INTRATHECAL PRODUCTION OF BORRELIA-BURGDORFERI - SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN A DOG WITH CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM LYME BORRELIOSIS

A case of canine central nervous system Lyme disease is described in a six-year-old, neutered male rottweiller. The dog presented with acute gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome, which had been preceded by a on e-week history of behavioral changes, including aggression, increased appetite, and depression. After surgery, a generalized seizure disorde r developed; the disorder was unresponsive to anticonvulsant medicatio n. Although serotesting was negative for Borrelia-specific antibodies, a cerebrospinal fluid titer was positive. The demonstration of intrat hecal synthesis of anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies is considered to be strong evidence that invasion of the central nervous system by the spi rochete was responsible for neurologic disease in the patient. This ar ticle discusses possible causes of seronegativity. Dogs suspected of h aving Lyme neuroborreliosis should be treated with an antispirochetal agent that is capable of achieving therapeutic concentrations in the c erebrospinal fluid.