Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Bilaterally Symmetrical Lesions in a Dog With Concomitant Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis and Necrotizing Encephalitis.
- Journal:
- Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Procter, Tessa Victoria et al.
- Affiliation:
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies · United Kingdom
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old female Bichon Frise was brought to the vet because she had been acting differently and was having trouble walking for the past two days. The vet found signs that suggested issues in her brain, particularly on the left side. An MRI scan showed unusual brain lesions that were present on both sides, affecting areas responsible for movement and other functions. Further tests revealed that she had two types of brain inflammation, which are thought to be caused by her immune system mistakenly attacking her own brain. This case highlights a new type of brain issue in dogs that may be linked to autoimmune problems.
Abstract
A 3-year-old, female neutered Bichon Frise was presented with a 2-day history of behavioral changes and ataxia. The neurological examination was consistent with diffuse forebrain involvement, with left lateralization. An MRI study identified bilaterally symmetrical T2W/T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) hyperintense, T1W hypointense, non-enhancing lesions involving the basal nuclei, with restricted diffusion and hemorrhage affecting both caudate nuclei. Similar bilaterally symmetrical T2W/T2-FLAIR hyperintense lesions were noted in the hypothalamus, midbrain, and occipital lobes. Histopathological examination indicated concomitant granulomatous meningoencephalitis and necrotizing encephalitis. This case report documents previously unreported bilaterally symmetrical canine brain lesions suspected to be secondary to an autoimmune inflammatory etiology.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41392748/