A 4-year-old neutered female terrier-cross was evaluated for an acute onset of paraplegia. Utilizing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the cause of the neurologic deficits was determined to be a lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. The MR study additionally demonstrated parenchymal hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and similarly located diffuse hypointensity on gradient echo images, cranial and caudal to the compressive extradural lesion. Hemorrhagic myelomalacia was suspected based on these MR characteristics, which was subsequently confirmed surgically and histopathologically.
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to diagnose cholesterol granulomas in the choroid plexuses in the lateral ventricles of a horse. This report provides, in addition to the clinical signs and pathology findings, a precise description of the MRI appearance of a cholesterol granuloma.
We report 4 cases of equine rhinosporidiosis in the United Kingdom. These cases provide evidence of spread of infectious agents from rhinosporidiosis-endemic areas to nonendemic areas by increased international movement of livestock. Surveillance should continue for this infective agent of potential relevance for numerous species, including humans.
life was able to stand and walk. The colt frequently adopted a 'dog-sitting' position (Fig 1), and intermittently had difficulty standing, tripped frequently, and was easily knocked to the ground. When grazing, the colt adopted an abnormal posture, with one forelimb placed well back beneath the thorax. The colt's growth was comparable to that of its cohorts.At the time of examination, the colt was in good general body condition and demonstrated normal behaviour and mentation. Kyphosis of the thoracolumbar spine was evident, and the back appeared disproportionately short relative to the animal's body size. Function of the cranial nerves and proprioception of the thoracic limbs were considered normal. At the walk, the colt displayed a pacing gait, circumduction of the hindlimbs, and severe hindlimb spasticity and hypometria. Elevation of the head increased the degree of ataxia. When the tail was pulled to either side while the colt was walked, little resistance was offered and the colt stumbled sideways, indicating hindlimb weakness. When confronted with a low obstacle, the colt consistently tripped with its hindlimbs. Correction of abnormal hindlimb placement was slow or absent, indicating hindlimb proprioceptive deficits. The colt frequently tripped when turned in a tight circle. There was marked incoordination of the hindlimbs at the trot. There were no deficits in skin sensation over the neck, back or trunk. Tail and anal tone were normal and there was no evidence of faecal or urinary incontinence. Based on these findings, a spinal lesion was suspected between T2 and L4.Radiographic examination of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae revealed two regions of kyphosis centred on T6 and T18. The sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae were shortened in a craniocaudal plane and wedge shaped (narrowing ventrally), creating the curvature of the vertebral column. The distal region of kyphosis centred at T18 was more gradual, and malformations of individual vertebrae were not evident radiographically. The results of radiographic examination of the cervical vertebrae were unremarkable.Myelopathy associated with the vertebral malformations at T6/T7 was consistent with the hindlimb proprioceptive deficits demonstrated during neurological examination. Myelography may have provided more definitive evidence of a compressive lesion; however, as the colt was unsuitable for its intended purpose, further diagnostic investigation was declined by the owner and the colt was euthanased.Postmortem, the thoracic vertebral column was dissected from the surrounding soft tissues and the spinous processes shortened to allow the tissue to fit into a low-field (0·27 T)
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