Hypothyroid-Associated Central Vestibular Disease in 10 Dogs: 1999–2005

Higgins, Michael A.; Rossmeisl, John H.; Panciera, David L.

doi:10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[1363:hcvdid]2.0.co;2

“…Recently, central vestibular signs were reported in 10 dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism including several breeds, only 1 of which was a Labrador Retriever. 9 The duration of signs varied from 2 to 365 days among the dogs and included acute onset of both stable and progressive disease and intermittent paroxysmal events. Eight of the dogs underwent intracranial imaging, and 3 of these dogs had evidence of cerebellar territorial infarcts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2,5,6 CNS signs reported include seizures, coma, and brainstem signs. 2,[7][8][9]11 In addition, generalized neuromuscular disease and unilateral forelimb lameness have been associated with hypothyroidism. [3][4][5] Despite many reports, establishing a causal relationship between these neurologic manifestations and hypothyroidism has been difficult.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurologic Dysfunction in Hypothyroid, Hyperlipidemic Labrador Retrievers

Vitale

¹

,

Olby

²

2007

Veterinary Internal Medicne

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Background: Hypothyroidism has been associated with a variety of neurologic signs, but the mechanism for this association is not completely understood. Hypothyroidism also is associated with hyperlipidemia that predisposes to atherosclerosis, increased blood viscosity, and thromboembolic events.Objective: The objective is to characterize neurologic signs potentially associated with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in canine hypothyroidism.Animals: This study used dogs referred to North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of neurologic signs.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which medical records of dogs with neurologic signs and a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia were reviewed. Details of the history, presenting signs, results of routine blood tests, thyroid tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and diagnostic imaging, and response to therapy were compiled.Results: Three Labrador Retrievers and one Labrador Retriever cross fit the inclusion criteria. All dogs were hypothyroid and severely hyperlipidemic. Neurologic signs included tetraparesis, central and peripheral vestibular signs, facial paralysis, and paraparesis. Two dogs had an acute history and rapid resolution of signs consistent with an infarct, the presence of which was confirmed in 1 of the dogs by magnetic resonance imaging. Two dogs had chronic histories of cranial neuropathies and paraparesis. One of these dogs had evidence of iliac thrombosis and atherosclerosis on ultrasound examination. All dogs improved with thyroid hormone supplementation.Clinical Relevance: Labrador Retrievers may be predisposed to the development of severe hyperlipidemia in association with hypothyroidism. One possible consequence of severe hyperlipidemia is the development of neurologic signs due to atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events.

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“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] A range of neurologic manifestations has been reported, including cranial neuropathies, central nervous system (CNS) signs, and generalized peripheral neuropathies. Of these, peripheral neuropathies are reported with greatest frequency.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Neurologic Dysfunction in Hypothyroid, Hyperlipidemic Labrador Retrievers

Vitale¹,

Olby²

2007

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Background: Hypothyroidism has been associated with a variety of neurologic signs, but the mechanism for this association is not completely understood. Hypothyroidism also is associated with hyperlipidemia that predisposes to atherosclerosis, increased blood viscosity, and thromboembolic events.Objective: The objective is to characterize neurologic signs potentially associated with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in canine hypothyroidism.Animals: This study used dogs referred to North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of neurologic signs.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in which medical records of dogs with neurologic signs and a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia were reviewed. Details of the history, presenting signs, results of routine blood tests, thyroid tests, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and diagnostic imaging, and response to therapy were compiled.Results: Three Labrador Retrievers and one Labrador Retriever cross fit the inclusion criteria. All dogs were hypothyroid and severely hyperlipidemic. Neurologic signs included tetraparesis, central and peripheral vestibular signs, facial paralysis, and paraparesis. Two dogs had an acute history and rapid resolution of signs consistent with an infarct, the presence of which was confirmed in 1 of the dogs by magnetic resonance imaging. Two dogs had chronic histories of cranial neuropathies and paraparesis. One of these dogs had evidence of iliac thrombosis and atherosclerosis on ultrasound examination. All dogs improved with thyroid hormone supplementation.Clinical Relevance: Labrador Retrievers may be predisposed to the development of severe hyperlipidemia in association with hypothyroidism. One possible consequence of severe hyperlipidemia is the development of neurologic signs due to atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events.

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“…Assessment of the central auditory pathway allows indirect assessment of overall brainstem function. 28 Complete loss of BAER is a poor prognostic indicator in comatose animals (assuming peripheral hair cells are functional). Middle latency auditory evoked responses recorded from the cortex may be used to assess cortical function in addition to brainstem function.…”

Section: Electrodiagnostic Evaluationmentioning

confidence: 99%