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Trigeminal and Polyradiculoneuritis in a Dog Presenting with Masticatory Muscle Atrophy and Horner's Syndrome

Abstract

A 9-year-old, spayed female, Airedale Terrier was euthanatized and necropsied after a progressive clinical course that included Horner's syndrome of the left eye and unilateral atrophy of the masticatory muscles. Although gross lesions were limited, a polyradiculoneuritis and ganglionitis that was most severe in the trigeminal nerves and ganglia were confirmed histologically. The inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of macrophages and B and T lymphocytes that were phenotypically confirmed by immunostaining. Horner's syndrome was the result of damage to postganglionic sympathetic fibers that were incorporated in segments of the inflamed trigeminal nerve and its ophthalmic branch. Histologically, the character and distribution of the inflammation was similar to previously described syndromes of suspected immune-mediated etiology in humans and animals.

Key words: Dogs; Horner's syndrome; polyradiculoganglioneuritis; trigeminal neuritis.

Request reprints from Dr. R. J. Panciera, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 (USA). E-mail: rpancie{at}okstate.edu.