[Idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis in a young Belgian Tervueren-shepherd dog]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Canine Pathology

Background:

• Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis is a rare neurological disorder predominantly affecting young, male, medium to large breed dogs.
• This report focuses on a specific case in a young female Belgian Tervueren shepherd dog.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical signs and pathomorphological findings of eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis in a young Belgian Tervueren.
• To document the peracute clinical course and diagnostic observations of this rare canine neurological disorder.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing clinical presentation, emergency treatment, and outcome.
• Gross pathological examination of the brain and adrenal glands.
• Histopathological analysis of affected tissues to characterize the inflammation.

Main Results:

• The dog exhibited a peracute onset of apathy, stupor, lateral recumbency, tetraparesis, coma, and decerebrate rigidity.
• Gross examination revealed lesions in the cerebral cortex white matter.
• Histopathology confirmed severe, multifocal eosinophilic and granulomatous to necrotizing lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis and adrenal medullary inflammation.

Conclusions:

• The case presented with a grave and peracute clinical course, consistent with severe meningoencephalomyelitis.
• The etiopathogenesis remained undefined, classifying the condition as meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO).
• This case highlights the severe presentation and diagnostic challenges of this rare canine neurological disease.