Juvenile-onset polyarthritis syndrome in Akitas

Two young Akitas were examined because of manifestation of a juvenile-onset form of polyarthritis. A search of medical records at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine found 6 more similarly affected Akitas. The clinical manifestations were marked by cyclic febrile illness and signs of profound joint-related pain. Two dogs had concurrent aseptic meningitis. The syndrome resembles juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in human beings, although it shares features with systemic lupus erythematosus. Pedigree analysis of affected Akitas supported a heritable component to the syndrome. Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs was effective in 2 dogs that achieved complete remission, and in 2 dogs that achieved only partial remission. Classification of this syndrome is difficult and may represent an "overlap" syndrome commonly described in human beings.