Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs in Germany: Are there epidemiological or clinical factors influencing recurrence rate?

Steroid-responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system in dogs. The present study examined breed and sex predisposition factors based on the population of dogs in Germany as well as epidemiological and clinical factors regarding the relapse rate of SRMA. Data of 153 dogs with SRMA (SRMA) were analysed retrospectively in this multicentre study. It was investigated whether some dog breeds that suffer from SRMA were disproportionately more often (n ≥ 5) represented when compared to the total population of dogs in Germany. Furthermore it was examined which sex is affected more often. Data provided by "Verband für das deutsche Hundewesen" (VDH) and "Tasso e. V." was used as reference data of the total population. The following factors were investigated with regard to the occurrence of one or more relapses: signalment; body weight; age at first presentation; time period between last vaccination and onset of clinical signs; clinical signs and timepoint of the first SRMA manifestation; results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis at first presentation (nucleated cell count and differentiation, protein concentration); immunglobulin A and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in serum and CSF; immunosuppressive medication; follow-up data including response to therapy, occurrence of relapses and mortality including reasons, i. e. due to the disease, therapy or euthanasia. The breed had a statistically significant influence on the development of SRMA (p < 0.05). Beagles and Boxers were affected more often by SRMA than other breeds in relation to the total population in Germany. Relapses occurred in 29.4 % of the 153 dogs of this study. In contrast to the development of SRMA, in which male dogs have a significantly increased risk of developing SRMA (p < 0.05), female dogs are more likely to relapse (p = 0.02). Patients on prednisolone monotherapy had fewer relapses than those with prednisolone and azathioprine in combination (p < 0.05). Younger age (p = 0.071) und lower CRP concentrations (p = 0.081) at first presentation were tentatively associated with a higher incidence of relapses. The determined breed and sex predispositions support the diagnosis of SRMA arteritis and confirm previous observations. This study allows a more accurate explanation to owners about the risk of relapse.

Hilpert E ，Tipold A ，Meyerhoff N ，Schwerdt J ，Winkler S ，Jurina K ，Fischer A ，Kornberg M ，Parzefall B ，Flegel T ... -  《-》

The impact of demographic, social, and environmental factors on the development of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) in the United Kingdom.

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is an inflammatory disease of dogs that is suspected to be immune-mediated. The development of other immune-mediated diseases has been linked to vaccinations, time of the year, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed. To identify if the development of SRMA is associated with time of year, vaccination, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed. Sixty SRMA cases and 180 controls, all ≤24 months of age and matched for year of presentation, from a referral hospital population in the United Kingdom. Retrospective case-control study with unconditional logistic regression analysis. Beagles (P = .001), Border Collies (P = .001), Boxers (P = .032), Jack Russell Terriers (P = .001), Weimaraners (P = .048), and Whippets (P < .001) had significantly greater odds of developing SRMA in this population of dogs. Vaccination, time of year, geographic category, sex, and neuter status did not increase the odds of developing SRMA. Only breed increased the odds of developing SRMA. It would be prudent to investigate the genetics of the identified breeds to help elucidate the etiopathogenesis of SRMA.

Rose JH ，Kwiatkowska M ，Henderson ER ，Granger N ，Murray JK ，Harcourt-Brown TR ... -  《-》

Clinical characteristics, breed differences, and quality of life in North American dogs with acute steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis.

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a common inflammatory neurologic disorder of dogs for which certain breeds are predisposed. To determine whether breed differences exist in clinical features, treatment response, and relapse in a population of North American dogs with SRMA, and to evaluate the effect of disease on dogs' quality of life (QoL). Sixty-one client-owned dogs with SRMA: 29 dogs identified through an American Kennel Club-Canine Health Foundation survey and 32 dogs from North Carolina (NC) State Veterinary Hospital. Retrospective case series. Caregivers completed an online survey to assess QoL. Breeds represented most often included the Golden Retriever (n = 12), Bernese Mountain Dog (10), Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (9), Boxer (9), and Beagle (6). No breed differences were identified with respect to clinical severity, diagnostic findings, or outcome. Twenty-nine dogs (48%) had ≥1 disease relapse. There was a significant effect of cerebrospinal fluid nucleated cell count on the frequency of disease relapse (P = .003), but no relationship was identified between treatment protocol and relapse. Dogs' QoL was associated with the severity of corticosteroid-related adverse effects (P = .03), which were dose-related (r = .24, P = .02) and more prevalent in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons than in other breeds (P = .04). Golden Retrievers and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should be considered among the breeds recognized to develop SRMA. Treatment with higher corticosteroid dosages is correlated with more severe adverse effects and worse QoL, but it may not improve clinical outcome.

Lau J ，Nettifee JA ，Early PJ ，Mariani CL ，Olby NJ ，Muñana KR ... -  《-》

Steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis: a prospective study of potential disease markers, prednisolone treatment, and long-term outcome in 20 dogs (2006-2008).

Lowrie M ，Penderis J ，McLaughlin M ，Eckersall PD ，Anderson TJ ... -  《JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE》

Relapses in dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis.

To describe relapse rates in steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis and to describe clinical and laboratory parameters in dogs with and without relapses. Seventy-four dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis were retrospectively identified and assigned to one of three groups: (1) without relapse; (2) at least one relapse and (3) unknown relapse status. The following parameters are reported for the first two groups: sex, age, breed, body weight, nucleated cell count, total protein concentration and percentage of neutrophils on initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis, immunoglobulin A in serum and initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nucleated cell count on cerebrospinal fluid analysis at 3-month re-evaluation, C-reactive protein in serum and initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis and at 3-month re-evaluation. Relapses occurred in 32 · 4% of dogs (one relapse: 62 · 5%; two relapses: 25 · 0%; three relapses: 8 · 3%; four relapses: 4 · 2%), 55 · 4% were relapse-free and in 12 · 2% the relapse status was unknown. C-reactive protein in serum and cerebrospinal fluid on 3-month re-evaluation was normal in 80% and 75% of dogs with relapses, respectively. In dogs without relapse, C-reactive protein in serum and cerebrospinal fluid on 3-month re-evaluation was normal in 100% and 90% of dogs, respectively. Relapses are frequent but no reliable predictive indicator has emerged in this study. Nevertheless, elevated C-reactive protein in serum warrants continuing therapy; normal C-reactive protein in serum does not exclude future relapse.

Biedermann E ，Tipold A ，Flegel T 《-》