Clinical Features, MRI Findings, Treatment, and Outcomes in Dogs with Haemorrhagic Myelopathy Secondary to Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis: Nine Cases (2017–2024)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This retrospective multicentre study investigated haemorrhagic myelopathy as a rare complication of steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) in nine dogs. The affected dogs exhibited varied neurological deficits, including cervical hyperesthesia, generalised stiffness, ambulatory tetraparesis, and, in the most severe cases, paraplegia without nociception. MRI findings primarily localised haemorrhagic lesions to the thoracolumbar (T3-L3) region, with intradural-extramedullary haemorrhages being the most common type. Most cases responded favourably to immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone, either alone or in combination with cytarabine. Surgical intervention, performed in a case of compressive extradural haemorrhage, led to a successful recovery of ambulation. Two cases presented or developed paraplegia without nociception, despite immunosuppression. These findings emphasise the importance of advanced imaging and timely therapeutic interventions in addressing atypical and severe manifestations of SRMA.
Source: Veterinary Sciences
Authors: Giuseppe Vitello, Beatrice Enrica Carletti, Sergio A. Gomes, Luca Motta, Alessia Colverde, Andrea Holmes, Massimo Mariscoli
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W4410411187