Prognostic factors for dogs with granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis: 42 cases (1982-1996)
Muñana, K.R.; Luttgen, P.J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 212(12): 1902-1906
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9638190 Document Number: 493487
The medical records of 42 dogs with granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) were examined to assess signalment, clinical signs, results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, treatment, and survival times, and to identify factors associated with survival. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess survival times. The Cox proportional hazards method was used to identify predictors of survival. Females and toy and terrier breeds were predisposed to GME. Half of the dogs had focal neurological signs, and half had multifocal involvement. Clinical signs referable to the forebrain were commonest with focal involvement, whereas signs referable to the forebrain and brainstem were mostly seen with multifocal involvement. CSF analysis commonly revealed a mononuclear pleocytosis. Survival times ranged from 1 to >1215 days. Significant differences in survival times were demonstrated for the following factors: focal versus multifocal clinical signs, neurolocalization of focal signs, and treatment with radiation. Radiation was the only independent predictor of survival. Dogs with signs suggesting focal involvement of GME tend to survive longer than those with multifocal involvement. It is concluded that radiation is an effective treatment for dogs with GME, particularly those with clinical signs suggesting focal involvement.