Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Biomarkers and diagnosis of steroid responsive meningitis in dogs
By Andersen-Ranberg, Emilie et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2021·Copenhagen University·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Biomarkers of non-infectious inflammatory CNS diseases in dogs: Where are we now? Part 2 - Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Beagle was brought in for severe neck pain and signs of neurological issues, which led to a diagnosis of steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA). This condition causes inflammation in the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord, resulting in serious symptoms. The vet treated the dog with corticosteroids, which helped reduce the inflammation and improve the dog's condition. While there are no specific tests to diagnose SRMA, certain markers like IgA and C-reactive protein can be helpful in the evaluation process. The dog responded well to treatment and showed significant improvement.
People also search for: dog neck pain treatment · Beagle meningitis symptoms · corticosteroids for dog inflammation
Abstract
Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) in dogs causes severe inflammation of meningeal arteries leading to generalized meningitis with possible neurological signs, as well as a systemic inflammatory response. The etiology and exact pathogenesis are unknown, but an immune-mediated origin has been suggested and is supported by a positive response to immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids. A collection of clinical and paraclinical characteristics may be highly indicative of SRMA, but a single and conclusive diagnostic test or biomarker is currently not available. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current understanding and knowledge on SRMA, with special emphasis on potential biomarkers and their applicability in the diagnostic work-up. Though no specific markers for SRMA currently exist, clinically useful markers include IgA and several acute phase proteins e.g. C-reactive protein. A frequent problem of both acknowledged and proposed biomarkers, is, however, their inability to effectively differentiate SRMA from other systemic inflammatory conditions. Other proposed diagnostic markers include genetic markers, acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A, cytokines such as interleukin-17 and CC-motif ligand 19, endocannabinoid receptors and heat shock protein 70; these suggestions however either lack specificity or need further investigation.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34148607/