From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2009-12-18 14:50:26 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] new abstracts: Canine Distemper, Myasthenia Gravis (and notice temporary control including of early MegaE)
To: fhl <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
J Gen Virol. 2009 Dec 16. [Epub ahead of print]
Acute Canine Distemper Encephalitis is Associated with Rapid Neuronal=20
Loss and Local Immune Activation.
Rudd PA, Bastien-Hamel LE, von Messling V.
INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier.
For most virus infections of the central nervous system (CNS) immune-
mediated damage, the route of inoculation, and death of infected=20
cells, all contribute to the pathology observed. To investigate the=20
role of these factors in early canine distemper neuropathogenesis, we=20
infected ferrets either intranasally or intraperitoneally with the=20
neurovirulent strain Snyder Hill. Regardless of the route of=20
inoculation, the virus primarily targeted the olfactory bulb, brain=20
stem, hippocampus and cerebellum, while only occasional foci were=20
detected in the cortex. The infection led to widespread neuronal loss,=20
which correlated with the clinical signs observed. Increased numbers=20
of activated microglia, reactive gliosis, and different pro-
inflammatory cytokines, were detected in the infected areas,=20
suggesting that the presence and ultimate death of infected cells at=20
early times after infection trigger strong local immune activation=20
despite the observed systemic immunosuppression.
PMID: 20016033
----
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2009 Dec 15;235(12):1462-6.
Autoimmune myasthenia gravis in a ferret.
Couturier J, Huynh M, Boussarie D, Cauzinille L, Shelton GD.
Centre Hospitalier V=E9t=E9rinaire Fr=E9gis, 94110 Arcueil, France.
Case Description-A 7-month-old neutered male ferret was evaluated for=20
episodic pelvic limb weakness of 2 weeks' duration. Clinical Findings-
Neurologic examination revealed flaccid tetraparesis with decreased=20
spinal reflexes suggestive of a neuromuscular disease. Results of=20
hematologic and CSF analyses, thoracic radiography, and abdominal=20
ultrasonography were unremarkable. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed=20
subtle spontaneous activity localized to pelvic limb interosseous=20
muscles, unremarkable motor nerve conduction velocities, and lower=20
than typical compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude for=20
tibial nerve stimulation only. A severe decremental response of the=20
CMAP was detected with repetitive nerve stimulation (45.5% at the=20
third ulnar nerve). An esophagogram revealed mild megaesophagus.=20
Intravenous neostigmine methylsulfate administration resulted in=20
immediate resolution of muscle weakness. Cross-reacting anti-
acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies were detected in serum (0.35=20
nmol/L) by use of a canine- and feline-specific muscle extract.=20
Clinical signs and ancillary test results were diagnostic of acquired=20
myasthenia gravis. Treatment and Outcome-Pyridostigmine bromide was=20
administered (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 8 h), resulting in complete=20
remission of clinical signs. However, 1 month after the diagnosis, the=20
ferret was euthanized because of recurrence of weakness despite=20
anticholinesterase treatment. Clinical Relevance-To the authors'=20
knowledge, this is the first report of acquired myasthenia gravis in a=20
ferret and the first identification of anti-AChR antibodies in this=20
species. Autoimmune myasthenia gravis should be considered in ferrets=20
when weakness and flaccid paresis suggest a neuromuscular disease.=20
Electrodiagnostic testing, anticholinesterase challenge, and AChR=20
antibody titer determination were helpful for diagnosis of this=20
condition.
PMID: 20001782
Sukie (not a vet)
Recommended ferret health links:
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http://ferrethealth.org/archive/
http://www.afip.org/ferrets/index.html
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http://www.ferrethealth.msu.edu/
http://www.ferretcongress.org/
http://www.trifl.org/index.shtml
http://homepage.mac.com/sukie/sukiesferretlinks.html
all ferret topics:
http://listserv.ferretmailinglist.org/archives/ferret-search.html
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