Treatment Duration With Steroid Monotherapy in Dogs With Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis

Richard William Lawn

doi:10.18849/ve.v4i1.221

Richard William Lawn University of Bristol, Langford Vets, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU University of Bristol

Published:

2019-03-28

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v4i1.221

Abstract

PICO question

In dogs suspected of having steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), how long should immunosuppressive monotherapy with steroids be undertaken in order to achieve clinical resolution without relapse of clinical signs?

Clinical bottom line

Based on the currently available literature, steroid treatment using the protocol outlined in Lowrie et al. (2009) at a gradually tapering dose over a course of 6 months, appeared to lead to clinical remission in all cases, with a disease free post treatment interval of at least 6 months. However, further research is needed as there are currently three published papers with a low number of cases, so a definitive time course cannot be suggested until stronger evidence is available.

Author Biography

Richard William Lawn, University of Bristol, Langford Vets, Langford, Somerset, BS40 5DU University of Bristol

Bristol Veterinary School, Langford Vets Referrals

Intern in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

References

Tipold, A. and Jaggy, A. (1994) ‘Steroid responsive meningitis‐arteritis in dogs: Long‐term study of 32 cases’, The Journal of small animal practice. Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111), 35(6), pp. 311–316. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1994.tb03293.x

Cizinauskas, S., Jaggy, A. and Tipold, A. (2000) ‘Long-term treatment of dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis: clinical, laboratory and therapeutic results’, Journal of Small Animal Practice. Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111), 41(7), pp. 295–301. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2000.tb03205.x

Lowrie, M., Penderis, J., McLaughlin, M., Eckersall, P. D. and Anderson, T. J. (2009) ‘Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis: A Prospective Study of Potential Disease Markers, Prednisolone Treatment, and Long-Term Outcome in 20 Dogs (2006–2008)’, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 23(4), pp. 862–870. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0337.x

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