title: Serial MRI and CSF analysis in a dog treated with intrathecal amphotericin B for protothecosis.
abstract: A 3 yr old female spayed English setter mixed-breed dog presented with diarrhea, weight loss, side stepping to the right, and a right head tilt. Rectal and cerebrospinal fluid cytology and culture confirmed a diagnosis of Prototheca zopfii. MRI of the brain showed inflammation of the brain and meninges, ventriculomegaly, and syringomyelia. Treatment with prednisone, itraconazole, and amphotericin B lipid complex administered intrathecally yielded transient improvement. Progressive brainstem signs were noted, and a repeat MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis documented persistent disease. This is the first description of the MRI findings and treatment with intrathecal amphoteracin B lipid complex for protothecosis of the central nervous system. Protothecosis should be considered in dogs with chronic diarrhea and compatible MRI findings.
authors.affiliation: Bush Veterinary Neurology Service, Leesburg, VA, USA. myoung@bvns.net
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanchez
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gavin
authors.forename: Mathew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D011525:Prototheca / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000666:Amphotericin B