Gonçalves, R 
ORCID: 0000-0001-5420-9801, Walmsley, G ORCID: 0009-0000-0727-8265 and Maddox, TW
(2025)
Brain Atrophy in Dogs With Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Origin
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 39 (4).
e70095-.
ISSN 0891-6640, 1939-1676
Abstract
Background: 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. Objectives: To determine whether brain atrophy occurs in MUO and evaluate if there is an association between atrophy and survival or relapse. Animals: Twenty-three dogs diagnosed with MUO that underwent MRI of the brain on two occasions at least six months apart. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: 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 & 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: | 09 Jul 2025 09:55 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Jan 2026 04:11 |
| 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 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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