--- title: "Case Study: MRI + CSF Reveal Inflammatory Brain Disease" description: A case study of a Retriever's seizures highlights the importance of MRI and CSF analysis in diagnosing inflammatory brain disease as a cause of seizures. image: https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Veterinarian%20Examining%20Labrador%20Retriever%20with%20MRI%20Machine.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/case-study-seizures-revealing-inflammatory-brain-disease#main-content) [![VET MRI LOGO gray-1](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png?width=2017&height=1311&name=VET%20MRI%20LOGO%20gray-1.png)Homepage](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Seizures](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/seizures-1) - [Spine](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/spine-mri) - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals - [Pet Owner Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/pet-owner-referral-form) - [Vet Referral](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/vet-referral-form) [Questions? 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Call (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445) ![](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Veterinarian%20Examining%20Labrador%20Retriever%20with%20MRI%20Machine.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Veterinarian%20Examining%20Labrador%20Retriever%20with%20MRI%20Machine.png) Inflammatory Lesions # Case Study: MRI + CSF Reveal Inflammatory Brain Disease ![Veterinary Outpatient MRI](https://7528315.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528315/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-cms-elevate-theme_hubspot/elevate/images/avatar-placeholder.jpg?width=48&height=48&name=avatar-placeholder.jpg) Veterinary Outpatient MRI April 13, 2026 ## Signalment & Presentation **Patient:** “Bella,” 4-year-old female spayed Labrador Retriever **Chief Complaint:** New-onset seizures Bella’s owner reported two generalized seizures within 24 hours. Prior to this, she had been healthy with no known medical issues. After the second episode, she appeared disoriented and fatigued but returned to near normal between events. --- ## Initial Workup Bella was evaluated by her primary veterinarian. **Findings:** - Physical exam: Normal - Neurologic exam: Subtle abnormalities (mild proprioceptive delay) - Bloodwork: - CBC: Normal - Chemistry panel: Normal - Glucose: Normal - Liver values: Normal **Interpretation:** No evidence of metabolic or toxic cause for seizures. At this point, the focus shifted to **intracranial disease**. --- ## Advanced Imaging — MRI Bella underwent a high-field MRI of the brain. ![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-1/T16OGFL_jWM2JIumDOLCreUalX-8JGZ7YqUd_sZ69X8EoTdKJoWfKxu_JA_poVFMX6BgKvL60YB9JaOKjwfUs_jM0jz2gab6bLzAbYHnRmvO6fqrCnyj9E7UOKfm2E4BJMBBdv6YTNsgH7h_vMyEGA) ![](https://hallmarq.net/app/uploads/2022/07/Dogwood-Case-Study-Hypertropic-Meningitis-Figure-2.jpg) **MRI Findings:** - Multifocal hyperintense lesions within the forebrain - Poorly defined margins - Mild surrounding edema **Interpretation:** Findings were **highly suggestive of inflammatory brain disease**, but not definitive for cause. At this stage, MRI answered: *“Is there a structural abnormality?”* → **Yes** But not yet: *“What is causing it?”* --- ## Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Based on MRI findings, CSF was recommended. **Results:** - Elevated nucleated cell count - Predominantly mononuclear inflammation - Increased protein **Diagnosis:** **Meningoencephalitis (inflammatory brain disease)** --- ## Why Both MRI and CSF Mattered This case highlights the distinction: - **MRI** - Identified that a structural brain abnormality was present - Localized the disease - Narrowed the differential list - **CSF** - Confirmed inflammation - Helped differentiate from neoplasia - Guided treatment decisions Neither test alone would have provided the full picture. --- ## Treatment & Outcome Bella was started on: - Anti-seizure medication - Immunosuppressive therapy **Follow-up:** - No additional seizures after stabilization - Neurologic status improved over several weeks --- ## Clinical Takeaway **In dogs with seizures and normal bloodwork, intracranial disease must be considered.** - MRI determines **whether a structural brain problem exists** - CSF determines **what type of disease is present** - Skipping imaging risks missing treatable inflammatory conditions Performing CSF without imaging risks incomplete or misleading diagnosis ## Share this post [mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Fcase-study-seizures-revealing-inflammatory-brain-disease](mailto:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vetoutpatientmri.com%2Fveterinary-outpatient-mri-blog%2Fcase-study-seizures-revealing-inflammatory-brain-disease) ## Keep reading ### [![Veterinarian reviewing spinal and neurological MRI scans for a dog being evaluated for advanced veterinary imaging referral.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Veterinarian%20Reviewing%20MRI%20Scan%20with%20Calm%20Dog%20in%20Diagnostic%20Center-1.png) When Should a Veterinarian Refer a Pet for MRI Imaging?](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/when-should-a-veterinarian-refer-a-pet-for-mri-imaging) ### [![Dog showing signs of back pain during a veterinary neurological examination while a veterinarian reviews spinal MRI imaging for possible IVDD or spinal cord compression.](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png?width=1024&height=1024&name=Concerned%20Dog%20Owner%20Comforting%20Dog%20with%20Spinal%20Discomfort-1.png) Signs Your Dog’s Back Pain Could Be Something More Serious](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-outpatient-mri-blog/signs-your-dogs-back-pain-could-be-something-more-serious) [![Yellow MRI LOG](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/hs-fs/hubfs/yellow.png?width=300&height=195&name=yellow.png "Yellow MRI LOG")](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/home) - [Home](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/veterinary-mri-phoenix-dog-cat-spine-seizure-scans) - Services - [Pricing](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-much-does-a-dog-mri-cost) - [About](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/how-it-works) - Referrals **Contact Us        [Phone: (602) 825-3445](tel:+16028253445)              Email: [admin@vetoutpatientmri.com](mailto:admin@vetoutpatientmri.com)** [Privacy Policy](https://www.vetoutpatientmri.com/privacy-policy)· Legal · © 2025 Veterinary Outpatient MRI.  All rights reserved.  Veterinary Facility License NO. 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