRI of the CNS of affected rottweilers may aid in establishing a presumptive antemortem diagnosis of LEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Eagleson
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Hirschvogel K, Matiasek K, Flatz K, Drögemüller M, Drögemüller C, Reiner B, Fischer A. Magnetic resonance imaging and genetic investigation of a case of Rottweiler leukoencephalomyelopathy. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:57. [PMID: 23531239 PMCID: PMC3614464 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leukoencephalomyelopathy is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects the white matter of the spinal cord and brain and is known to occur in the Rottweiler breed. Due to the lack of a genetic test for this disorder, post mortem neuropathological examinations are required to confirm the diagnosis. Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and elevated lactate levels is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder in humans that was recently described to have clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that are similar to the histopathologic lesions that define leukoencephalomyelopathy in Rottweilers. Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement is caused by mutations in the DARS2 gene, which encodes a mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The objective of this case report is to present the results of MRI and candidate gene analysis of a case of Rottweiler leukoencephalomyelopathy to investigate the hypothesis that leukoencephalomyelopathy in Rottweilers could serve as an animal model of human leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement. Case presentation A two-and-a-half-year-old male purebred Rottweiler was evaluated for generalised progressive ataxia with hypermetria that was most evident in the thoracic limbs. MRI (T2-weighted) demonstrated well-circumscribed hyperintense signals within both lateral funiculi that extended from the level of the first to the sixth cervical vertebral body. A neurodegenerative disorder was suspected based on the progressive clinical course and MRI findings, and Rottweiler leukoencephalomyelopathy was subsequently confirmed via histopathology. The DARS2 gene was investigated as a causative candidate, but a sequence analysis failed to identify any disease-associated variants in the DNA sequence. Conclusion It was concluded that MRI may aid in the pre-mortem diagnosis of suspected cases of leukoencephalomyelopathy. Genes other than DARS2 may be involved in Rottweiler leukoencephalomyelopathy and may also be relevant in human leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hirschvogel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Neurology Service, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Munich, Germany
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Leukoencephalopathy associated with parvovirus infection in Cretan hound puppies. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:3169-75. [PMID: 20592142 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01582-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukoencephalopathies in dogs encompass presumably inherited conditions such as leukodystrophies, hypomyelination or spongiform degeneration, but other causes, such as virus infections and toxic or nutritional factors, might also play a contributory role. In this report, we provide evidence of parvovirus infection and replication in the brains of five 6-week-old Cretan hound puppies suffering from a puppy shaker syndrome and leukoencephalopathy. Although these puppies belonged to two different litters, they were closely related, tracing back two generations to the same sire. Histologically, a mild to moderate lymphohistiocytic meningitis, with focal lymphohistiocytic leukoencephalitis in two animals, and a mild to moderate vacuolation with myelin loss, mainly in the white matter of the cerebellum was detected. Vacuolation was also found in the corpus callosum, fimbria hippocampi, mesencephalon, capsula interna, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus. By immunohistology and in situ hybridization, either parvoviral antigen, DNA, mRNA, or replicative intermediate DNA were detected in the cerebellum, hippocampus, periventricular areas, corpus callosum, cerebral cortex, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord. Parvovirus antigen, DNA, and mRNA were present in cells of the outer granular layer of the cerebellum and in periventricular cells, most likely representing spongioblasts, glial cells, neurons, endothelial cells, occasional macrophages, and ependymal cells. Sequencing revealed canine parvovirus type 2 stretches. Thus, an association of parvovirus infection with the leukoencephalopathy seems likely, possibly facilitated by a genetic predisposition due to the mode of inbreeding in this particular dog breed.
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Kent M, Platt SR, Rech RR, Neravanda D, Uhl EW, Schatzberg SJ. Clinicopathologic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics associated with polioencephalomyelopathy in a Shih Tzu. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009; 235:551-7. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.235.5.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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da Costa RC, Parent JM, Poma R, de Lahunta A. Multisystem axonopathy and neuronopathy in Golden Retriever dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2009; 23:935-9. [PMID: 19496908 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R C da Costa
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Matiasek LA, Platt SR, Dennis R, Petite A. SUBFASCIAL SEROMA CAUSING COMPRESSIVE MYELOPATHY AFTER CERVICAL DORSAL LAMINECTOMY. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006; 47:581-4. [PMID: 17153068 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2006.00189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorsal surgical approach to the cervical vertebral canal is indicated for a variety of spinal cord diseases. Compressive myelopathy due to subfascial seroma following dorsal laminectomy has not previously been documented in dogs. We describe neurologic findings, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics and clinical outcome in a young Rottweiler experiencing this complication after a successful dorsal decompression for treatment of cervical stenotic myelopathy. MR imaging allowed detection of pockets of high signal intensity material on T2-weighted images and low signal intensity in T1-weighted images. Prompt surgical revision and drainage allowed complete recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A Matiasek
- Centre for Small Animal Studies, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
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Sisó S, Botteron C, Muhle A, Vandevelde M. A novel leucodystrophy in a dog. J Comp Pathol 2005; 132:232-6. [PMID: 15737351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2004.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 08/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A diffuse, bilaterally symmetrical leucoencephalopathy was observed in a 2-month-old female crossbred puppy with a clinical history of progressive tetraparesis with front limb hypermetria, head tremor and seizures. Severe myelinolytic lesions with significant macrophage infiltration were confined to the white matter, mainly of the cerebellum and spinal cord. Moderate loss of myelin with severe gliosis predominated in the cerebrum. Axonal degeneration and axonal loss accompanied myelin degeneration. This disease was classified as a leucodystrophy. The clinical signs and certain features of the lesions (morphology and distribution), differed from those in previously described degenerative myelinolytic diseases in animals. The possible occurrence of the disorder in a littermate suggested a genetic basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sisó
- NeuroCenter, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109A, 3001 Berne, Switzerland
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15
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Abstract
A number of idiopathic degenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system, peripheral nerves and muscles of immature and young adult rottweilers are reported. Tetraparesis or ataxia causing abnormalities in gait and posture are clinical findings common to these conditions. The current knowledge about these syndromes is presented in this review, with an emphasis on the clinical characteristics. Knowledge of these syndromes and a methodical approach to neurological diagnosis can help the veterinarian to identify the underlying disease and establish a prognosis when presented with a tetraparetic or ataxic young rottweiler.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Davies
- School of Veterinary Clinical Science, Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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16
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17
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Jardim L, Andrade-Neto J, Alessi A. Neuronal vacuolation and spongiform lesions in young Rottweiler dogs. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 1999. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09351999000500010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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18
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Abstract
Four rottweiler pups from two litters developed severe progressive signs of spinal ataxia, cerebellar ataxia and tetraparesis/paralysis. The signs started with ataxia of the pelvic limbs at seven to eight weeks of age and progressed to tetraparesis and paralysis within three to five weeks. Postmortem, a vacuolar neuronal disorder was found in the cerebellum, brainstem and the spinal cord, associated with Wallerian type degeneration in the brainstem, cerebellar peduncles and the medullary cord. Electron microscopy revealed empty membrane-bound vacuoles. Immunohistochemistry for PrPSc was negative. The disorder differs clinically and pathologically from other neurological disorders in the breed and a new (familial) neurological disorder in the rottweiler is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S van den Ingh
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Bennett
- Bundoora Veterinary Clinic and Hospital, Victoria
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20
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Bennett PF, Allan FJ, Guilford WG, Julian AF, Johnston CG. Idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in rottweiler dogs: three cases (1992-1997). Aust Vet J 1997; 75:786-9. [PMID: 9404607 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1997.tb15651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We report three cases of eosinophilic meningitis in young male Rottweiler type dogs in New Zealand. No cause for the disease was identified. There were variable clinical signs referable to central nervous system dysfunction, and a variable response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Bennett
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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21
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Kortz GD, Meier WA, Higgins RJ, French RA, McKiernan BC, Fatzer R, Zachary JF. Neuronal vacuolation and spinocerebellar degeneration in young Rottweiler dogs. Vet Pathol 1997; 34:296-302. [PMID: 9240838 DOI: 10.1177/030098589703400405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the recent epizootic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Europe, the differential diagnosis of neuronal vacuolation and spongiform change in other species has become critically important. Four Rottweiler puppies of both sexes, presented at 3-8 months of age, had clinical signs of generalized weakness and ataxia that started at 6 weeks of age. In all pups, neurologic examination detected an ataxia and tetraparesis, most severe in the pelvic limbs, and slowed proprioceptive placing reactions. Subsequently, there was rapid progressive neurologic deterioration, with severe placing deficits, knuckling, severe ataxia, and quadraparesis by 8 months of age. At necropsy, no gross lesions were observed. Microscopic lesions were restricted to the nervous system. The major lesion in all dogs was an intracytoplasmic neuronal vacuolation that was most prominent in the cerebellar roof nuclei and in nuclei of the extrapyramidal system. Similar vacuolation was found in neurons in both dorsal nerve root ganglia, myenteric plexus, and other ganglia of the autonomic nervous system. The single or multiple empty vacuoles were between 1 and 45 microm in diameter. A mild spongiform change was seen in the adjacent neuropil. Purkinje cell vacuolation and degeneration with segmental cell loss was seen in the oldest dog. In ventromedial and dorsolateral areas of the spinal cord white matter, there was mild bilaterally symmetrical axonal degeneration. Immunoblotting and immunocytochemical staining of the brain for protease-resistant scrapie prion protein was negative. All forms of vacuoles were negative for immunohistochemical staining with a variety of lectins. Ultrastructurally, the vacuoles were bound by a single membrane and contained granular material and sometimes membranous profiles. There was mild distension of the cytocavitary network but no unequivocal connection with the vacuoles was found. Axosomatic and axodendritic synapses in affected neurons were intact both ultrastructurally and with synaptophysin immunostaining. The clinicopathologic findings were different from those seen in the other neurologic diseases of Rottweilers. The age of the dogs, distribution and type of the lesions, ultrastructural findings, and negative immunoblotting most likely rule out the possibility of a scrapie agent-associated spongiform encephalopathy. However, the etiology of this new disease was not determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Kortz
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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22
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23
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Braund KG, Toivio-Kinnucan M, Vallat JM, Mehta JR, Levesque DC. Distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy in mature Rottweiler dogs. Vet Pathol 1994; 31:316-26. [PMID: 8053126 DOI: 10.1177/030098589403100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A polyneuropathy recognized in mature Rottweiler dogs is characterized by paraparesis that progresses to tetraparesis, spinal hyporeflexia and hypotonia, and appendicular muscle atrophy. Although signs may appear acutely, the course tends to be gradually progressive (up to 12 months or longer in some dogs) and may be relapsing. Nerve and muscle biopsies were examined from eight affected Rottweilers (six male and two female) between ages 1.5 and 4 years. Pronounced neurogenic atrophy was present in skeletal muscle samples. Changes in sensory and motor peripheral nerves included loss of myelinated nerve fibers, axonal necrosis, and variable numbers of fibers with inappropriately thin myelin sheaths. Ultrastructural findings included myelinated fibers showing myelinoaxonal necrosis, demyelinated fibers often associated with macrophage infiltration, many axons with myelin-like membranous profiles, increased endoneurial collagen, occasional axonal atrophy, and numerous Büngner bands. Lesions in unmyelinated fibers included increased numbers of Schwann cell profiles and loss of axons in Schwann cell subunits. Morphologic and morphometric studies indicated preferential loss of medium (5.5-8 microns) and large (8.5-12.5 microns) fibers, which was more severe in distal parts of nerves than in more proximal regions and nerve roots. The cause was not determined; however, histopathologic studies suggest this condition is a dying-back distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy that has morphologic and morphometric similarities to hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) type II in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Braund
- Neuromuscular Laboratory, Scott-Ritchey Research Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, AL
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24
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Mandigers PJ, Van Nes JJ, Knol BW, Ubbink GJ, Gruys E. Hereditary necrotising myelopathy in Kooiker dogs. Res Vet Sci 1993; 54:118-23. [PMID: 8434139 DOI: 10.1016/0034-5288(93)90020-g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A retrospective clinicopathological study of a neurological disorder in 22 Kooiker dogs (Dutch decoy dog) was made. The disease was found to occur equally in both sexes and clinical signs began at three to 12 months old. Physical examination revealed a progressive paresis of the hindlimbs. Post mortem examination showed symmetrical areas of malacia in the ventral, lateral and dorsal white matter of the spinal cord. In one dog dorsal white matter was spared. Cervical segments C4 to C8 were involved in all subjects. Rostral and caudal to these areas, Wallerian degeneration was prominent. The disease has much in common with similar myelopathies in the Afghan hound and the rottweiler. Indications of heritability were the similarity in clinical and pathological findings, the age of onset of the disease, and the significantly higher inbreeding coefficient in the patients than in the breed population (P = 0.001). All patients were descended from one pair. Segregation analysis suggested inheritance involving a simple autosomal recessive trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Mandigers
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
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25
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Chrisman CL. Neurological diseases of rottweilers: Neuroaxonal dystrophy and leukoenceph- alomalacia. J Small Anim Pract 1992. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.1992.tb01033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Moreau PM, Vallat JM, Hugon J, Leboutet MJ, Vandevelde M. Peripheral and central distal axonopathy of suspected inherited origin in Birman cats. Acta Neuropathol 1991; 82:143-6. [PMID: 1927270 DOI: 10.1007/bf00293957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Three female cats, littermates born from clinically normal parents, were examined at 8 to 10 weeks of age because of a slowly progressive posterior ataxia. Another cat from a previous litter from the same parents suffered from similar neurological symptoms. Histopathological examination of the nervous tissues of these animals revealed degeneration of axons and myelinopathy in a distal distribution pattern. Both peripheral nerves and central nervous system were involved. The central nervous system lesions were most prominent in the lateral pyramidal tracts of the spinal cord, the fasciculi gracili of the dorsal column in the cervical spinal cord and the cerebellar vermian white matter. In the PNS numerous degenerating nerve fibers were found in the sciatic nerves but not in the spinal nerve roots. Our findings show that these cats were suffering from a hereditary multisystem degeneration with a distribution pattern of the lesions suggestive of a distal axonopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Moreau
- Veterinary Clinic of Vanteaux, University Hospital, Limoges, France
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27
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28
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Abstract
Clinical and pathological studies of a neurological disorder of 3 adult Rottweiler dogs are described. Dogs developed proprioceptive losses involving the limbs, leading to progressively worsening ataxia and hypermetria. Blood and CSF fluid analyses were normal and radiographs and myelograms showed no compressive lesions of the spinal cord. At necropsy, severe demyelination of the dorsal and lateral funiculi of the cervical spinal cord was visible grossly. Microscopically there was more extensive, symmetrical involvement of the spinal cord and brain than was apparent grossly, with demyelination of white matter tracts and sparing of axons in affected areas. These changes were considered diagnostic for leucoencephalomyelopathy. This condition has not been previously reported in Australia, and is probably transmitted genetically, presumably as an autosomal recessive trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Slocombe
- Veterinary Clinical Centre, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria
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29
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30
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Abstract
A clinicopathological study of a neurologic disease in Rottweiler dogs was conducted. Clinical data were available on 16 dogs, 11 of which were examined pathologically. All dogs had a history of progressive gait abnormalities, which had commenced insidiously at an age varying from 1.5 to 3.5 years. In most dogs the fore limbs were affected prior to the hind limbs. At neurologic examination ataxia of all 4 limbs was seen, in some instances accompanied by an apparent paresis. Proprioceptive positioning was delayed whereas spinal reflexes were often hyperactive. Plain and contrast radiographs of the spine did not reveal any compressive lesions in 5 dogs examined. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 4 dogs was normal. Electrodiagnostic testing in 3 dogs revealed no abnormalities. At pathologic examination demyelinating lesions were found in the central nervous system. These were largely confined to the cervical spinal cord and brain stem and had a rather characteristic more or less symmetric distribution. Pedigree data suggested that the disease is transmitted genetically.
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