TiHo Bibliothek elib - Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover

Falldarstellung
the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, early recognition, diagnosis, and
management of this condition are critical.
The most common sequela of brain abscesses documented in animals or humans
are intracranial pressure elevation, aggressive headache, nausea, convulsions,
behavior alterations and disorientation (King 2010; Lorenz et al. 2011). The clinical
signs vary with location and distribution. They are reported to be associated with
forebrain, brainstem or multifocal distribution (Constanzo et al. 2011). A definitive
diagnosis is made using advanced imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in conjunction with fine needle aspiration and
microbial culture. Historically, BA have presented major therapeutic challenges in
which a combination of both surgical and medical intervention have yielded better
outcomes and are considered to be the gold standard of treatment in humans (Kao et
al. 2003; Hakan et al. 2006). There are few cases of BAs reported in veterinary
medical literature. In some of these cases, a combination of surgery and antibiotics
was successfully used in animals afflicted with a BA due to bite wounds (Bilderback
and Faissler 2009; Constanzo et al. 2011).
Case summary
A nine year and eight month old female spayed pug dog was presented to her
veterinarian following a dog attack where she sustained a bite wound to her head.
The dog had a history of hypothyroidism and Addisons disease for which she
received levothyroxin sodium 0.2 mg (0.017mg/kg, PO, q12 hrs), prednisolone 1.25
mg (0.11mg/kg, PO) every other day, and desoxycorticosterone pivalate injection
(DOCP) 25.5 mg (2.2 mg/kg, subcutanous SQ) every 28 days as treatment. The last
DOCP injection was given seven days before presentation. At presentation, the
referring veterinarian noted ataxia, proprioception deficits on the left side, horizontal
nystagmus, and a puncture wound on the left side of the head. Additionally, oral
hemorrhage was seen and palpation of the mandible was suggestive of a jaw
fracture. The dog was then referred to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty
Center (VESC).
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