Central nervous system dysfunction associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever infection in five dogs.
Five dogs from the northeastern United States were presented with clinical signs of neurological disease associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) infection. Four of the five dogs had vestibular system dysfunction. Other neurological signs included paresis, tremors, and changes in mentation. All of the dogs had an elevated indirect fluorescent antibody titer or a positive semiquantitative enzyme screening immunoassay titer for Rickettsia rickettsii at the time of presentation. Although a higher mortality rate has been reported for dogs with neurological symptoms and RMSF infection, all of the dogs in this study improved with appropriate medical therapy and supportive care.
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6010, USA.
Jessica S
JS
Mikszewski
Charles H
CH
Vite
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D009511:New England; D011379:Prognosis; D012284:Rickettsia rickettsii / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D012373:Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial