Motor Neuron Disease
I have a 15
year old neutered male that has been in good health up until two weeks
ago. He has lost control of his motor function. His Dr. has run blood
tests, thyroid and potassium tests as well as x-rays to no avail. He was
put on prednisone 5mg/2x for the first 3 days and then weaned to 5mg 1x.
His symptoms returned and appeared to have worsened. He is back on the
5mg 2x. He had a similar spell 7 years ago that his first doctor
attributed to the recent immunizations he received. Since that time, I no
longer have him immunized. His current Dr. states the next step is a
neurological work up that includes an MRI. He did not feel optimistic
that this would identify this problem. Any suggestions I can pass on to
him? Also, what are the effects of long term usage of prednisone? Thank
you so much.
His
problems sound severe, and definitely deserve a thorough investigation.
A precise physical and complete neurological examination by your
veterinarian will be able to pin point the areas of his nervous system
originating the problem. The cause of the problem is more difficult to
determine than the location. For each possible location, there is a set
of possible causes. For instance, a peripheral motor neuron disease may
be due to a severe allergic reaction, whereas a central nervous system
problem can be caused by a tumor or stroke. Of course, many other
diseases are possible. An MRI should only be considered once the
general location of the lesion is known, it is in the central nervous
system, and you need to determine the precise location. MRI technology
is also beneficial in identifying the cause of the lesion, i.e.
differentiating between a stroke and a tumor.
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