Immune-Mediated Central Nervous System Disease-Current Knowledge and Recommendations

Top Companion Anim Med. 2019 Mar:34:22-29. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.11.003. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Abstract

Immune-mediated inflammation is responsible for about 25% of central nervous system disease in dogs. The disease can affect all ages and breeds, but young to middle-aged small breed dogs are over-represented for most forms. Diagnosis consists of advanced imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and infectious disease testing, but biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis and classification of the disease into one of the many subtypes. Treatment consists of immunosuppressive medication with the goal being to control and/or improve clinical signs. Current literature shows that prognosis is variable.

Keywords: granulomatous meningoencephalitis; meningitis; meningoencephalitis; meningomyelitis; necrotizing leukoencephalitis; necrotizing meningoencephalitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biopsy / veterinary
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / immunology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dog Diseases / immunology*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation / veterinary*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Male
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents