Web-Vet Neurology Specialists - Feed Your Brain Podcast Series!

In this lecture, Dr Elizabeth Goudie talks about the challenges we face when anesthetizing a brachycephalic dog, such as a French Bulldog, for advanced imaging. Dr Goudie discusses the underlying pathophysiology of brachycephalic breeds and the common comorbidities encountered in this population. Best practices for anesthetic management to prevent airway crisis, vagal episodes, and regurgitation, as well as manage recovery, are discussed.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a rare congenital or acquired condition caused by abnormal caudal positioning and/or traction of the spinal cord and meninges, predominantly observed at the level of the conus medullaris. Congenital TCS may result from a tight filum terminale, characterized by reduced elasticity, shortened length, and/or abnormal composition, and may coexist with malformations. In dogs, TCS has been reported in association with spina bifida, myelomeningocele, myeloschysis, and dermoid sinus type VI. However, it may also occur without overt structural deformities. The term occult tethered cord syndrome (OTCS) has been proposed in such cases. In this webinar, Dr. Javier Espinosa reviews his recent study on 30 dogs with confirmed or presumed OTCS, which aimed to characterize the clinical presentation, MRI findings, treatment modalities, and outcomes in these dogs.

Prophylactic fenestration (PF) has been reported to protect against recurrent intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE), but recurrence is not always confirmed. No published studies address the cost-benefit of PF. Prophylactic fenestration requires additional surgical and anesthetic time, as well as further tissue dissection, all of which contribute to both surgical morbidity and the overall cost of veterinary care. Furthermore, PF is associated with adverse events such as hemorrhage, vertebral instability, further extrusion, iatrogenic discospondylitis, and nerve root trauma, but these are rare when performed by experienced surgeons, with a published complication rate of 0.01%.In this live webinar, Dr. Daniel Low discusses his recently published study on MRI follow-up of chondrodystrophic dogs that underwent prophylactic fenestration.

Dr Cecilia Danciu presents her latest publication on the clinical and imaging characteristics of CSF collection complications in 11 dogs. Complications associated with CSF collection have been reported in dogs and include progressive myelomalacia and hematomyelia. A retrospective study of 30 dogs with intracranial neoplasia documented a complication secondary to CSF collection in 17% of the dogs, with the reported complications including coma, stupor and apnea. Information on the rate of major complications arising as a result of CSF collection in dogs with other neurological disorders, potential risk factors for such complications, including neurological examination findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features are discussed in this webinar summarizing the publication. A link to the publication is provided. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12172569/

In this journal club webinar, Dr. Theofanis Liatis discusses his most recent publication on generalised tremors in dogs based on a collection of 198 cases. The objective of the research was to describe the clinical characteristics of the cases, the prevalence of the diseases associated with generalized tremors in dogs, and identify clinical features that could be associated with the underlying disease. A tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory movement of a body part and generalized tremors affect the entire body. However, these tremors may have different features, such as being activated upon gravity (postural) or deteriorating with excitement and movement (action‐related kinetic), being episodic or continuous, or accompanied by intention head tremors. Generalized tremors have been associated with idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome, mycotoxin intoxication as well as other toxic diseases (e.g., metaldehyde, avermectins), metabolic diseases (e.g., hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperchloremia, hypokalemia, hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy), orthostatic tremors and hypomyelination or dysmyelination.

In this journal club webinar, Dr. Jaoa Miguel De Frias from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK, discusses his two recent studies on spinal subarachnoid diverticula in dogs and cats. The clinical and imaging characteristics are explained and the therapy and prognosis are reviewed based on the results of the studies.

In this live journal club webinar, Dr. Cecilia-Gabrilla Danciu reviews her recent publication which looked at canine stroke.Dr. Danciu's team looked at 125 dogs with ischemic stroke in attempt to document comorbidities, long-term outcome (survival and stroke recurrence), and the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Given the limited information concerning the long‐term outcome of dogs diagnosed with ischemic stroke, further investigation regarding prognostic factors is needed. Additionally, veterinary literature specifically evaluating the occurrence of poststroke epileptic seizures and epilepsy alongside survival in dogs is currently limited and so this study is a vital addition to our knowledge.Click on this link to read the study:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...

In this live journal club sponsored by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging, Dr. Nick Grapes discusses his study of 108 English and French bulldogs with discospondylitis. Vertebral body malformations are frequently identified incidentally, with a prevalence of over 70-80% in neurologically normal French and English bulldogs. While these 'birth defects' may increase the risk of intervertebral disc extrusions, there is no information on an association with discospondylitis, commonly a bacterial infection of a disc and the associated vertebral endplates. This study addresses whether there is indeed a relationship in these breeds with vertebral body malformations, frequently hemivertebrae.

In this episode of our live journal club webinar series, Dr. Emili Alcoverro discusses his study on the clinical and MRI characteristics of hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusion (HNPE) when it affects the thoracolumbar vertebral column (TLVC) and compares it to intervertebral disc extrusion. Watch this session to learn more about HNPE and its relationship in the TLVC to breed, age, history and clinical signs. This webinar is sponsored by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.

In this live webinar, Dr. Rita Goncalves discusses her recent publication which investigates the prognostic utility of MRI in determining the survival and potential for relapse in dogs with MUO. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for diagnosing MUO in dogs. Identifying MRI features associated with the outcome would be very helpful. So far, mass effect, loss of identifiable cerebral sulci (effacement), and foramen magnum herniation have been linked to an increased risk of mortality, but not with long-term outcomes. This study highlights the MRI based prognostic factors in a group of dogs with MUO.

In this webinar, Drs Citlalli Limpens and Paul Mandigers discuss their study on the effect of MRI screening and selection programs on the prevalence of syringomyelia in Dutch and Danish Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Syringomyelia (SM) is highly heritable indicating that selection to decrease the prevalence of the disorder is possible. A candidate genetic locus associated with syrinx transverse diameter has been identified, but the causal mutations have not been identified yet, and selection based on this locus has not been used for selective breeding strategies. Breeders who want to reduce the number of SM-affected Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) without an MRI cannot rely on the clinical signs. The only current reliable tool for breed selection against SM in CKCS is MRI. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of MRI-based selection in breeding on the prevalence of SM in the screened population of CKCS in Denmark and the Netherlands. Click on this link to read the paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10859423/

In this journal club episode, Dr. Thanis Liatis discusses his study on dogs with non-intentional (episodic) head tremors. These tremors occur mainly at rest, can usually be terminated by distraction, and can have vertical (yes-yes), horizontal (no-no) or rotational directions. This is the sole clinical sign of a movement disorder called idiopathic episodic head tremor in dogs. Several breeds have been reported with this disorder, of which Bulldogs and Dobermans have been associated with a potential breed predisposition. The aim of Dr. Liatis' study was to describe the signalment, semiology, MRI findings and outcomes of dogs with both idiopathic and structural causes of this movement disorder.

In this episode, we interview veterinary neurosurgeon Dr. Cris Falzone, a neurology specialist from Italy, on "How do I manage disc-associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS)?". Disc-associated Wobbler syndrome is the most prevalent and most typical Wobbler syndrome in dogs. It is typically seen in the middle-aged Dobermann Pinscher. Caudal cervical spinal cord compression is caused by protrusion of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal, sometimes in combination with ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and malformed vertebrae. There is a lot of controversy concerning the treatment of this disease and objective data about the prognosis of this disease is scarce.

In this webinar, we interview Dr. Clare Rusbridge about Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia. This is a complex developmental condition of the skull and craniocervical vertebrae, and is characterised by a conformational change and overcrowding of the brain and cervical spinal cord, particularly at the craniospinal junction. Obstruction to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) channels can result in pain and a tendency for fluid cavitation of the spinal cord, called syringomyelia (SM). A wonderful paper on this subject published by Dr Rusbridge can be found at the following link: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1136/inp.m1869

In this webinar, we interview Dr. Colin Driver (Dipl. ECVN) from Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists on "How do I treat thoracolumbar myelopathies in Pug dogs". Colin has extensive experience on the subject of both imaging findings and surgical treatment of these complex conditions.

In this episode, Dr Lisa Bartner from Colorado State University discusses what is known on the use of cannabidiol for canine epilepsy. The anticonvulsant effect of cannabidiol (CBD), which has been confirmed by findings from animal models and human trials, has attracted the interest of veterinary practitioners and dog owners. We interviewed Dr. Bartner about the potential use of CBD for dogs that exhibit seizure activity. Check out this recent 2023 paper which Lisa's group has published on the use of CBD for refractory canine epilepsy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10658598/

In this session, we interview Dr. Mark Lowrie on paroxysmal dyskinesia, a movement disorder seen in both dogs and cats. These can be challenging presentations that can easily be confused with seizures but have some notable differences. Genetic advancements have been made in several breeds and there are some treatment options, all of which will be discussed in this webinar.

In this session, Dr. Ines Carrera talks about the MR imaging features of two common acute spinal cord diseases in dogs: Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy or FCEM, and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion or ANNPE. Can we reliably distinguish between the two conditions on MRI and can MRI provide negative prognostic indicators for recovery?

In this episode, our guest is Professor John Innes, orthopaedic specialist and Director of Movement Referrals in the UK. John and Laurent answer questions on the clinical approach to forelimb lameness and monoparesis to define where possible what is orthopaedic and what is neurologic, and to review what considerations for underlying causes we should have.

In this journal club webinar, Dr John Rossmeisl, Professor of neurology/neurosurgery at Virginia-Maryland, College of Veterinary Medicine discusses his article on the comparison between direct measurement of ICP and presumptive clinical and MRI indicators of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in dogs with brain tumors. The objectives of this study were to: (a) evaluate the feasibility of direct ICP monitoring with a catheter strain-gauge microsensor transducer in dogs with brain tumors, (b) determine if direct ICP values were different between dogs with brain tumors and controls, and (c) determine if indirect MRI or clinical measures of presumed ICH could discriminate dogs with and without ICH. You can read his article on this link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jvim.15802

In this session, Louise Clark Dipl. ECVAA and head of anaesthesia at Davies Veterinary Specialists, addresses the common problems encountered in anaesthesia of neurological patients and how to solve them. Using anesthesia in patients with brain disease, spinal disease, and neuromuscular disease can be a challenge as maintaining blood perfusion and oxygenation of the CNS can be more difficult and not without risk of making the patient worse. Tune in for tips on how to address the common issues and their underlying pathophysiology.

In this session, Dr. Fred Wininger, a veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon at Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency Hospital, owner of 3D Veterinary Printing LLC, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri, talks about the utility of 3D printing for neurosurgical procedures. A how, why, and what presentation for all you need to know on what is quickly becoming a vital process in optimizing successful case management. See the link to Fred's printing service for more information - https://3dvetprinting.com/

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr Daniela Farketo to present her latest research published on risk factors, treatment, and outcome in dogs and cats with subdural hematoma and hemispheric collapse after ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting of congenital internal hydrocephalus. Overshunting and hemispheric collapse are well-known complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation. Risk factors that predispose to over shunting, treatment options, and prognosis after therapeutic intervention have not been described and this is the focus of this study.

In this webinar, sponsored by PRN Pharmacal, we will discuss what is known about each frequently used medication to treat seizure disorders in dogs and cats. The three most important aspects of each drug include how to use them, what we know about their efficacy in dogs and cats, and what adverse effects we can expect and should warn owners about.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series Dr. Samantha Taylor at Lumbry Park veterinary specialists discusses treatment of FIP using remdesivir and GS-441524. Samantha shares her experience as a feline medicine specialist on this novel treatment as well as the current research she is undertaking with other colleagues compiling as much robust evidence as possible on the efficacy and possible side effects of this treatment.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Sara Silva of the University of Glasgow to discuss her publication on foraminal and far lateral disc extrusion in dogs. Disc herniation may sometimes occur laterally or dorso-laterally, causing compression of the nerve roots and/or spinal nerve and vessels as they exit the foramen or distal to it. These types of herniations have been described, respectively, as intervertebral foraminal or intraforaminal, and lateral, far lateral, or extraforaminal extrusions in the veterinary literature. Dr Silva will discuss her study on the clinical signs, MRI, and long-term outcomes of 37 dogs with this condition.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Silke Hecht of the University of Tennessee to discuss her publication on MRI and CT of skull fractures in dogs and cats. Computed tomography (CT) is generally considered the modality of choice to evaluate patients with acute head trauma. It is quick, does not require general anesthesia, and is highly accurate in the diagnosis of conditions that may impact clinical management such as fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, brain swelling, and brain herniation. MRI is indicated in patients with acute traumatic brain injury when CT fails to explain the neurologic findings, and it is the preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of subacute and chronic brain trauma.

In this special episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Fusion Implants, we invite Dr. Colin Driver of Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, UK, to discuss his publication on a new surgical device for canine disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA-CSM) or wobblers syndrome. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe and evaluate the use of patient-specific end-plate conforming interbody distraction fusion devices with a porous structure in combination with vertebral stabilization, in dogs with DA-CSM. Outcomes were assessed from long-term follow-up and included CT-based determination of vertebral fusion, implant subsidence, and adjacent segment pathology. The webinar that accompanies this podcast will enable visualisation of the surgical instrumentation used in addition to the cases presented. Visit our YouTube channel at WebVet Neurology Specialists.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. David Casado of the Willows Referral Centre, England, to discuss his publication on MRI characteristics of intradural/extramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs. Intradural/extramedullary disc extrusion is the least common type of intervertebral disc herniation in veterinary medicine, characterized by extruded disc material within the intradural space. The aim of this study was to describe the high field (1.5T) MRI characteristics of surgically confirmed intradural/extramedullary disc extrusions

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Carlotta Remelli from the University of Padua in Italy, to discuss her publication on MRI characteristics of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis or SRMA. SRMA is an immune-mediated disorder of young dogs for which there is no definitive antemortem diagnostic test. The aims of this study were to retrospectively investigate the characteristics of MRI of the cervical vertebral column of dogs diagnosed with SRMA and to compare the diagnostic capability of MRI obtained with low-field and high-field units.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Guillaume Dutil from the University of Bern in Switzerland, to discuss his publication on MRI findings, CSF, and management of otitis media and interna with or without polyps in cats. Otitis media and interna have been reported to be the cause of vestibular signs in 43–63% of cats with peripheral vestibular signs and this study focuses on the diagnostic testing and outcome in these patients.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Abbe Crawford to discuss her findings from her recent study on global hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in dogs and cats. This is a devastating disease condition that can occur in association with cardiac arrest, hypovolemic shock, or severe hypotension as is sometimes seen with anesthetic accidents. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and outcome are discussed in this session.

In this episode of our free Neurology for Vets webinar series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, we invite Dr. Leonardo Bibbiani to discuss his findings from his recent study on the MRI characteristics of disc disease in cats. Although not as common as in dogs, we are learning that disc disease in cats can take several forms and should be considered as a cause of weakness or even paralysis.

In this episode of the free Neurology for Vets Journal Club Series, sponsored by Hallmarq Advanced Veterinary Imaging, Dr. Benedicte Amphimaque discusses her study on the MRI characteristics of oligodendrogliomas, a common brain tumor in dogs. Dr. Amphimaque is a board-certified veterinary diagnostic imager and currently works at Antech Imaging Services.