Suspected cerebellar infarcts in 4 dogs

• Published in: Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2000) Tex. : 2000), 2007-09, Vol.17 (3), p.268-274
• Main Authors: Irwin, John C., Dewey, Curtis W., Stefanacci, Joseph D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cerebellar infarction; dogs; magnetic resonance imaging
• ISSN: 1479-3261; 1476-4431
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2007.00220.x

Objective: Reports of cerebellar infarction in veterinary literature are rare. Documentation and descriptions of cerebellar infarction in human literature have been well described. Brain lesions suspected to be infarcts have been recognized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Series summary: Four dogs presented to the Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) with the history of acute onset cerebellovestibular dysfunction. All animals were imaged using a 0.5 T super‐conducting Magna GE MRI unit. Suspected cerebellar infarction was diagnosed in all dogs based on history, physical examination, and MRI findings. Further diagnostics were performed based on the individual case and owner compliance. Functional recovery was favorable in 3 dogs. One dog was euthanized shortly following the onset of neurological dysfunction. New or unique information provided: Cerebellar infarction appears to have characteristic MRI features. Affected tissue within the cerebellum is typically wedge‐shaped with low signal intensity in T1‐weighted images, high signal intensity in T2‐weighted images, subtle rim enhancement without central contrast enhancement in T1 post‐gadolinium, and selectively hyperintense in fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images. Anatomic regions serviced by rostral cerebellar arteries are affected. Vascular risk factors as compared with reports in human literature are also discussed.