Plant Material in the Thalamus and Mesencephalon of a Young Dog

An unusual case of neurological deficits due to intracranial plant material in the thalamus is presented. The case was a young dog with pyrexia, neck pain, and neurological deficits that were consistent with an intracranial multifocal lesion. Based on the imaging findings and the result of the cerebrospinal fluid analysis, a presumptive diagnosis of immune-mediated meningoencephalitis was made. The dog initially responded to immunosuppressive treatment but then deteriorated and was euthanized. At autopsy, plant material was found in the thalamus and mesencephalon. Intracranial foreign bodies are unusual but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young dogs with neurological deficits that are consistent with a focal or multifocal intracranial lesion.