Gonçalves, Rita 
ORCID: 0000-0001-5420-9801, Walmsley, Gemma ORCID: 0009-0000-0727-8265 and Maddox, Thomas W
(2025)
Brain Atrophy in Dogs With Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Origin.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 39 (4).
e70095-.
ISSN 0891-6640, 1939-1676
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Information regarding repeat magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is sparse and it is unknown whether brain atrophy occurs.<h4>Objectives</h4>To determine whether brain atrophy occurs in MUO and evaluate if there is an association between atrophy and survival or relapse.<h4>Animals</h4>Twenty-three dogs diagnosed with MUO that underwent MRI of the brain on two occasions at least six months apart.<h4>Methods</h4>Retrospective study. Interthalamic adhesion thickness to brain height ratio (ITr), lateral ventricle to brain height ratio (LVr), interthalamic adhesion thickness/brain height to lateral ventricle/brain height (ITr/LVr), bicaudate ratio (BCR) and total parenchymal brain volume (TPBV) were measured on both MRI studies and compared.<h4>Results</h4>Thirteen dogs relapsed and four died during the study period. Median time between MRIs was 12 months, and only one imaging study (1/23) was considered normal on the second scan. All MRI variables measured significantly changed between imaging studies, but only higher TPBV was associated with increased survival (OR = 1.59, CI = 1.006-2.51, p = 0.047); no variables were found to be associated with relapse. New lesions were identified in six dogs (four of which also showed contrast enhancing lesions), with 5/6 of these dogs subsequently relapsing.<h4>Conclusions and clinical importance</h4>Brain atrophy likely occurs in dogs with MUO and is associated with worse outcomes. Clinical relapse might be likely in dogs with new or contrast-enhancing lesions on repeat MRI, so more aggressive treatment should be considered in these dogs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Brain, Animals, Dogs, Meningoencephalitis, Dog Diseases, Atrophy, Recurrence, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Retrospective Studies, Female, Male |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Jul 2025 09:55 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Jul 2025 21:42 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jvim.70095 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.70095 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3193648 |
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