Neurologic manifestations of monoclonal IgM gammopathy associated with lymphocytic leukemia in a dog
Braund, K.G.; Everett, R.M.; Albert, R.A.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 172(12): 1407-1410
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 97253 Document Number: 127730
A 17-month-old poodle had a 6-week history of reduced activity, inappetence, loss of weight and periodic diarrhoea. There were intermittent neurological signs of falling, circling and head shaking. Corticosteroids provided temporary remission. On examination the dog was emaciated and dehydrated and had generalized ataxia and an intention tremor of the head. Subtle postural reaction deficits were found in the right limbs. Ophthalmoscopic examination showed reddened and slightly protruding optic discs with multifocal haemorrhages in each retina. Retinal veins were dilated and tortuous. Haematological evaluation showed a decreased PCV and an increase in white cells (103 000/mm3). Serum protein electrophoresis demonstrated a monoclonal spike in the beta-globulin range. Strong IgM and weak IgG bands were found with immunoelectrophoresis. Structural IgM abnormalities were suggested by the hazy and concentric IgM rings. Erythroid hypoplasia and myeloid hyperplasia were demonstrated on bone marrow examination. A diffuse interstitial peribronchiolar infiltrate was shown on thoracic radiography. The dog died suddenly 26 hours after admission. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were found PM. Small white nodules were scattered throughout the pulmonary parenchyma and renal cortices. The only lesion in the CNS was small lymphoid accumulations in the choroid plexus in the lateral and fourth ventricles.