Survival of a Suspected Case of Central Nervous System Cuterebrosis in a Dog: Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 50 Captive Non-domestic Felids - Technique and Imaging Diagnoses

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recognized gold standard for diagnostic imaging of the central nervous system in human and veterinary patients. Information on the use of this modality and possible imaging abnormalities in captive non-domestic felids is currently limited to individual case reports or small case series. This retrospective study provides information on technique and imaging findings in a cohort of cases undergoing MRI at an academic Veterinary Medical Center. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine MRI database was searched for non-domestic felids undergoing MRI of the brain or spine from 2008 to 2021. Medical record data were recorded, and MRI studies were reviewed. Fifty animals met the inclusion criteria. The most common brain diseases were Chiari-like malformation (n = 8) and inflammatory conditions (n = 8). Other abnormalities included pituitary lesions (n = 5), brain atrophy (n = 2), and one each of metabolic and traumatic conditions. Fourteen animals had a normal brain MRI study. The most common spinal abnormality was intervertebral disc disease (n = 7). Other disorders included vertebral dysplasia (n = 2), presumptive ischemic myelopathy (n = 1), subdural ossification causing spinal cord compression (n = 1), and multiple myeloma (n = 1). Spinal cord swelling of undetermined cause was suspected in two animals, and seven patients had a normal MRI study of the spine. MRI is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of non-domestic felids with presumptive neurologic disease.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF CUTANEOUS MYIASIS IN AN ORNATE BOX TURTLE (TERRAPENE ORNATA ORNATA)

A juvenile intact female ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) was referred for evaluation of right-sided appendicular swelling that was nonresponsive to antimicrobial therapy. Computed tomography (CT) revealed severe soft tissue swelling of the limbs and neck, with multiple associated tortuous gas-filled sinus tracts extending from the cutaneous surface, which contained oblong soft tissue attenuating structures. These CT findings were most consistent with migrating dipterous larvae. Surgical exploration was performed and six sarcophagid larvae (Superfamily Oestroidea) were extracted. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in veterinary medicine providing antemortem CT imaging features of cutaneous myiasis in a reptile.

Presumptive central nervous system cuterebriasis and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical course and successful management of a dog suspected to have central nervous system (CNS) Cuterebra larval migration and concurrent protein-losing nephropathy (PLN).

CASE SUMMARY

A 1-year-old castrated male mixed breed dog was diagnosed with presumptive CNS cuterebriasis based on history, progressively deteriorating mentation, seizures, and magnetic resonance images showing a tubular lesion consistent with a migrating Cuterebra tract. Additionally, serum biochemistry and urine analyses revealed the development of a severe PLN. Surgical removal of the Cuterebra was attempted unsuccessfully, and subsequently, the dog was treated with ivermectin, antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and a tapering dose of glucocorticoids. Over several weeks the dog's neurologic status improved and the PLN resolved completely.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This case describes successful management of presumptive CNS cuterebriasis in a dog. It is also, to our knowledge, the first report of PLN associated with cuterebriasis in the veterinary literature.

Ophthalmomyiasis externa in a puppy due to Cuterebra infestation

An 8 wk old Scottish terrier was evaluated for a 2×2 cm mass located directly adjacent to the lateral canthus of the right eye. Examination revealed a well-developed Cuterebra larva at the lateral aspect of the orbital cavity, anchored at the lateral canthus. The larva was manually removed under general anesthesia, and the eyelid margin was repaired. Systemic and topical antibiotics along with systemic anti-inflammatory treatment were instituted. The lesion healed completely, revealing a normal functional right eye 10 days after removal of the Cuterebra larva. Careful manual removal of the larva is recommended along with correction of any resultant conformational defects. The remaining cavity can be left to heal; however, antibiotic therapy is recommended.