Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia with Neurologic Manifestations in the Dog

Abstract

A dog was presented with mandibular paralysis, photophobia, and diffuse atrophy of the cranial skeletal muscles. Physical examination also revealed glossal paralysis, reduction of the swallowing reflex, reduction of the pupillary light response, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Cytologic and ultrastructural examinations of blood films, bone marrow, and lymph node aspirates were consistent with acute myelomonocytic leukemia. Post-mortem examination revealed extensive, multisystemic neoplastic infiltration with marked involvement of the central and peripheral nervous systems, especially the cranial and lumbar spinal nerves and associated ganglia. Neurologic manifestations arc unusual in acute myelomonocytic leukemia in the dog.