Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vision loss in dogs with optic neuritis treated by immune suppression
By Bedos, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2020·Animal Health Trust, 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 We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above.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: Presumed optic neuritis of non-infectious origin in dogs treated with immunosuppressive medication: 28 dogs (2000-2015).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-month-old Labrador was brought in with sudden vision problems, which led to a diagnosis of presumed optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) of non-infectious origin. The veterinarian performed various tests, including MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and found that many dogs had signs of optic nerve disease. All dogs were treated with immunosuppressive medication, primarily prednisolone, and about 64% of them showed improvement in their vision. This suggests that immunosuppressive treatment can be effective for dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog vision problems treatment · optic neuritis in dogs · prednisolone for dog eye issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging features, management and outcome of canine cases with presumed optic neuritis of non-infectious origin that were presented to a UK referral centre from January 2000 to December 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical database was searched for optic neuritis. Dogs with acute-onset vision impairment, systemic immunosuppressive treatment and follow-up of ≥6 months were included. Information collected included: age; gender; breed; clinical signs and duration; physical, ophthalmic and neurological examination findings; concurrent systemic disease; and results of electroretinogram, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, polymerase chain reaction and serology testing for Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and canine distemper virus, haematology and serum biochemistry profiles, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiography, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dogs were included, with a total of 48 affected optic nerves. Age at presentation ranged from 6 months to 10.5 years. Fundoscopic evidence of optic nerve disease was present in 34 of 48 (71%) optic nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of 32 of 48 (67%) nerves and contrast enhancement of 28 of 48 (58%) nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed in 25 of 28 (89%) dogs revealed pleocytosis (>5 nucleated cells/uL) in 11 of 25 (44%) and increased protein (>0.35 g/L) in 11 of 25 (44%). Immunosuppressive prednisolone was administered to all dogs. Prednisolone was used alone in 9 of 28 (32%) dogs; the remaining 19 dogs received a combination of prednisolone with cytosine arabinoside, cyclosporine and/or azathioprine. Vision was recovered in 24 eyes (50%) of 18 affected dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A positive response to treatment was observed in 64% of dogs with presumptively diagnosed optic neuritis treated with immunosuppressive medication.
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/32989769/