Treatment Duration With Steroid Monotherapy in Dogs With Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis

Abstract

PICO question In dogs suspected of having steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), how long should immunosuppressive monotherapy with steroids be undertaken in order to achieve clinical resolution without relapse of clinical signs? Clinical bottom line Based on the currently available literature, steroid treatment using the protocol outlined in Lowrie et al. (2009) at a gradually tapering dose over a course of 6 months, appeared to lead to clinical remission in all cases, with a disease free post treatment interval of at least 6 months. However, further research is needed as there are currently three published papers with a low number of cases, so a definitive time course cannot be suggested until stronger evidence is available.