Acute neurological signs as the predominant clinical manifestation in four dogs with Angiostrongylus vasorum infections in Denmark
2011

Neurological Signs in Dogs with Angiostrongylus vasorum Infections

Sample size: 4 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gredal Hanne, Willesen Jakob L, Jensen Henrik E, Nielsen Ole L, Kristensen Annemarie T, Koch Jørgen, Kirk Rikke K, Pors Susanne E, Skerritt Geoff C, Berendt Mette

Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen

Hypothesis

Canine angiostrongylosis may cause acute neurological disease in dogs in Denmark.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of considering Angiostrongylus vasorum as a potential cause of acute neurological signs in young dogs.

Supporting Evidence

  • All four dogs presented with neurological signs caused by CNS haemorrhages.
  • Two dogs had brain lesions, one had spinal cord lesions, and one had both.
  • Only one dog showed typical respiratory signs associated with the infection.
  • The study emphasizes the need for A. vasorum to be considered in young dogs with acute neurological signs.

Takeaway

This study looked at four dogs that got sick because of a worm infection that caused bleeding in their brains, showing that this can happen even if they don't have typical symptoms.

Methodology

The study involved case presentations of four dogs diagnosed with Angiostrongylus vasorum infection, detailing their clinical signs, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes.

Limitations

The study is limited by the small sample size and the retrospective nature of the case reports.

Participant Demographics

All dogs were young, with a mean age of 10 months.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1751-0147-53-43

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