VASCULITIC NEUROMYOPATHY IN A DOG

Vasculitic neuromyopathy was identified in an adult Rottweiler dog wit h progressive lower motor neuron signs. Electromyographically, there w ere fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, and occasional biza rre high frequency discharges throughout the appendicular and axial mu scles. Motor nerve conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve was mildly diminished. Histopathologic examination of muscle and peripheral nerv e revealed marked arteritis, decreased axon content, and myelin degene ration. Clinical signs, electrophysiological, and histopathological fi ndings have similarities to the polyarteritis nodosa group of vasculit ic neuropathies reported in humans. Although substantial recovery occu rred with immunosuppressive therapy, the dog was euthanized due to acu te respiratory distress.