MR Signal Changes of Trigeminal Nuclei in a Case of Suspected Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuropathy in a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Abstract

Trigeminal neuropathy, often idiopathic, is described as a common and self-limiting condition
of dropped jaw in dogs. Previously described magnetic resonance findings are limited and
describe thickening of the trigeminal nerve only. In this article, we report a Staffordshire bull
terrier that presented with dropped jaw and was found to have bilateral hyper intensities at
the location of the trigeminal nuclei following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Testing
for infectious diseases and examining the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample obtained from the
cisterna magna did not identify an underlying pathology, and the dog proceeded to make a
full clinical recovery following anti-inflammatory treatment. In the authors knowledge, this
represents the first case reported with the presentation of trigeminal neuropathy and changes
seen within the brain on MRI.