MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE BRAIN FOR DIAGNOSIS OF NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS IN A DOG

Neurocysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of the human tapeworm Taenia solium and may be contracted by dogs after ingestion oi underc ooked, infected pork or human excrement. Serologic tests, which are av ailable for infected human beings, have not been verified for use in d ogs; therefore, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain may be the mos t effective means of establishing a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. I n dogs, brain lesions caused by neurocysticercosis may be successfully treated with albendazole and corticosteroids.