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Presumed optic neuritis of non‐infectious origin in dogs treated with immunosuppressive medication: 28 dogs (2000‐2015)
Author(s) -
Bedos L.,
Tetas R.,
Crespo V.,
Shea A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/jsap.13233
Subject(s) - medicine , optic neuritis , pleocytosis , prednisolone , optic nerve , magnetic resonance imaging , gastroenterology , cerebrospinal fluid , pathology , ophthalmology , multiple sclerosis , radiology , immunology
Objective To describe the clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging features, management and outcome of canine cases with presumed optic neuritis of non‐infectious origin that were presented to a UK referral centre from January 2000 to December 2015. Materials and Methods The clinical database was searched for optic neuritis. Dogs with acute‐onset vision impairment, systemic immunosuppressive treatment and follow‐up of ≥6 months were included. Information collected included: age; gender; breed; clinical signs and duration; physical, ophthalmic and neurological examination findings; concurrent systemic disease; and results of electroretinogram, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, polymerase chain reaction and serology testing for Toxoplasma gondii , Neospora caninum and canine distemper virus, haematology and serum biochemistry profiles, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiography, treatment and outcome. Results Twenty‐eight dogs were included, with a total of 48 affected optic nerves. Age at presentation ranged from 6 months to 10.5 years. Fundoscopic evidence of optic nerve disease was present in 34 of 48 (71%) optic nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlargement of 32 of 48 (67%) nerves and contrast enhancement of 28 of 48 (58%) nerves. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed in 25 of 28 (89%) dogs revealed pleocytosis (>5 nucleated cells/uL) in 11 of 25 (44%) and increased protein (>0.35 g/L) in 11 of 25 (44%). Immunosuppressive prednisolone was administered to all dogs. Prednisolone was used alone in 9 of 28 (32%) dogs; the remaining 19 dogs received a combination of prednisolone with cytosine arabinoside, cyclosporine and/or azathioprine. Vision was recovered in 24 eyes (50%) of 18 affected dogs. Clinical Significance A positive response to treatment was observed in 64% of dogs with presumptively diagnosed optic neuritis treated with immunosuppressive medication.