Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Survival and relapse risks in dogs with unknown brain inflammation
By Gonçalves, Rita et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2024·Department of Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prognosis in meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs: Risk factors associated with survival, clinical relapse, and long-term disability.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 447 dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO), a serious brain inflammation, was studied to understand their chances of survival and recovery. About 82% of these dogs survived their hospital stay, but only 63.5% were still alive six months later, with many experiencing ongoing neurological issues. Factors like being a pug, having seizures, weakness, and higher disability scores at diagnosis were linked to a lower chance of survival. Unfortunately, over half of the dogs experienced a relapse during treatment. Understanding these factors can help veterinarians provide better care and guidance to pet owners facing this challenging condition.
People also search for: dog meningoencephalitis prognosis · pug seizures treatment · dog brain inflammation recovery · neurological problems in dogs · dog relapse meningoencephalitis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) comprises a group of noninfectious inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system of dogs. Previous studies have reported individual risk factors for survival but prognostication for MUO remains challenging. OBJECTIVES: Identify clinical prognostic variables in dogs with MUO. ANIMALS: A retrospective study of 447 dogs presented to 2 UK referral hospitals and diagnosed with MUO. METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with MUO were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the identification of risk factors for survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis for the identification of risk factors for clinical relapse. RESULTS: Eighty-two percent (366/447) of dogs with presumptive MUO survived to discharge and 63.5% (284/447) were alive at 6 months; 36% of the latter (103/284) had persistent neurological deficits. Breed (pugs; P = .03), epileptic seizures (P < .001), paresis (P < .001), and higher neurodisability scale (NDS) score (P < .001) at presentation were negatively associated with survival to 6 months. Dogs with persistent deficits had higher NDS scores on presentation (P = .001). Median follow-up time was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1-24) and 50.6% (160/316) relapsed during treatment (median time to relapse, 7 months; IQR, 2-15). Incomplete resolution of the clinical signs during the 6 months after diagnosis (P < .001), higher NDS score (P < .001), and longer duration of the clinical signs (P < .001) were associated with relapse. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Knowledge of risk factors associated with survival, incomplete recovery and clinical relapse in MUO can help guide monitoring and treatment and improve owner communications regarding prognosis for this debilitating disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38483069/