Ethmoidal encephalocoele associated with seizures in a puppy

A six-month-old puppy was presented for investigation of a seizure disorder. Neurological examination indicated persistent cerebral dysfunction in the absence of any identifiable metabolic disorder and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extension of the rostral lobes of the cerebrum into the nasal cavity. Despite symptomatic treatment, the puppy continued to exhibit seizures and appeared distressed and so was euthanased. Postmortem examination confirmed the abnormal anatomy of the rostral part of the brain and absence of a cribriform plate. There was extensive grey and white matter degeneration plus intraparenchymal haemorrhage in the abnormal brain tissue. The findings are consistent with a diagnosis of ethmoldal encephalocoele--a condition that has not previously been reported in the dog.