Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026
09:46
Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Published on: September 21, 2021
5.3K
Relapses in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis
E Biedermann1, A Tipold2, T Flegel1
1Department of Small Animal Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|November 20, 2015
Summary
Relapses are common in steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs. Elevated C-reactive protein suggests continuing treatment, but normal levels do not rule out future relapses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Immunology
- Canine Medicine
Background:
- Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an immune-mediated disease affecting dogs.
- Understanding relapse patterns is crucial for effective long-term management of SRMA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of relapses in dogs diagnosed with SRMA.
- To identify clinical and laboratory parameters associated with relapses in SRMA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 74 dogs with SRMA.
- Categorization into groups: no relapse, at least one relapse, unknown relapse status.
- Analysis of clinical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Main Results:
- Relapses occurred in 32.4% of dogs with SRMA.
- Normal serum and cerebrospinal fluid CRP levels at 3-month re-evaluation were observed in 80% and 75% of dogs with relapses, respectively.
- In dogs without relapse, serum and cerebrospinal fluid CRP levels were normal in 100% and 90% at 3-month re-evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Relapses are frequent in SRMA, with no single reliable predictive indicator identified in this cohort.
- Elevated serum CRP may warrant continued therapy, but normal CRP does not preclude future relapses.
- Further research is needed to identify reliable predictors of relapse in SRMA.
