Delayed traumatic pneumocephalus and cervical pneumorrhachis in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 7‐year‐old female spayed Labrador Retriever was referred for generalised seizures which initiated 48 hours prior to presentation. Physical examination revealed facial asymmetry and enucleation of the right eye due to head trauma 6 years earlier. Neurological examination showed depressed mental status, absent menace response of the left eye, non‐ambulatory tetraparesis, absent postural reactions in all four limbs and normal spinal reflexes. Neuroanatomical localisation was prosencephalic (forebrain). MRI study of the brain allowed a diagnosis of pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis as the cause of neurological signs. The dog was hospitalised and treated conservatively with anticonvulsants, antimicrobials and oxygen therapy. During hospitalisation, no further seizures were observed, the neurological condition improved progressively, and the dog was discharged with oral anticonvulsant treatment 4 days after admission. Eight months later, the dog was still seizure‐free, and the follow‐up MRI showed no lesions consistent with the previously diagnosed pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis.