Uveodermatologic syndrome presenting with concurrent aseptic meningoencephalitis in a dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Immunology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Canine uveodermatologic syndrome (UDS) is an autoimmune condition resembling human Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.
• Neurological involvement is rare in canine UDS, making its diagnosis and management challenging.

Observation:

• A 3-year-old Australian shepherd with UDS developed neurological signs, including head tilt, circling, and deafness, post-enucleation.
• Diagnostic imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE).

Findings:

• The dog showed significant improvement with oral immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone and cyclosporine).
• MUE relapsed upon dose reduction, necessitating increased immunosuppression.
• This case represents the second reported instance of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like meningoencephalitis in a dog and the first confirmed via MRI and CSF analysis.

Implications:

• UDS should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with MUE and concurrent ocular/cutaneous signs.
• Vigilant monitoring for neurological signs or more aggressive immunosuppressive treatment may be warranted for dogs diagnosed with UDS post-enucleation to prevent neurological progression.