Ethmoidal meningoencephalocele in an anatolian shepherd dog

Abstract

Meningoencephalocele is an uncommon disorder in dogs, that has detrimental effects on both the duration and quality of life. Dogs afflicted by this condition may exhibit neurological deficits, epileptic seizures, and behavioral disorders. A 4-month-old female Anatolian Shepherd dog, weighing 13 kg presented for further investigation of a 3-week history of cluster, grand mal seizures. No abnormalities were evident on physical examination. A full neurological examination, including cranial nerve assessment was unremarkable, except a slight right proprioceptive deficit on the right front leg. MRI of the brain was performed. Protrusion of the right rostral rhinencephalon through the defect of the right cribriform plate and a right basal ethmoidal meningoencephalocele was detected. Due to the dog"s age, aggressive temperament, and current clinical status, medical management was preferred, and the dog was managed on phenobarbital and levetiracetam. Seizures have remained well controlled 12 months post-diagnosis.

Keywords

• anatolian shepherd dog
• cluster seizure
• epilepsy
• meningoencephalocele
• mri