PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR DOGS WITH GRANULOMATOUS MENINGOENCEPHALOMYELITIS - 42 CASES (1982-1996)

Objective-To assess signalment, clinical signs, results of CSF analysi s, treatment, and survival times in dogs with granulomatous meningoenc ephalomyelitis (GME) and to identify factors associated with survival. Design-Retrospective study. Sample Population-Medical records of 42 d ogs with GME. Procedure-Information on signalment, neurolocalization, presence of focal or multifocal signs, results of CSF analysis, method of treatment, and time from onset of clinical signs to death was retr ieved from medical records of each dog. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess survival times. The Cox proportional hazards metho d was used to identify predictors of survival. Results-Females and toy and terrier breeds were predisposed to GME. Half of the dogs had foca l neurologic signs, and half had multifocal involvement. Clinical sign s referable to the forebrain were most common with focal involvement, whereas signs referable to the forebrain and brainstem were most commo nly seen with multifocal involvement. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis com monly revealed a mononuclear pleocytosis. Survival times ranged from 1 to > 1,215 days. Significant differences in survival times were demon strated for the following factors: focal versus multifocal clinical si gns, neurolocalization of focal signs, and treatment with radiation. R adiation was the only independent predictor of survival. Clinical Impl ications-Dogs with signs suggesting focal involvement of GME tend to s urvive longer than those with multifocal involvement. Radiation is an effective treatment for dogs with GME, particularly those with clinica l signs suggesting focal involvement.