Objective:To evaluate neuropathological changes in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and history of focal seizures using previously described criteria for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in humans and other animals. Methods:This was a prospective descriptive study. Dogs of any age, sex, or breed with a history of idiopathic epilepsy and focal seizures were included. Immediately following euthanasia, dogs were perfused, and tissue was collected. Brains were sectioned, mounted, and stained. Nissl-stained slides were used for stereology, and Timm stain was used to evaluate for evidence of mossy fiber sprouting. Results:7 dogs were included in the final analysis. For stereological cell counts evaluating hilar neuron loss, no case was significantly lower in number of neurons. Additional analysis compared right and left to look for asymmetry, and none were significant (P = .259). Using Timm stain to evaluate mossy fiber sprouting, no cases showed extensive sprouting, and no asymmetry was detected between left and right hippocampi (P = .054). Conclusions:In our cohort, while there were changes associated with seizures detected within the hippocampi, none were severe or consistent enough to qualify as TLE using the human criteria. Clinical Relevance:Our study focused on dogs with focal seizures as their main seizure presentation as that is the most common semiology in people with TLE. However, a future study could consider evaluating the neuropathology of dogs with asymmetric hippocampi detected on MRI. If TLE can be shown in dogs, then advanced treatment options, such as surgery or laser ablation, could be considered in refractory patients.

Objective:To describe physical examination findings, diagnostic abnormalities, and owner-reported assessments of senior cats perceived as healthy by their owners, and to evaluate agreement between owner perceptions and objective findings to inform diagnostic prioritization within a spectrum-of-care framework. Methods:Client-owned cats aged ≥ 12 years presenting to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine were prospectively enrolled between 2022 and 2024. Cats were included if their owners reported good health; cats with stable, chronic conditions were also eligible. Owner questionnaires, examinations, and diagnostic testing were performed. Prevalence of abnormalities and agreement between owner perceptions and findings were assessed. Results:129 cats were included in the study. All cats had abnormalities on physical examinations, most commonly dental (129 of 129 [100%]) and orthopedic disease (63 of 81 [77.8%]). Diagnostic testing revealed a high prevalence of previously unrecognized disease, including chronic kidney disease (49 of 80 [61.3%]), hypertension (54 of 56 [96.4%]), and hyperthyroidism (11 of 17 [64.7%]). Owner-reported mobility scores were not associated with orthopedic abnormalities. Although increased urination was associated with chronic kidney disease, 75.6% (34 of 45) of affected cats had no owner-reported change and only 1.3% (1 of 78) had reported increased thirst. Physical examination, urine specific gravity, renal parameters, total T4, and blood pressure were most informative for disease detection. Conclusions:Clinically important abnormalities are common in apparently healthy senior cats. Reliance on owner-reported changes underestimated disease burden. Physical examination revealed most abnormalities, with urine specific gravity, renal values, total T4, and blood pressure abnormalities being prevalent. Clinical Relevance:These findings support routine screening and a prioritized diagnostic approach, particularly when constraints limit comprehensive evaluation.

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformations can vary in severity and clinical signs. A 1.8-year-old male intact Goldendoodle was presented with an acute onset of tetraparesis and severe neck pain after a fall. Neurologic examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis with notable pain upon palpation of the cervical spine. Advanced imaging showed right-sided spinal cord compression at the level of C1 with an abnormal angle of the cranial cervical spine, severe congenital malformations including right atlantooccipital fusion, C1 and C2 hemivertebrae with variable hypo- and aplasia, and atlantalization of the axis (C2). An occipitoatlantoaxial stabilization was performed by a combination of intra-operative imaging with a 3-dimensional C-arm and 3-dimensional printed reconstruction of the occiput to C4 of the patient. The patient improved neurologically following surgery. This is the first documented case of an occipitoatlantoaxial malformation that was surgically stabilized using intraoperative 3-D imaging and custom 3-dimensional printed approach.

Behavioral observational audiometry is applied to study the hearing function of preverbal children aged less than 6 months. We hypothesized that this method could be used to assess hearing threshold in untrained companion dogs. The small number of studies that examine untrained behavioral responses to sounds have not described determination of hearing threshold using this methodology.We designed and optimized a protocol for untrained dogs, performed in a soundproof booth to minimize extraneous noise influence. A handler assessed dog behavioral response to sounds played in ascending intensity on a speaker, positioned orthogonal to the dog; an ethogram was used to define the spectrum of responses. Stimuli included 5 sounds perceived to be ecologically salient to dogs (dog barks, dog whimpers, bird whistle) and 3 warble-tone sounds used in human audiology (0.5, 4, 8kHz frequency). Stimuli were pseudorandomized within each category. The first group of dogs (group 1, n=13) underwent less standardized preparation/acclimation, whereby dogs were not tested at a standard time, and were not fasted. Group 2 dogs (n=12) were fasted, tested in the early morning, and had an expanded acclimation process.Dogs responded more consistently to ecologically salient sounds, and response threshold within the spectrum of ecological sounds varied depending on frequency representation (dog bark response threshold was higher than sounds containing higher frequencies). Response thresholds to warble tone stimuli were higher than in normal humans, and responses were highly variable. Variability in responses was lower in dogs from group 2 compared with group 1.Our optimized protocol for behavioral observation audiometry using ecologically salient stimuli results in consistent testing of response threshold in untrained dogs. Future applications could include the study of the impact of aging, ear pathology, or other disease on hearing thresholds in dogs.

Objective:To assess faculty interest in veterinary biospecimens, develop a standardized multi-institutional biological fluid repository across 3 veterinary institutions, and assess quality and fitness for purpose of archived samples. Methods:We conducted a prospective multi-institutional biobanking and feasibility study from 2022 through 2025. Faculty from each institution were administered a voluntary and anonymous survey via email, and responses were recorded. Biological fluid specimens were collected and archived from the Neurology and Neurosurgery Services of each participating institution. A shared database (Freezerworks) was utilized by all 3 institutions to annotate each sample with clinical data and record the storage location. Selected serum (n = 12), CSF (n = 12), and urine (n = 9) samples were assessed for quality control and fitness for purpose by measuring concentrations of putative biomarkers via ELISAs and single-molecule array, respectively. Results:Faculty surveys indicated widespread support for centralized institutional biobanking, with 94 of 170 respondents (55%) in favor of a combination of institutional and investigator financial support. Over 2,500 biological specimens from dogs and cats with neurological disease were collected during the 3-year study period. Sample quality across serum, urine, and CSF was consistent across institutions. Moreover, serum samples from randomly selected dogs with divergent diagnoses yielded robust and discriminatory concentrations of putative neurodegenerative disease proteins. Conclusions:Multi-institutional veterinary biobanking is feasible and productive, providing investigators with access to clinically annotated, high-quality biospecimens. Clinical Relevance:A common repository registry, wherein investigators have reciprocal access to standardized biospecimens, will connect investigators from all domains to promote rigorous, well-powered multicenter studies.

Promotion of remyelination has become a critical therapeutic approach in the treatment of demyelinating disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), both to restore function and protect intact axons against future degeneration. Thyroid hormone receptor agonist mediated signaling is critical for the maturation of oligodendrocytes (Ols) from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and may be a rational target for drug development in the treatment of MS. Therefore, we tested the potential of a thyromimetic drug pro-drug, LL-341070, to promote remyelination and neurologic recovery in a unique large animal model in which there is extensive demyelination throughout the CNS that results from the prolonged feeding of irradiated food. In four out of eight cats fed the irradiated diet that had developed significant neurologic dysfunction, daily treatment with LL-341070 led to clinical improvement or complete recovery of baseline function. Extensive evidence of remyelination was observed throughout the brain, spinal cord and in the optic nerve in these four animals when compared with non- treated animals. These results provide support for thyroid hormone receptor agonism as a potential novel target to promote remyelination and clinical outcomes in patients with MS.

Abstract Background Gabapentin is often administered PO for preappointment or in‐hospital anxiolysis in cats. A previous study reported mild changes on the neurologic examination after administration. Objectives Investigate the effects of gabapentin on anxiety, sedation, compliance, and neurologic examination in 2 age groups of cats. Animals Thirty‐one young cats and 12 geriatric cats perceived by their owners to be healthy and neurologically normal. Methods Prospective double‐blinded clinical crossover study. Assessment of baseline sedation and anxiety was performed before initial neurologic examinations and after gabapentin administration (100 mg/cat). Assessments were repeated 90 to 120 minutes after administration. Ease of handling pregabapentin and postgabapentin was assessed in the younger cats. All examinations were performed by a board‐certified veterinary neurologist and scoring of examinations was performed by a different, masked board‐certified neurologist. Results Sixteen cats (50%) in the younger cohort and 6 cats (50%) in the geriatric cohort exhibited an increase in their overall neurologic examination score postgabapentin administration, mainly through new or progressive postural reaction deficits and gait changes. Anxiety and sedation scores were significantly changed in the geriatric population (P < .01, P = .004, respectively); however, only sedation scores were significantly increased in the younger cats after gabapentin administration (P = .004). Conclusions and Clinical Importance All study participants showed mild neurologic changes after gabapentin administration, most markedly noted in the geriatric population. Dose reduction of gabapentin for preappointment anxiolysis and neurologic examination in geriatric patients should be considered.

Abstract Background Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) in dogs are diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This modality is sometimes unavailable, and CVAs can resemble other lesions on MRI. D‐dimer concentration and thromboelastography (TEG) are utilized in human medicine in addition to diagnostic imaging to support diagnosis of CVAs, but their use in veterinary patients has not been assessed. Objective Assess utility of blood D‐dimer concentration and TEG in supporting the imaging diagnosis of CVAs in dogs. Animals Sixty‐eight client‐owned dogs with neurologic signs that had brain MRI and D‐dimer concentration or TEG performed. Methods Multicenter, retrospective study. The incidence of abnormal D‐dimer concentration or TEG was compared between patients with MRI evidence of CVA and a control population. Analysis methods included Fisher's exact test or Chi‐squared test for association and comparison of independent proportions. Results Neither D‐dimer concentration nor TEG was significantly associated with a CVA (P = .38 and .2, respectively). D‐dimer testing was performed in a low‐risk population and showed low sensitivity (30.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10%‐61%) and high specificity (86.4%; 95% CI, 64%‐96%) for CVA diagnosis. Thromboelastography was performed in a high‐risk population and showed moderate sensitivity (64.3%; 95% CI, 44%‐81%) and specificity (66.7%; 95% CI, 24%‐94%) for CVA diagnosis. Abnormal D‐dimer concentration or TEG were not helpful in differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke (P = .43 and .41, respectively). Conclusions Although blood D‐dimer concentration or TEG alone are not diagnostic of CVAs in dogs, a positive D‐dimer result supports additional testing for CVA.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) concentration was altered in Labrador Retrievers with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) compared to a control population. A secondary aim was to investigate relationships between age, height, weight, and body mass index in the populations studied. ANIMALS 123 dogs: 62 purebred Labrador Retrievers with ILP (ILP Cases) and 61 age-matched healthy medium- to large-breed dogs (Controls). METHODS Dogs, recruited from August 1, 2016, to March 1, 2022, were categorized as case or control based on a combination of physical exam, neurologic exam, and history. Blood plasma was collected, and pNfL concentration was measured. pNfL concentrations were compared between ILP Cases and Controls. Covariables including age, height, and weight were collected. Relationships between pNfL and covariables were analyzed within and between groups. In dogs where 2 plasma samples were available from differing time points, pNfL concentrations were measured to evaluate alterations over time. RESULTS No significant difference in pNfL concentration was found between ILP Cases and Control ( P = .36). pNfL concentrations had moderate negative correlations with weight and height in the Control group; other variables did not correlate with pNfL concentrations in ILP Case or Control groups. pNfL concentrations do not correlate with ILP disease status or duration in Labrador Retrievers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There is no evidence that pNfL levels are altered due to ILP disease duration or progression when compared with healthy controls. When evaluating pNfL concentrations in the dog, weight and height should be considered.

Abstract Background Evidence‐based recommendations for antiepileptic drug selection in cats beyond phenobarbital are limited, and additional studies are needed for cats where seizures remain inadequately controlled by administration of phenobarbital alone or for cats that cannot safely receive phenobarbital. Objective To compare seizure frequency in cats before and after oral administration of zonisamide and describe adverse clinical or clinicopathologic effects in this cohort. Animals Fifty‐seven cats with a history of seizures. Methods Multicenter, retrospective study. Median number of seizures per month and number of seizure days per month were compared before and after administration of zonisamide in all cats, a subgroup of cats with idiopathic epilepsy (IE), and a subgroup of cats receiving zonisamide as sole therapy. Clinical and clinicopathologic adverse effect data were also reported. Results A median decrease of 1 (P = .001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.0, −0.5]) seizure per month, and 1 (P = .003, 95% CI [−1.5, −0.2]) seizure days per month was found across all cats after oral administration of zonisamide. The subgroup with IE showed median decreases of 1 (P = .03, 95% CI [−2.0, −0.5]) and 2 (P = .01, 95% CI [−2.5, −1.0]), respectively. The most common clinical adverse effects were sedation (17%), ataxia (11%), hyporexia (17%), and emesis (5%). One cat developed mild nonregenerative anemia, 2 cats developed mild metabolic acidosis, and 6 cats showed mild increases in ALT and ALP. Conclusion Zonisamide was well tolerated and efficacious in controlling seizure activity in most cats.

PURPOSE:Many older dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) develop cognitive impairment. Dog owners often describe impairments in multiple sensory functions, yet the relationships between sensory and cognitive function in older dogs is not well understood. METHODS:We performed assessments of dog vision and hearing, both clinically (n = 91, electroretinography and brainstem auditory evoked potential) and via validated questionnaire (n = 238). We determined prevalence of sole and dual hearing/vision impairments in younger (<8 years) and older (≥8 years) dogs. Impairment cutoffs were determined using data from young dogs. We assessed the relationships between questionnaire-assessed vision and/or hearing impairments and cognitive impairment using logistic regression. RESULTS:Younger and older dog groups had similar distributions of sex and purebred/mixed breed status. Sex had no relationship to prevalence of sensory impairments. Older dogs had higher prevalence of hearing, vision, and dual sensory impairments, assessed both clinically and by questionnaire (P<0.001), and cognitive impairment assessed by questionnaire (P<0.001). Dogs had higher prevalence of reported cognitive impairment when owners reported dual vision and hearing impairments (79-94%, versus 25-27% in dogs with no sensory impairments), which was most consistent in dogs aged ≥8 years. In these older dogs, dual vision/hearing impairments were associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment (1.8-2.0 odds ratio). CONCLUSION:Dogs aged ≥8 years are at higher risk for dual hearing/vision impairments and associated cognitive impairments. The causal relationship between these impairments is not defined, but clinical consideration of these multimorbidity risks should be made in older dogs.

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to compare sleep and seizure frequency between epileptic dogs prescribed a 20% activity increase and epileptic dogs not prescribed an activity increase.MethodsSixty‐nine dogs receiving anti‐epileptic drug therapy were enrolled in a 6‐month prospective, randomised, placebo‐controlled clinical trial with an intention‐to‐treat analysis. A canine activity monitoring device was used to measure activity levels and sleep scores.ResultsUsing an intention‐to‐treat analysis, the treatment group had an average of 0.381 more seizures per month (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.68) compared with the control group, although the difference in seizure days per month was not statistically significant. In a subgroup analysis of dogs whose activity increased by at least 10%, partial compliers had 0.719 more seizures per month (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.22) and 0.581 seizure days per month (95% CI: 0.001 to 1.16) compared with the control group. Sleep scores increased by 1.2% in the treatment compared with the control group (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.3%).ConclusionsSeizure frequency and sleep score increased slightly, but significantly, in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy prescribed an increase in activity, compared with a control group.

OBJECTIVEEpilepsy is a chronic disorder, and approximately 25% to 30% of dogs with epilepsy are refractory to anti-epileptic drugs. As increased activity has been shown to reduce seizure frequency in people with epilepsy, the goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between deviation from baseline activity and seizure incidence in dogs with epilepsy.MATERIALS AND METHODSActivity and seizure data were obtained using a canine activity monitoring device and owner observed seizure logs in 53 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy receiving anti-epileptic drugs. Each dog's activity was individually measured, and 14-day baseline averages were calculated. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate how an observed increase in activity, ranging from 0% to 50%, above baseline activity, affects the incidence of a seizure in the following 24 hours.RESULTSA total of 8540 activity days and 365 seizure days were used in the final analysis with an average of 11 seizures per dog (range 0 to 30 seizures). Seizure incidence was significantly more likely when activity was 10%, 20%, or 30% above baseline activity in the 24 hours before the day of a documented seizure [95% confidence interval (1.02 to 1.60), P=0.033; 95% confidence interval (1.08 to 1.80), P=0.010; 95% confidence interval (1.13 to 2.07), P=0.005, respectively]. However, when activity levels were 40% and 50% above baseline, the effect diminished (95% confidence interval (0.74 to 1.70), P=0.532; or 95% confidence interval (0.56 to 1.66), P=0.988, respectively).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEDifferently than in humans, this study demonstrated that a mild to moderate increase in activity resulted in a higher seizure incidence within 24 hours in dogs with epilepsy.

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical signs, neurologic examination findings, diagnostic imaging results, and pathologic diagnosis of ossifying fibroma in the cervical vertebra of a dog. A 3-year-old spayed female Pembroke Welsh corgi dog exhibited severe cervical pain and left-sided postural reaction deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lobulated contrast enhancing mass associated with the C6 cervical vertebra. Due to the lack of response to pain medications, humane euthanasia was elected, and histopathologic evaluation of the mass revealed a fibro-osseous lesion most consistent with an ossifying fibroma. This neoplasm is most commonly associated with the mandible of young horses and has not been previously reported in vertebrae in veterinary medicine. Key clinical message: This case is the first report of a fibro-osseous lesion most consistent with an ossifying fibroma affecting a vertebra in veterinary medicine.

Objective To describe the successful case management of an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity causing spinal compression and paraplegia. Case Summary A 3-month-old, female intact, mixed breed dog was presented for a 12-hour history of paraplegia. CBC and biochemistry results were unremarkable, and a coagulation panel revealed prolonged prothrombin time with normal activated partial thromboplastin time. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural compressive lesion within the vertebral canal extending from T6 to T11, most consistent with an extradural hematoma. Further coagulation testing revealed a coagulopathy caused by vitamin K1 deficiency and confirmed exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide, diphacinone. The dog was medically managed with fresh frozen plasma, aminocaproic acid, and oral vitamin K1 therapy. A right-sided T6 to T11 hemilaminectomy was later performed for removal of the extradural hematoma and spinal decompression. The dog's neurological status gradually improved postoperatively and, at the time of discharge, was nonambulatory paraparetic with voluntary micturition. Four weeks postoperatively, the dog had normal prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and was nonambulatory paraparetic with strong motor function. New or Unique Information Provided This is the first reported case of a dog with an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide causing spinal cord compression and neurological deficits. Surgical management of this case was successful and resulted in improvement of neurological signs. Extradural hematoma should be considered as a potential location of bleeding in rodenticide toxicity as well as a differential diagnosis in patients with neurological deficits.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the association between admission point-of-care parameters and survival to discharge in dogs and cats with traumatic brain injury (TBI).DESIGN:Retrospective study 2007-2010.SETTING:A rural university teaching hospital and an urban private practice teaching hospital.ANIMALS:One hundred thirty-one dogs and 81 cats admitted to the emergency service with evidence of head injury based on history from the owner or physical exam.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:In dogs, nonsurvivors had significantly higher glucose concentrations at admission than survivors (median = 8.49 mmol/L [153 mg/dl] vs 6.83 mmol/L [123 mg/dl], p = 0.039). In cats, there was no significant difference in admission glucose between survivors and nonsurvivors (median = 10.21 mmol/L [184 mg/dl] vs 10.93 mmol/L [197 mg/dl], p = 0.17). Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score was available for 105 of the 131 dogs (80%) and was significantly higher in survivors than in nonsurvivors (median = 16 vs 11, p < 0.0001). MGCS was available for 45 of the 81 cats (56%) and was significantly higher in survivors than in nonsurvivors (median = 17 vs 14, p = 0.0005). The relative prognostic value of the admission point-of-care testing parameters and MGCS were assessed using a stepwise linear regression model, which included admission glucose, pH, base excess, sodium, and MGCS. In dogs, only admission glucose was an independent predictor of survival (odds ratio = 1.027, 95% confidence interval, 1.0042-1.05, p = 0.019).CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that, as in people with TBI, increased blood glucose concentrations may have prognostic significance in dogs with TBI but not in cats. In addition, MGCS score may be predictive of survival in both dogs and cats with TBI.

AbstractBackgroundTrazodone is an anxiolytic used PO to decrease anxiety in dogs. Whether or not trazodone affects the neurologic examination in dogs has not been previously reported.ObjectiveInvestigate whether trazodone administration is associated with changes in the neurologic examination in healthy dogs.AnimalsThirty‐two healthy dogs between 1 and 6 years old with no previously diagnosed medical conditions and perceived by their owners as neurologically normal.MethodsBaseline sedation and anxiety assessments and neurologic examination were performed on each dog, followed by trazodone administration (6.25‐8.60 mg/kg PO). The sedation and anxiety assessments and neurologic examination were repeated 2.5 hours after trazodone administration. The examinations were performed by a single board‐certified veterinary neurologist and were video‐recorded. The videos were randomized and reviewed by a different neurologist, blinded to the previous evaluations, who scored the examinations.ResultsSeven of 32 (22%) dogs had worse scores on their neurologic examination after receiving trazodone, manifesting as new or progressive PR deficits. Although not clinically relevant, 18.7% of the dogs had consciousness levels that changed from bright, alert, responsive to quiet, alert, responsive after trazodone administration. No other changes were observed on neurologic examination. Sedation and anxiety scores were significantly different after trazodone administration compared to before (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMost dogs did not have changes on neurologic examination after trazodone administration. However, approximately 20% of dogs had new or worsening PR deficits after receiving trazodone. Ideally, trazodone should not be given before neurologic examination in dogs.

Abstract Background Acute hepatopathy secondary to administration of zonisamide has been reported in 2 dogs, but overall incidence of hepatopathy is unknown. Objective To characterize the incidence of hepatopathy in dogs administered zonisamide PO. Animals Three hundred eighty‐four dogs administered zonisamide PO. Methods Multicenter retrospective study. Medical records were searched for dogs prescribed zonisamide PO and which had follow‐up for at least 3 months (acute exposure) and >3 months (chronic exposure). Reported clinical signs, physical examination findings, and serum biochemical panels were reviewed for possible hepatotoxicosis. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and albumin concentration were documented for all available cases. Results Acute clinical hepatopathy was found in 2 of 384 treated dogs (0.52%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06‐1.9) after 13‐16 days of zonisamide treatment. One additional dog had elevated serum ALT activity with no clinical signs. Of these 3 dogs, 2 recovered after administration of zonisamide was stopped, and 1 was euthanized because of liver failure. Of the 117 cases chronically administered zonisamide, 10 had an increase in ALP, 6 had an increase in ALT, and 1 had hypoalbuminemia. No clinical signs of liver disease were noted in dogs chronically treated with zonisamide (median, 20 months; range, 5‐94 months). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Acute, potentially life‐threatening hepatopathy associated with oral administration of zonisamide to dogs is estimated to occur in less than 1% of dogs and was observed in the first 3 weeks of treatment. Subclinical abnormalities in ALT and ALP activity were noted in <10% of dogs during chronic administration of zonisamide, with no clinical signs of liver disease noted.

A 15-month-old male neutered Wirehaired Pointer mixed-breed dog presented with fever and cervical pain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed neutrophilic pleocytosis with intracellular bacteria, and culture of CSF grew Bordetella bronchiseptica. The patient became non-ambulatory 3 days after CSF collection. He was treated with low-dose prednisone for 3.5 months and doxycycline for 1 year. Recheck CSF analysis 1 month after diagnosis showed reduction of inflammation and 3 months after diagnosis revealed only increased protein. The patient improved neurologically over several months and was weakly ambulatory 5 months and fully ambulatory 7 months after diagnosis. Whole genome sequencing of the bacterial isolate and a live modified intranasal vaccine similar to the one the dog had been vaccinated with 7 weeks before diagnosis was similar but not an exact match. Bacterial meningitis should be considered, and culture of CSF is recommended, in cases of neutrophilic pleocytosis of CSF.

A 9-year-old spayed female 18.8 kg mixed breed boxer dog was referred for evaluation of a 7-month history of difficulty swallowing and prehending food, regurgitation, hypersalivation, and an abnormal dorsiflexion of the tongue. Prior to referral, a barium study was performed, which revealed a mildly dilated esophagus. Treatment with sucralfate, cisapride, and prednisone was initiated. Physical examination revealed bilateral, symmetric atrophy of the temporalis muscles, dorsiflexion of the distal aspect of the tongue with concurrent muscle atrophy, and a reduced gag reflex. Electrodiagnostic examinations revealed spontaneous electrical activity in the muscles of mastication and tongue. Biopsies from the right temporalis, tongue, and biceps femoris muscles were collected. An immune-mediated myositis with fibrosis, scattered CD3, CD4, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and upregulation of markers for major histocompatibility antigens were observed in the tongue and temporalis muscles. The dog was treated with a tapering course of prednisone over 2 months and cyclosporine long-term. The dog was maintained on cyclosporine alone for > 2 years and clinical signs remained static, although multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonia occurred. Ultimately, euthanasia was performed due to chronic kidney disease with associated anemia, lethargy, and anorexia.