Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ciclosporin treatment for unknown brain inflammation in dogs
By Adamo, P F et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Department of Medical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ciclosporin use in multi-drug therapy for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Ten dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown cause (a serious brain and spinal cord inflammation) were treated with ciclosporin, either alone or with other medications like corticosteroids and ketoconazole. The dogs showed significant improvement in their symptoms, and their blood tests did not reveal any major issues. Some side effects included excessive shedding and gum overgrowth, but overall, the dogs had a median survival time of about 930 days. This suggests that ciclosporin can be a safe and effective treatment option for this condition in dogs.
People also search for: dog meningoencephalomyelitis treatment · ciclosporin side effects in dogs · dog brain inflammation symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciclosporin therapy alone or in combination with corticosteroids and/or ketoconazole in dogs with diagnosis of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology. METHODS: Medical records of 10 dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology and treated with ciclosporin therapy alone or in combination with corticosteroids and/or ketoconazole were reviewed at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Laboratory abnormalities, side effects, clinical and cerebrospinal fluid responses to treatment and association between blood ciclosporin level and response to treatment were evaluated. Histopathological diagnosis was available in three patients. RESULTS: No significant abnormalities were detected on serial complete blood count and serum chemistry panel in any of the dogs. Side effects of ciclosporin therapy included excessive shedding, gingival hyperplasia and hypertrichosis. Overall median survival time for all dogs in the study was 930 days (range, 60 to more than 1290 days). In all dogs, serial cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a marked improvement in the inflammation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggest that ciclosporin either alone or in combination with ketoconazole may be a safe and effective treatment for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17617166/