Characteristics of cerebrovascular accident using a 3.0T MRI scanner in 10 dogs

Characteristics of cerebrovascular accident using a 3.0T MRI scanner in 10 dogs

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) refers to a condition wherein the normal functioning of the brain is impaired, resulting in either temporary or permanent damage. The causes of CVD include both hemorrhagic and ischemic events. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) refers to a condition that occurs acutely. A CVA typically involves a sudden blockage of blood supply to the brain or the rupture of blood vessels, causing damage to brain tissue. This results in impairment of crucial brain functions and can manifest in various neurological signs. This study investigated characteristics of the signalment, clinical symptoms, lesion locations, and prevalence of CVA diagnosed using a 3.0T MRI in dogs. The breeds included 5 Maltese and one each of Poodle, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Shih-tzu, and Yorkshire terrier. There was one neutered male, five intact males, two spayed females, and two intact females. The median age and weight were 7.5 years and 3.39 kg, respectively. Clinical signs included gait abnormality in five dogs, and four dogs exhibited seizures. Additionally, there were cases of head tilt or turn (n=3) and nystagmus (n=1). The most frequently affected region was the cerebrum (n=7), followed by the cerebellum (n=3), brainstem (n=2), and thalamus (n=1). Three cases exhibited multiple lesions among these regions. In this study using a 3.0T MRI scanner, the prevalence rate was 4.39%, which was higher than that reported in previous studies.