Detection of <i>Neospora caninum</i> Tachyzoites in Canine Cerebrospinal Fluid

Abstract

4-year-old female Labrador Retriever was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Autonomous University of Barcelona because of progressive, generalized ataxia and depressed mental status of 5 days' duration. Before the onset of signs of neurologic dysfunction, the dog had been anorexic, lethargic, and hyperthermic for 7-10 days. The dog had been treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg of body weight PO q12h) by the referring veterinarian without clinical improvement. During that time, general attitude, condition, and gait had progressively worsened. Over the 12 hours before presentation, the dog experienced a generalized seizure. Routine vaccinations were current, the owners did not report any previous medical history, and the possibility of exposure to toxins was considered unlikely.