Insights into the clinical presentation, diagnostics and outcome in dogs presenting with neurological signs secondary to infection with Neospora caninum: 41 cases (2014-2023)

J Small Anim Pract. 2024 Jul;65(7):582-588. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13702. Epub 2024 Feb 14.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the clinical signs and outcome of a large cohort of dogs presenting with neurological signs secondary to Neospora caninum infection.

Materials and methods: Retrospective review of cases presenting to two UK referral centres with neurological signs secondary to N. caninum infection between 2014 and 2023. Presenting signs, diagnostic test results, treatment, short- and long-term outcome analysed.

Results: A total of 1690 cases were assessed for eligibility. Forty-four cases with a diagnosis of neosporosis were obtained. Three cases were then excluded due to non-neurological presentations (two hepatitis and one myocarditis). A total of 41 cases were included in the study. Cerebello-vestibular signs predominated; however, presenting clinical signs were varied and the neurolocalisation was often multifocal in nature (46.3%), making neosporosis an important differential diagnosis for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. Complete clinical improvement was rare (5.6%), and relapses were common (27.8% cases with follow-up).

Clinical significance: Neosporosis remains an important differential diagnosis for dogs at any age presenting with multifocal neurological signs. The outcome is considered poor and relapse rate is high.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coccidiosis* / complications
  • Coccidiosis* / diagnosis
  • Coccidiosis* / veterinary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases* / parasitology
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Male
  • Neospora*
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology
  • Nervous System Diseases / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies