Spastic paresis in two littermate pups caused by Toxoplasma gondii

The clinical and pathological findings in 2 sibling Bloodhound pups with spastic paresis of the pelvic limbs due to toxoplasmosis are described. Macropathology consisted of bilateral atrophy of the musculature of the affected limbs. Histopathology revealed meningo-encephalitis involving the cerebellum and medulla oblongata, diffuse meningomyelitis, radiculoneuritis of the lumbar spinal nerves and polymyositis and atrophy of skeletal muscle. Epizootological investigations failed to determine the source of the infection. Dissemination of the infection by a route other than the haematogenous pathway is considered and discussed.