Comparison of 2.0 mg/kg/day and 0.5 mg/kg/day immunosuppressive dexamethasone protocols as initial treatment for dogs with MUO

TL;DR

This study compared two dexamethasone dosing protocols for dogs with MUO and found no significant difference in short-term neurological or gastrointestinal outcomes.

Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on the short-term efficacy and safety of different dexamethasone doses for treating canine MUO.

Findings

No significant difference in neurological improvement between the two dexamethasone dosing groups.

Gastrointestinal signs occurred in 28.3% of dogs, with no significant difference between the two groups.

Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and potential dose-dependent outcomes.

Abstract

Canine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) is a common immune-mediated neurological disorder primarily treated with corticosteroids. However, the optimal initial dosing regimen remains unclear.

This prospective, randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the short-term clinical efficacy and gastrointestinal (GIT) safety of two intravenous dexamethasone dosing protocols (0.5 mg/kg/day vs. 2.0 mg/kg/day) in dogs diagnosed with MUO. Neurological and GI scoring systems were used to assess outcomes over a four-day hospitalization period.

Sixty dogs were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the 0.5 mg/kg/day (n = 30) or 2.0 mg/kg/day (n = 30) dexamethasone group. Neurological improvement was observed in 57 (95.0%) dogs, while 3 (5.0%) deteriorated, including 2 (3.3%) that died. No significant difference in neurological score changes was found between groups. Among the 58 survivors, 17 (28.3%) developed GIT signs, with 11 dogs in the 2.0 mg/kg/day group and 6 in the 0.5 mg/kg/day group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of GIT signs between groups, nor in the GIT score changes over time.

This study has not identified a significant difference in short term outcome using different dosing protocols of dexamethasone in dogs diagnosed with MUO. Further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are warranted to investigate the potential dose-dependent effects of dexamethasone on both neurological and GIT outcomes.

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