title: Imaging diagnosis--necrotizing meningomyelitis and polyarthritis.
abstract: A vaccinated 2-year-old female neutered Weimaraner had bilateral pelvic limb ataxia that progressed over 12 h. The dog became nonambulatory, with signs of pain on palpation of the lumbar spine. The dog also developed multiple joint effusions. On magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, there was a diffuse, asymmetric T2-hyperintensity in the thoracolumbar spinal cord which was characterized by contrast enhancement. Lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis had an elevated white blood cell count and protein. On the basis of MR images and CSF analysis, a presumptive diagnosis of diffuse myelitis was made. The dog became paraplegic and was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of myelitis with vasculitis and nonerosive polyarthritis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. aparry@rvc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Andrew T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: Victoria A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Penning
authors.forename: Ken C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Lamb
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D009187:Myelitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D009336:Necrosis