Prognosis in meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs: Risk factors associated with survival, clinical relapse, and long-term disability

Gonçalves, R ORCID: 0000-0001-5420-9801, De Decker, S ORCID: 0000-0002-2505-2152, Walmsley, G ORCID: 0009-0000-0727-8265 and Maddox, TW (2024) Prognosis in meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs: Risk factors associated with survival, clinical relapse, and long-term disability Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 38 (3). pp. 1583-1590. ISSN 0891-6640, 1939-1676

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Abstract

Background: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) comprises a group of noninfectious inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system of dogs. Previous studies have reported individual risk factors for survival but prognostication for MUO remains challenging. Objectives: Identify clinical prognostic variables in dogs with MUO. Animals: A retrospective study of 447 dogs presented to 2 UK referral hospitals and diagnosed with MUO. Methods: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with MUO were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable logistic regression was used for the identification of risk factors for survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis for the identification of risk factors for clinical relapse. Results: Eighty-two percent (366/447) of dogs with presumptive MUO survived to discharge and 63.5% (284/447) were alive at 6 months; 36% of the latter (103/284) had persistent neurological deficits. Breed (pugs; P =.03), epileptic seizures (P <.001), paresis (P <.001), and higher neurodisability scale (NDS) score (P <.001) at presentation were negatively associated with survival to 6 months. Dogs with persistent deficits had higher NDS scores on presentation (P =.001). Median follow-up time was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR], 1-24) and 50.6% (160/316) relapsed during treatment (median time to relapse, 7 months; IQR, 2-15). Incomplete resolution of the clinical signs during the 6 months after diagnosis (P <.001), higher NDS score (P <.001), and longer duration of the clinical signs (P <.001) were associated with relapse. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Knowledge of risk factors associated with survival, incomplete recovery and clinical relapse in MUO can help guide monitoring and treatment and improve owner communications regarding prognosis for this debilitating disease.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Animals, Dogs, Meningoencephalitis, Dog Diseases, Recurrence, Prognosis, Risk Factors, Survival Analysis, Retrospective Studies, Female, Male
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	18 Mar 2024 10:04
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2026 04:50
DOI:	10.1111/jvim.17037
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17037
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3179630
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