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Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia in dogs
R C Windsor1, B K Sturges, K M Vernau
1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-8747, USA.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Idiopathic eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalomyelitis (EME) in dogs often resolves with prednisone treatment. Infectious causes of canine EME are rare and associated with a poor prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Marked eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalomyelitis (EME) is a rare condition in dogs with an undetermined cause.
- Prognosis for dogs with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia is variable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of canine eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalomyelitis (EME).
- To differentiate between idiopathic and infectious causes of EME in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 23 client-owned dogs with eosinophilic CSF (defined as >20% eosinophils).
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nucleated cell counts and differential counts.
- Review of diagnostic imaging (MRI) and necropsy findings.
- Evaluation of treatment response, particularly to prednisone.
Main Results:
- Infectious agents were identified in 4 of 23 dogs (17%), including Cryptococcus neoformans, Neospora caninum, and Baylisascaris procyonis, all with progressive neurologic deterioration.
- Idiopathic EME was diagnosed in 16 dogs, with 75% showing clinical improvement after prednisone treatment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were abnormal in 7 of 13 dogs, showing focal or multifocal lesions.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic EME is a common cause of eosinophilic pleocytosis in dogs.
- MRI findings in canine EME are variable.
- Infectious causes of EME are less frequent but carry a poorer prognosis.
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