Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRI findings in UK dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis
By Jones, B A et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2025·Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in the UK and their clinical significance: 53 cases (2013-2021).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 53 dogs diagnosed with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (an inflammatory condition affecting the brain and spinal cord) underwent MRI scans to assess their condition. Common MRI findings included changes in the muscles near the spine and areas of increased fluid in the spinal cord, which were linked to symptoms like weakness or paralysis. Despite the severity of the MRI results, nearly all dogs (98.1%) survived their treatment, although some experienced relapses. This suggests that while the condition can be serious, most dogs have a good chance of recovery with appropriate care.
People also search for: dog meningitis treatment · dog paralysis MRI results · steroid-responsive meningitis in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the MRI findings in a UK referral population of dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis and to determine if they were associated with any specific clinical features or outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multi-centre retrospective case series of dogs diagnosed with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in the UK that underwent MRI. Blinded consensus review of the MRI studies was performed and the findings described. The presence or absence of specific MRI abnormalities were analysed for significant associations with presenting signs, results of investigations or case outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-three dogs were included. The most common MRI findings were paravertebral muscle changes (30/53; 56.6%), meningeal contrast enhancement (13/41; 31.7%) and spinal cord parenchymal T2-W hyperintensity (15/53; 28.3%). Haemorrhage was observed in five of 53 (9.4%) cases - three intradural-extramedullary, one intramedullary and one extradural. Following binary logistic regressions, T2-W spinal cord parenchymal hyperintensity had a significant positive association with paresis/paralysis (odds ratio 14.86, 95% confidence interval 1.42 to 154.99) as did haemorrhage (odds ratio 16.12, confidence interval 2.05 to 126.73). Fifty-two (98.1%) dogs survived to discharge. Relapse occurred in nine of 29 (31.0%) dogs with sufficient follow-up, and no MRI finding had a significant relationship with its occurrence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Magnetic resonance imaging findings for steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis can be severe and extensive, as can the clinical presentation. The presence of paresis/paralysis should raise concern for haemorrhage, though most dogs still have a good prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39228252/