NEUROMUSCULAR CASE OF THE MONTH - March 2005

ALERT– New adult-onset distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy in Bouvier des Flandres dogs
Contributed by Ronaldo C. da Costa, DMV, MSc
Ontario Veterinary College – University of Guelph,
Canada.

            Recently, 4 adult Bouvier des Flandres dogs were identified in Canada with a distal symmetrical polyneuropathy. The disease was observed in both males and females with a history of progressive weakness. All dogs were related, living in different cities in Southern Ontario and Quebec, and originated from a Kennel in Southern Ontario.Clinical signs began when the dogs were 1 to 3 years of age. Predominant clinical signs included tetraparesis without ataxia, delayed proprioceptive positioning in all limbs, absent patellar and cutaneous trunci reflexes, decreased flexor reflexes in all limbs, and intact nociception. Plantigrade stance (Figure 1) and gait (click in the link to see the video) was mild initially but became severe as the disease progressed. There was no evidence of laryngeal paresis. The clinical signs indicated a diffuse bilateral symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy. 

           All screening tests were normal (CBC/ biochemistry profile, thyroid profile, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound). Electromyography revealed spontaneous activity in the distal limb muscles and motor nerve conduction studies demonstrated slightly prolonged latencies and markedly decreased amplitudes.

           The clinical course was slow, usually taking 6 to 18 months for the dogs to become markedly affected. Neuropathy was confirmed by either biopsy of muscle and nerve, and/or necropsy in all dogs.  All treatments attempted were unsuccessful. Pathologically the disease was characterized by an axonopathy involving the large caliber nerve fibers. The clinical and pathological findings of the disease are unique among other adult-onset polyneuropathies in dogs. Further details will be described in a manuscript in preparation.

            If you have seen or in the future see any Bouvier dog suspected of having this polyneuropathy, please contact Ronaldo C. da Costa at rdacosta@uoguelph.ca

Fig. 1. A 3-year-old female Bouvier dog affected with adult-onset polyneuropathy. Observe the plantigrade and palmigrade stance.

Reference
da Costa RC, Parent J, Poma R, Foster R, Basrur P, Shelton GD. Adult-onset distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy in Bouvier des Flandres dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 19: 3, 460, 2005 (abstract).

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