Publications by authors named "Koen M Santifort"

The pathogenesis of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin (MUO) and steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) in dogs remains enigmatic. Numerous studies have attempted and failed to identify (viral) pathogens in samples from MUO- or SRMA-diagnosed dogs. Orthoflavivirus-associated meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis has been diagnosed in dogs in several European countries.

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An 11-month-old male castrated shorthaired cat was presented with a tremor in both pelvic limbs, which only occurred when standing (ie, countering gravity) or during active extension of the stifle. General clinical and neurological examinations were normal aside from the tremor of the pelvic limbs, which disappeared on performing a weight-bearing lifting test. Needle electromyography of both pelvic limbs in the conscious state confirmed a low-frequency (6 Hz) tremor.

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Introduction: Volumetric studies in relation to CM/SM have not been reported in Pomeranians. In this study, we aim to (1) report the intermodality agreement between CT- and MRI-based volumetric measurements of the skull and cervical spinal canal, and (2) assess for differences and associations between the volumetric measurements and CM/SM status.

Methods: Pomeranians were included that underwent CT and MRI studies during the period of February 2022-June 2024.

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Case Summary: A 16-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with methimazole-treated hyperthyroidism presented with a chronic progressive history of a stiff gait progressing to recumbency. A neurological examination revealed continuous excessive muscle tone with myokymia, which exacerbated with exercise and persisted during general anaesthesia. An electromyographic study revealed myokymic discharges in all tested muscles, as well as complex repetitive discharges, fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves.

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  • * The condition is linked to dysfunctions in the cerebellar nodulus and uvula, which can be caused by various pathologies or reduced proprioceptive input from neck muscles.
  • * The study highlights observations of PHT in one dog and four cats with lesions affecting both sides of the peripheral vestibular system.
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Far-lateral intervertebral disk extrusions (IVDEs) have been reported infrequently in dogs in veterinary literature, mostly affecting the caudal lumbar intervertebral disks. We describe the clinical findings, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment, and outcome in 10 dogs with cervical far-lateral IVDEs. Patient databases of 3 small animal hospitals and 1 veterinary teleradiology service were retrospectively searched for patients in which imaging studies (CT or MRI) identified the presence of intervertebral disk material outside the limits of the intervertebral foramen.

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Studies in Pomeranians as well as other breeds have looked at clinical signs or external features as predictors of Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM). The aim of this study is to describe and analyze morphometric factors of the skull of Pomeranians with and without CM/SM by means of CT as well as manual external measurements. Ninety-two Pomeranians >12 months of age were included that underwent both CT and MRI studies of the head and cervicothoracic vertebral column.

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The prevalence of hemorrhagic diseases of the central nervous system of dogs and cats is low compared to other diseases such as neoplasia and inflammation. However, the clinical consequences can be devastating. Several etiological and localization-based classification systems have been reported for intracerebral and spinal cord hemorrhage or hematomyelia in humans but similar systems do not exist in veterinary medicine.

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  • Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is a chronic neurological disorder affecting Labradoodles, with a specific focus on characterization including age of onset, seizure frequency, and impact on quality of life for both dog and owner.
  • An online survey involving Labradoodle owners revealed that 33 out of 40 dogs either had IE or were suspected of having it, with an average age of onset at 2.3 years and an average seizure frequency of 5.4 seizures per year; stress was the most common trigger for seizures.
  • Despite some dogs experiencing severe forms of epilepsy, such as cluster seizures and status epilepticus, a majority managed well with minimal treatment, reflecting high quality of life scores for both the dogs
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  • Metabolic/neurodegenerative encephalopathies cover various conditions in dogs and cats that have similar MRI features, complicating accurate diagnosis and often requiring multiple tests.
  • This study aimed to analyze MRI characteristics, classify conditions based on gray and white matter involvement, and compare findings with existing literature, involving 100 cases (81 dogs and 19 cats).
  • Notable findings included unusual MRI patterns, such as cerebellar nuclei changes in hepatic encephalopathy and specific white matter involvement in myelinolysis, along with unique effects of thiamine deficiency on various brain structures.
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Paroxysmal dyskinesias (PDs) are a group of involuntary, hyperkinetic movement disorders that recur episodically and may last seconds to hours. An important feature of PD is that there is no loss of consciousness during the episode. Using a clinical classification, three main types of PDs have been distinguished in canine PD: (1) paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) that commences after (sudden) movements, (2) paroxysmal non-kinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) not associated with exercise and can occur at rest, and (3) paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesia (PED) associated with fatigue.

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  • A 10-year-old Shar-Pei was experiencing lethargy and movement problems in its left front leg, leading to an MRI that showed a spinal disc issue but a normal brain scan.
  • After the MRI, the dog developed deep skin burns in both armpits, attributed to radiofrequency (RF) burns, a rare complication in veterinary medicine.
  • The burns healed over a month, highlighting the need for veterinarians to be cautious about RF burn risks during MRI procedures and to monitor for any signs of skin injuries afterward.
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Introduction: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are disorders that, in dogs, affect mainly small and toy breeds, including the Pomeranian. These disorders are linked to a great number of (owner-reported) clinical signs (ORCS) suggestive of pain. Aging was associated with an increased risk of having SM in several studies.

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A 2.5-year-old female entire Pomeranian dog was presented for acute paraparesis progressing within 2 days to paraplegia. General physical examination was unremarkable.

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Introduction: Chiari-like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are frequently diagnosed conditions in small and toy dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Griffon Bruxellois. CM/SM is only rarely reported in Pomeranians in literature to date. The aims of this study are to 1/describe the phenotype of Pomeranians with or without CM/SM and 2/evaluate for differences and associations between CM/SM and owner-reported clinical signs (ORCS) or signalment factors.

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In this case report, we describe the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of two feline cases of vertebral osteosarcoma. Case 1: A 6-year-old female neutered domestic longhaired cat was presented with progressive paraparesis, ataxia, and spinal hyperesthesia. MRI of the thoracolumbar spinal cord and vertebral column revealed a strongly contrast-enhancing mass lesion originating from the dorsal lamina and spinous process of T13.

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A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat was evaluated for chronic progressive paraparesis and proprioceptive ataxia. Neurological examination was consistent with a T3-L3 myelopathy. Plain thoracolumbar vertebral column radiographs and CT without intravenous contrast or myelography performed at another facility did not highlight any abnormalities.

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A 2-year-old female neutered Old German Shepherd was presented for acute non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Upon presentation to the emergency department, hematology and biochemical blood tests revealed no abnormalities aside from mildly elevated C-reactive protein levels (22.5 mg/L, reference range 0.

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  • A 1.5-year-old female French bulldog was evaluated for neurological issues after a road traffic accident, exhibiting severe spastic tetraparesis indicative of a spinal cord issue.
  • MRI revealed a complex lesion at the C2 level, thought to be a traumatic hemorrhagic myelopathy, and there were indications of injury to the brachial plexus and muscles.
  • After receiving conservative treatment that included physiotherapy and pain management, the dog showed gradual recovery of motor function over two months, with slower progress in the right front limb.
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Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological syndromes in dogs and has serious implications for the quality of life of both the dogs and owners. Seizure-precipitating factors (SPFs) (also termed "triggers" or "provocative factors") have been studied and reported in both humans and dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In dogs stress, hormones, sleep deprivation, and the weather have been reported as SPFs.

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  • Trigeminal ganglion contrast enhancement (TGCE) is commonly observed in MRI scans of dogs, cats, and humans, prompting this study to explore its anatomical and histological aspects in dogs.
  • The study involved dissecting eight dog cadavers to investigate the anatomy of the trigeminal ganglion and its blood supply, using histological techniques to analyze its structure.
  • Results showed the presence of a vascular network around the trigeminal ganglion, with no visible venous plexus, and highlighted the complex blood supply which may explain the observed TGCE in MRI studies.
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A 3.5-year-old male intact Staffordshire terrier crossbreed dog was presented with a one-week history of progressive paraparesis with fecal and urinary incontinence. Neurological examination was consistent with a T3-L3 myelopathy.

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A 5.5 years-old male Dachshund was presented for evaluation because of undesirable behavior including barking, biting, sucking and licking the right-side flank, ventrally and slightly caudally to the level of the surgical incision 7 days after hemilaminectomy for a right-sided L1-2 intervertebral disc extrusion. The dog was being treated with oral gabapentin 10 mg/kg q8h.

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