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Porencephaly and hydranencephaly in six dogs
E S S Davies1, H A Volk, S Behr
1Willows Veterinary Centre, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4NH, UK. edavies@rvc.ac.uk
The Veterinary Record
|December 22, 2011
Summary
This study examined cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavitary lesions in six dogs using MRI. Hydranencephaly and porencephaly presented with distinct neurological deficits and varying clinical signs in affected canine patients.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavitary lesions are rare in canine brains.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosing these complex structural abnormalities.
Observation:
- This retrospective study analyzed six dogs with MRI-identified cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavitary lesions.
- Lesions were classified as hydranencephaly (severe unilateral cerebral hemisphere loss) or porencephaly (incomplete unilateral lobe loss).
Findings:
- Dogs with hydranencephaly exhibited mentation changes and compulsive circling.
- Two dogs with porencephaly experienced seizures, while one was asymptomatic.
- Treatment included phenobarbitone for seizures and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for progressive circling, with partial success.
Implications:
- MRI is vital for characterizing canine brain lesions like hydranencephaly and porencephaly.
- Clinical signs vary, necessitating tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Further research can improve understanding and management of these conditions in dogs.
