Canine necrotizing encephalitis associated with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis

J Comp Pathol. 2007 May;136(4):279-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2007.02.008. Epub 2007 Apr 24.

Abstract

A 2-year-old male West Highland white terrier with a 4-month history of seizures was referred for investigation. Depressed mentation, proprioceptive deficit and decreased menace response were noted at neurological examination. Post-mortem examination of the brain revealed multifocal lesions located principally in the left side of the diencephalon and mesencephalon. The lesions consisted of non-suppurative inflammation and large areas of cavitation. The clinical evaluation and histopathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME). Immunofluorescence performed on frozen sections of kidney revealed strong smooth linear labelling of the glomerular basement membrane with anti-IgG serum as well as weaker linear labelling with anti-IgM serum. This histomorphological pattern was consistent with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis. The association of this type of glomerulonephritis with a necrotizing encephalitis would support the hypothesis of an immune-mediated aetiology for NME.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / veterinary
  • Dog Diseases / immunology
  • Dog Diseases / pathology*
  • Dogs
  • Encephalitis / complications*
  • Encephalitis / pathology
  • Encephalitis / veterinary*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Glomerular Basement Membrane / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis / complications*
  • Glomerulonephritis / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis / veterinary*