A Fatal Case of Acute Steroid Responsive Meningitis Arteritis in a Dog

Nine years old female boxer was evaluated for progressive tetraparesis, cranial nerve deficits, lethargy and stupor. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 379 u/l, asparaginian aminotransferase (AST) 55 u/l, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 685 u/l and creatinine kinase (CK) 511 u/l, and elevated acute phase proteins C-reactive protein (CRP) 70 mg/ml. The cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed a mixed pleocytosis, protein content elevation (315 mg/dl) and positive Pandy reaction. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in CSF was elevated (357 μg/ml), CRP was characteristic for a presentation period of disease (70 mg/ml). MRI examination revealed multifocal, diffused lesions in grey matter of frontal, occipital lobes. The white matter lesions were detected in cranial fossa region, thalamus, medulla oblongata and pons. The lesions were enhanced after contrast administration. Ventricular system was compressed; sediment was present in both of them. The biochemistry CSF results and MRI image were characteristic for steroid responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA).