PetCaseFinder

Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

MRI findings that predict survival and relapse in dogs

By Gonçalves, Rita et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2024·Department of Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Magnetic resonance imaging prognostic factors for survival and relapse in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A group of 138 dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) underwent MRI scans to help predict their chances of survival and the risk of relapse. The scans showed that dogs with fewer lesions in certain brain areas had a better chance of living longer, while those with more lesions were more likely to experience a relapse of the disease. Understanding these MRI findings can help veterinarians make better treatment decisions for affected dogs.

People also search for: dog meningoencephalitis treatment · MRI findings in dogs · dog brain disease prognosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Canine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a debilitating disease associated with high mortality. The prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting survival at 12 months and long-term relapse remains uncertain. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the prognostic value of different MRI variables using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: In total, 138 dogs were presumptively diagnosed with MUO. The most common location for lesions identified on MRI were the white matter tracts of the corona radiata and corpus callosum, followed by the frontal, sensorimotor and temporal cortices. Lower T2 lesion load (= 0.006, OR = 0.942, CI = 0.902-0.983) was associated with longer survival and higher T1 post-contrast lesion load (= 0.023, OR = 1.162, CI = 1.021-1.322) was associated with relapse. DISCUSSION: This study has identified prognostic factors that may help identify dogs at higher risk of death and relapse and therefore guide treatment recommendations.

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/38482167/