Abstract
Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia. In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia. These include snake envenomation by tiger (Notechis spp.), brown (Pseudonaja spp.), and black snakes (Pseudechis spp.), tick paralysis associated with Ixodes holocyclus and Ixodes coronatus, and tetrodotoxins from marine animals such as puffer fish (Tetraodontidae spp.) and blue-ring octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.). The wide range of differential diagnoses along with the number of etiological-specific treatments (e.g., antivenin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) and highly variable prognoses underscores the importance of a complete physical exam and comprehensive history to aid in rapid and accurate diagnosis of LMN disease in Australian dogs and cats. The purpose of this review is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of LMN diseases seen in dogs and cats in Australia.
Highlights
Idiopathic PolyradiculoneuritisIdiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, or acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP), is an ascending lower motor neuron paralysis first identified in dogs in the southern United States after exposures to raccoon saliva by way of a bite wound [24,25,26]
Diseases presenting with lower motor neuron (LMN) signs are frequently seen in small animal veterinary practice in Australia
In addition to the most common causes of LMN disease seen world-wide, such as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis and myasthenia gravis, there are several conditions presenting with LMN signs that are peculiar to the continent of Australia
Summary
Idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, or acute canine polyradiculoneuritis (ACP), is an ascending lower motor neuron paralysis first identified in dogs in the southern United States after exposures to raccoon saliva by way of a bite wound [24,25,26]. Identical signs were described in dogs not exposed to raccoon bites and in these dogs the condition eventually became known as idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis [11]. Diagnosis of ACP is made based on presenting clinical signs and ruling out other cases of LMND. A complete history and thorough tick-check are a necessary first step in ruling out other common causes of LMND such as snake bite, tick paralysis, or myasthenia. Most patients will gradually recover within a few weeks, but complete recovery may require several months of supportive nursing care [11, 23,24,25, 27, 28, 33]
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