2017 - 86 (1)

A thorough neurologic examination is required when a horse shows signs of neurological diseaseor when it has to be confirmed that the horse is neurologically normal. The main purpose of the examinationis to investigate whether there are neurological deficits. In addition, the identification ofthe primary cause and localization of the lesion should be attempted. A standardized head-to-tail approachhelps to avoid overlooking important lesions. Therefore, the examination always starts witha thorough patient history, observation of the horse with special attention to mental state, behavior,posture and stance, and a clinical examination. Subsequently, the cranial nerves are tested by investigating,amongst others, the menace, light and palpebral responses. The neck, trunk, limbs and tail areexamined for asymmetry or hypo- or hypersensitivity. Afterwards, the movements of the horse areinspected. Incoordination of the horse is accentuated during transitions, small circles and zig zag lines.However, the difference with orthopedic problems is not always easy to make. Especially horses inlateral recumbency present an extra challenge as recumbency itself may cause a change in responses.Further examinations are often necessary to confirm neurologic disease or to visualize a lesion. Bloodexamination (general, serology, virus isolation), liver or muscle biopsies, examination of cerebrospinalfluid and radiographs are feasible to perform in practice. In specialized hospitals, electro-diagnostictests and advanced medical imaging (CT, MRI, scintigraphy) are available. By combining these techniqueswith the clinical neurologic examination, a (differential) diagnosis can be made.

In the present study, the first outbreak of a penguinpox virus (PPV) in Humboldt penguins(Spheniscus humboldti) and four outbreaks of fowlpox virus (FPV) in layer chickens arereported. Clinically, cutaneous wart-like growths were observed around the eyes in four juvenileHumboldt penguins and cutaneous nodular lesions in the comb, wattles, around the eyesand other unfeathered skin parts of layer chickens. Histopathology (FPV and PPV), electronmicroscopy (PPV), virus isolation (FPV) and PCR amplification (FPV and PPV) confirmed thatboth isolates were avipoxviruses (APVs). According to the phylogenetic analysis of the partial P4bcore protein gene, the Belgian Humboldt PPV clustered with sequences of free-range (domesticand synanthrope bird species) and wild bird species of the United States and Europe (99 - 100%homology), and all four Belgian FPV isolates clustered with FPV isolates of chickens, turkeys,canary and FPV attenuated live vaccines from all over the world (100% homology).

A one-year-old, male, neutered Golden retriever was presented with chronic progressive symptomsof pain and lameness of the hind limbs. Orthopedic examination revealed muscle atrophy of bothhind limbs, severe pain reaction at passive extension of the hips and crepitation on palpation of thecoxofemoral joints. A ventrodorsal radiograph of the hips showed a heterogeneous appearance with thepresence of osteolytic areas of both femoral necks. There was a bilateral cranial displacement of thefemoral neck in respect to the head with a fracture through the physeal plate. Bilateral slipped capitalfemoral epiphysis disease was diagnosed. A bilateral femoral head and neck excision was performed,followed by fysio- and hydrotherapy.The diagnosis of femoral capital physeal dysplasia may be missed because of the subtle radiographicchanges in the first stadia of the disease. An early diagnosis is of major importance because treatmentoptions decrease with progression of the condition.

A six-year-old, male, neutered Bernese mountain dog was presented with acute left hindlimb lameness. Based on the symptoms, orthopedic examination and radiographic evaluation,a cranial cruciate ligament rupture was diagnosed. Surgical treatment with TTA Rapid wasperformed with good result. At two weeks postoperatively, the dog developed a fracture of theproximal tibia, due to excessive activity. Conservative treatment consisting of a splint and restwas advised. Physiotherapeutic ultrasonography and exercises were started to stimulate bonehealing. After eight sessions, the dog was clinically much better, and radiographs showed a goodevolution with a clear callus. Follow-up controls confirmed the progressive evolution.

Meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is a frequently diagnosed and often fataldisease in veterinary neurology. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy ofthree different sole prednisolone treatment schedules in dogs diagnosed with MUE. The dogswere diagnosed clinically with MUE based on previously described inclusion criteria, and treatedwith a three-, eight- or eighteen-week-tapering prednisolone schedule. Thirty eight dogs were includedin the study. Seventeen, fifteen and six dogs received the three-, eight- and eighteen-weektapering schedule, respectively. Overall, 37% of the dogs died or were euthanized because ofMUE, and a significant difference in survival time was seen between the three treatment schedules.Surprisingly, the highest number of dogs that died because of MUE was seen in the eightweektreatment schedule (56%), followed by the three-week (26%) and eighteen-week (0%)treatment schedule. Based on the results of this study, no definitive conclusions can be drawnregarding the ideal prednisolone dosing protocol for dogs diagnosed with MUE. However, a moreaggressive and immunosuppressive treatment protocol might lead to a better outcome.

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) has been considered a major pathology in high producingdairy herds for years. These findings were corroborated by several studies in Europe. However,different feeding practices and herds’ production levels are found in Southern Belgium. This studyaimed to ascertain whether dairy cows of several herds from the south of Belgium (Wallonia) witha suspicion of SARA really did present too low ruminal pH values. Twenty-four herds were visitedand 172 cows were sampled using an oropharyngeal device to collect ruminal fluid, i.e. Geishauserprobe. On the samples, three tests were performed: pH measurement, methylene blue reductiontest and microscopic evaluation of protozoa vitality. Based on these analyses, no cows demonstratedpH values lower than 5.5 and, only ten cows could be considered at risk for SARA. By contrast, ineightteen cows, pH values higher than 7.0 were measured and ruminal inactivity was suspected. Inthis study, ruminal alkalosis appeared to be more frequently observed than SARA.

Tumors of the pigment cells or chromatophores in reptiles are classified as melanophoromas,iridophoromas, xanthophoromas, erythrophoromas or mixed type chromatophoromas based on thepredominant type of pigment, and constitute a relatively common neoplastic disorder in captivereptiles. Especially melanophoromas and iridophoromas are frequently observed. The diagnosis ofchromatophoromas is usually made through histological examination. The use of immunohistochemistryor electron microscopy may be required to discriminate the different types of chromatophoromas.Whenever possible, complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Due to the distinct malignancyand tendency to metastasize, the prognosis of cutaneous chromatophoromas in reptiles is generallyguarded. Consequently, an early and correct diagnosis of these neoplastic disorders in reptiles is vital.This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the occurrence, the performance,the pathogenesis and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of chromatophoromas in reptiles withemphasis on melano- and iridophoromas.