Survival of a suspected case of central nervous system cuterebrosis in a dog: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings.
A 3-year-old, spayed female rat terrier was evaluated for acute onset of stupor, disorientation, and tetraparesis. Clinical signs progressed over 3 weeks to eventual right-sided hemiparesis and circling to the left. A Cuterebra spp. larva was discovered in the vomitus of the dog 2 weeks after the onset of clinical signs. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed chronic inflammation, and magnetic resonance imaging supported a diagnosis of a parasitic tract through the left cerebral hemisphere. Medical management included a tapering anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone. Clinical signs improved slowly over time. This is the first description of a presumptive antemortem diagnosis of canine cuterebrosis in the central nervous system.
Tieber
Lisa M
LM
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36830, USA.
Axlund
Todd W
TW
Simpson
Stephen T
ST
Hathcock
John T
JT
D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004175:Diptera / Q000254:growth & development*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva; D009198:Myiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*