Aurélien Jeandel

Mineralization within the orbital ligament (OL) is occasionally observed on canine head computed tomography (CT) examinations, typically without associated clinical signs. This feature has been only briefly mentioned in the veterinary literature. The present retrospective descriptive study evaluated 402 dogs to determine the prevalence and CT characteristics of OL mineralization, including its location, morphology, margins, symmetry, size, and attenuation. Associations with signalment, medical history and concurrent mineralization were also assessed. Orbital ligament mineralization was identified in 157 of 402 dogs (39.1%). The lesion was consistently located dorsally (100%), and was most often symmetrical, triangular, well-defined and heterogenous. The presence of OL mineralization was significantly associated with increasing age and body weight, as well as with concurrent mineralization in other sites, such as lungs and ears. The lesion was significantly less frequent in brachycephalic dogs. No associations were found with facial trauma, orbital disease or other pathological conditions. Orbital ligament mineralization appears to be a common incidental finding in canine head CT studies, most likely representing a benign, age-related, and non-pathological change.

Objectives: The most common clinical signs of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome are rolling skin and behavioural abnormalities (e.g. licking or biting the tail, flanks, anal region or lumbar region). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of behavioural signs commonly associated with feline hyperaesthesia syndrome among healthy cats. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross‐sectional bicentric prospective study included 208 healthy cats that presented for vaccination. A survey about the cats' behaviour was completed by caregivers and six general practice veterinarians. Results: Seventy‐three per cent of the cats presented at least one behavioural sign of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome. Only 26.9% of the caregivers report zero behavioural of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome at home. Eighty per cent of the indoor‐only cats and 65.3% of the outdoor cats had at least one behavioural sign (odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 3.88). Thirty‐one per cent of the cats reacted to lumbar palpation by veterinarians, and 18.7% of these cats were not reported to present signs of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome at home. Clinical Significance: In this population of healthy cats, 73.1% of cats consistently displayed at least one behavioural sign of feline hyperaesthesia syndrome at home. Adverse reactions after lumbar palpation by a veterinarian were also reported in healthy cats, including cats without behavioural signs at home. The results suggest that many of these behavioural signs have no diagnostic value in isolation. A scoring system could be used to differentiate cats with feline hyperaesthesia syndrome from cats with normal behaviour.

Background: Suspected immune-mediated polyneuropathy has been increasingly reported in cats, especially in the last decade, but the condition remains poorly understood. Objectives: Refine the clinical description and review the classification of this condition based on electrodiagnostic investigation and evaluate the benefit of corticosteroid treatment and L-carnitine supplementation. Animals: Fifty-five cats presented with signs of muscular weakness and electrodiagnostic findings consistent with polyneuropathy of unknown origin. Methods: Retrospective, multicenter study. Data from the medical records were reviewed. The owners were contacted by phone for follow-up at the time of the study. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 2.2. The median age of onset was 10 months, with 91% of affected cats being <3 years of age. Fourteen breeds were represented in the study. The electrodiagnostic findings supported purely motor axonal polyneuropathy. Histological findings from nerve biopsies were consistent with immune-mediated neuropathy in 87% of the tested cats. The overall prognosis for recovery was good to excellent, as all but 1 cat achieved clinical recovery, with 12% having mild sequelae and 28% having multiple episodes during their lifetime. The outcome was similar in cats with no treatment when compared with cats receiving corticosteroids or L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Immune-mediated motor axonal polyneuropathy should be considered in young cats with muscle weakness. This condition may be similar to acute motor axonal neuropathy in Guillain-Barré syndrome patients. Based on our results, diagnostic criteria have been proposed.

Background The imaging and electrodiagnostic (EDX) characteristics of traumatic brachial plexus injury (TBPI) are incompletely reported. Objectives To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and EDX characteristics of TBPIs in a series of cases in dogs and cats; to determine the association between clinical data, EDX findings, and clinical outcomes; and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of EDX studies to classify nerve lesions. Animals One hundred and seventy-five dogs and 51 cats with TBPI and EDX exploration of radial nerve, ulnar nerve, or both nerves. Methods Retrospective case series. All medical records were searched for dogs and cats presenting with TBPIs that underwent EDX exploration. Epidemiological, clinical, EDX, and follow-up data were extracted. Association between clinical data, EDX findings, and clinical outcomes was explored. Results Forty-six percent of affected animals were injured before 2 years of age and 57% of dogs weighed more than 20 kg. The radial compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for dogs and cats that had clinical improvement was higher than in animals without improvement (4.3 mV [0-23.6] vs 0 mV [0-2.4], respectively, P = .02). A discriminating radial CMAP amplitude threshold value of 5 mV had a specificity of 93% (95% CI [80-100]) to predict recovery. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Electrodiagnostic studies, particularly measurement of radial CMAP amplitude, are valuable diagnostic tests to refine the prognosis of these animals.

French Bulldog (FB) has significantly gained in popularity over the last few years, and seems to be frequently affected by various neurological conditions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the prevalences of neurological diseases in a large population of FB, presented with neurological signs between 2002 and 2016, and for which a definitive diagnosis was established. A secondary objective was to identify epidemiological characteristics regarding specific diseases in this singular breed. During the study period, 533 FBs were presented for neurological signs, representing 18.7% of all admitted FBs (N = 2846). In total, 343 FBs with definitive diagnosis were included in this descriptive epidemiological study. Hansen type I intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) was by far the most common neurological disorder (45.5% of all cases). The IVDH location was cervical in 39.8%, and thoracolumbar in 60.2% of cases. The median ages for cervical and thoracolumbar IVDH were 4.2 and 4 years, respectively. C3-C4 was the most commonly affected disk (57.8% of cervical IDVH) all locations combined. Spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) was detected in 25 FBs, representing the second most common myelopathy (11.3%). A concurrent spinal abnormality was identified in 64.0% of SAD cases. Brain tumours represented 36.8% of encephalopathies, with glioma (confirmed or suspected) being the most common. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) represented 25.0% of brain disorders, females less than 5.5 years being more likely to be affected. Aside from central nervous system conditions, otitis interna associated with peripheral vestibular signs and bilateral congenital deafness (associated with white coat) were also common. The findings of this study suggest that FB seems to be prone to several neurological diseases. IVDH is clearly predominant in FB and cervical location seems more represented than in other breeds. FBs affected by IVDH tend to be younger than previously described, either for both cervical and thoracolumbar locations. Thoracic SAD was the second most common myelopathy, with a concurrent spinal anomaly identified in two thirds of the cases. MUO was more likely to affect young to middle-aged females. These findings could be of interest for owners, breeders, practicing veterinarians and insurance companies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and long‐term follow‐up in dogs with concomitant facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin.METHODS: Appropriate cases were located through medical record searches. Inclusion criteria comprised dogs that had: clinical signs of facial paralysis with concomitant peripheral vestibular syndrome, thyroid function tests, no abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and tympanic bullae, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.RESULTS: Sixteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. Facial paralysis had acute onset (<24 hours) in all dogs, thyroid function was within normal limits. There was albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid of 69% of the dogs. There was complete resolution of clinical signs in 31% of the dogs but 38% showed long‐term vestibular deficits, 46% developed hemifacial contracture, 15% had permanent facial paralysis and 15% relapsed.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Facial and vestibular neuropathy of unknown origin shares similarities with idiopathic facial paralysis. The prognosis for return of normal facial and vestibular function is guarded and there may be relapse after recovery.

An Abyssinian kitten was presented after a sudden onset of neurological disorders consistent with a polyneuropathy. Electrophysiological and histological investigations revealed an inflammatory polyneuropathy. No infectious agents were detected. Spontaneous recovery occurred rapidly without relapse (2 years follow-up). This is the first description of a histologically confirmed self-limiting feline polyneuritis.

Background: Angiostrongylus vasorum is a nematode that primarily infects Canidae. The adult parasites are found in the pulmonary arterial circulation and the right side of the heart. The most common clinical sign is respiratory dysfunction. Bleeding, neurological, ocular, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders are also reported. Skin lesions are very unusual.Hypothesis/Objectives: This report describes a nematode dermatitis due to A. vasorum infection. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a dog infected with this parasite that initially presented with skin lesions only.Animal: A 3‐year‐old female Weimaraner dog presented with a crusted papular dermatitis on the bridge of the nose and on the pinnae, and an erythematous pododermatitis with erosions and perionyxis of one digit of 1 week's duration. Two weeks later the dog developed respiratory distress.Methods and results: Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative for parasites and dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed dermal granulomas and pyogranulomas with eosinophils centred around parasitic elements compatible with nematode larvae. Angiostrongylus vasorum DNA was demonstrated in skin biopsies. Chest radiographs were compatible with verminous pneumonia and a Baermann test revealed A. vasorum larvae. The dog was treated orally with fenbendazole, with rapid improvement and complete cure after 3 months.Conclusions and clinical importance: Angiostrongylus vasorum should be considered in dogs presented with skin lesions and respiratory signs. Skin biopsy, chest radiographs and Baermann test should be included in the diagnostic investigation.