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MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF SPONGY DEGENERATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN A LABRADOR RETRIEVER
Author(s) -
Mariani Christopher L.,
Clemmons Roger M.,
Graham John P.,
Phillips Lynette A.,
Chrisman Cheryl L.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
veterinary radiology and ultrasound
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.541
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1740-8261
pISSN - 1058-8183
DOI - 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2001.tb00941.x
Subject(s) - tetraparesis , medicine , labrador retriever , ataxia , magnetic resonance imaging , thalamus , anatomy , central nervous system , pathology , cerebellum , degeneration (medical) , radiology , psychiatry , endocrinology
A 7‐month‐old, neutered female Labrador Retriever was evaluated for tetraparesis and subtle cerebellar dysfunction. Clinical signs progressed over a period of 6 weeks to severe ataxia, hypermetria, intention tremors, and finally non‐ambulatory tetraparesis. On magnetic resonance imaging of the brain there were large, bilaterally symmetrical, ovoid lesions in the region of the deep cerebellar nuclei that were hyperintense on T2‐weighted and proton density images and hypointense on T1‐weighted images. There were similar but smaller bilaterally symmetrical lesions present within the thalamus. Euthanasia was performed and lesions consistent with the previously described spongy degeneration of Labrador Retrievers were identified. This disease and its relation to similar human heritable leuko‐dystrophies are discussed.