Dysosmia caused by encephalitis in a dog
Simpson, S.T.; Myers, L.J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 191(12): 1593
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 3693016 Document Number: 288061
A 1- to 2-year-old Beagle was referred for evaluation of a disorder of the sense of smell. The dog had suddenly lost the ability to find rabbits, even though it previously had won field trials. Examination revealed bilateral otitis externa caused by Otodectes cynotis, unilateral cryptorchidism and Ancylostoma infection. Clinical findings indicated mild encephalitis with some capability to respond to odoriferous stimuli. An unusual test of the sense of smell is described; results indicated some sense of smell, although behavioural response to the odour was inappropriate. It was suspected that canine distemper encephalitis may have been associated with the dysosmia.