Caratterizzazione clinica, neurofisiologica e di laboratorio dei cani affetti da poliradicoloneurite acuta

Abstract

Acute Canine Polyradiculoneuritis (ACP) is a peripheral neuropathy suspected to be caused by an immune-mediated attack against nerve roots and peripheral nerves.

The objects of this study were: 1) to evaluate retrospectively the electrodiagnostic studies of dogs with ACP and to classify them in subtypes using neurophysiological criteria similar to those used in Guillain-Barré Sindrome (GBS); 2) to assess a potential correlation between ACP subtypes and the presence of anti-gangliosides autoantibodies. The electrodiagnostic studies were permormed in the animals referred to our faculty between 2007 and 2011 in the light of neurophysiological criteria adopted in GBS. Through an accurate electrodiagnostic evaluation (EMG, ripetitive nerve stimulation, nerve conduction studies, F waves and sensory evaluation in at least 1 ulnar nerve and 1 tibial nerve), we obtained a classification in 3 major subtypes: demyelinating forms (AIDP), motor axonal forms (AMAN), and motor and sensory axonal forms (AMSAN).

The second step was to take samples of blood from 29 subjects affected by ACP. The sera were tested for the presence of anti-gangliosides autoantiboby at the laboratory of human medicine “Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre”. The results showed a major percentage of demielinating forms of ACP (40%) compared to motor axonal forms (30%) and sensory and axonal forms (27%). Serological investigationcal show a 30% of positivity to anti-gangliosides antibodies.