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

Objectives:

To describe the clinical signs and outcome of a large cohort of dogs presenting with neurological signs secondary to Neospora caninum infection.

Materials and Methods:

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.

Results:

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).

Clinical Significance:

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.