Distemper Encephalomyelitis Presenting with Lower Motor Neuron Signs in a Young Dog

A 4 mo old spayed female mixed-breed dog was presented for focal lower motor neuron signs of the right forelimb and marked hyperesthesia on axillary palpation. Her signs progressed rapidly over the following days to diffuse lower motor neuron signs in all limbs and a seizure. MRI demonstrated a focal, slightly right-sided, 2.5 cm region of noncontrast-enhancing T2 hyperintensity and T1 isointensity at C4-C5 spinal cord segments. Imaging of the brain was unremarkable. The dog was euthanized as a result of poor prognosis. Polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid and immunohistochemistry of brain tissue were both positive for canine distemper virus. This report documents an atypical presentation of canine distemper encephalomyelitis causing lower motor neuron signs and hyperesthesia.