STEROID-RESPONSIVE, CERVICAL, PYOGRANULOMATOUS PACHYMENINGITIS IN A DOG

Syndromes of steroid-responsive meningitis have been described in the dog and typically are characterized by neutrophilic pleocytosis and an elevated protein concentration of the cerebrospinal fluid. In a minor ity of cases, histopathology has demonstrated suppurative leptomeninge al (i.e., arachnoid and pia) inflammation. A case of compressive, cerv ical, pyogranulomatous inflammation of undetermined cause affecting th e dura mater (i.e., pachymeningitis), accompanied by fever and hyperpa thia, is presented. The pachymeningitis ultimately regressed with long -term immunosuppressive therapy. This case shares features with hypert rophic spinal pachymeningitis of humans, an uncommon, frequently idiop athic, chronic inflammatory disorder causing dural hypertrophy, radicu lopathy, and spinal cord compression.