Insights into the clinical presentation, diagnostics and outcome in dogs presenting with neurological signs secondary to infection with Neospora caninum: 41 cases (2014-2023).

Abstract

To describe the clinical signs and outcome of a large cohort of dogs presenting with neurological signs secondary to Neospora caninum infection. Retrospective review of cases presenting to two UK referral centres with neurological signs secondary to N. caninum infection between 2014 and 2023. Presenting signs, diagnostic test results, treatment, short- and long-term outcome analysed. A total of 1690 cases were assessed for eligibility. Forty-four cases with a diagnosis of neosporosis were obtained. Three cases were then excluded due to non-neurological presentations (two hepatitis and one myocarditis). A total of 41 cases were included in the study. Cerebello-vestibular signs predominated; however, presenting clinical signs were varied and the neurolocalisation was often multifocal in nature (46.3%), making neosporosis an important differential diagnosis for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. Complete clinical improvement was rare (5.6%), and relapses were common (27.8% cases with follow-up). Neosporosis remains an important differential diagnosis for dogs at any age presenting with multifocal neurological signs. The outcome is considered poor and relapse rate is high.