[Necrotizing vasculitis of the cerebral and spinal leptomeninges in a Bernese mountain dog]

A case of necrotizing vasculitis involving the central nervous system in a seven month old Bernese mountain dog is reported. The clinical signs include apathy, fever and increased head and cervical pain. The cerebrospinal fluid was unusual viscous and bloody. In the EEG high activity and spikes were found. A hydrocephalus internus was confirmed by CT scan. On histopathological examination a necrotizing vasculitis on the medulla oblongata and spinal cord leptomeninges with perivascular granulomatous inflammation were detected. The neuropathological lesions are consistent with those reported for the rare disease of necrotizing vasculitis in the central nervous system of Bernese mountain dogs, beagles and boxers. The cause is unknown.