A case of meningoencephalitis managed with imatinib mesylate in a maltese dog; clinical and serial magnetic resonance imaging findings

Abstract

A 5-year-old intact female Maltese dog was referred to us with a history of left side head tilt and ataxia. Based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid analysis results, the patient was tentatively diagnosed to meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Clinical signs were gradually improved and diminished after imatinib mesylate plus prednisolone therapy. At 90 days after treatment, we performed MRI recheck and brain inflammatory lesions were significantly improved compared with initial MRI results. However, the present patient showed head turn and tetraparesis after anesthesia and euthanized according to client’s request. This report describes the clinical findings, serial magnetic resonance imaging characteristics under imatinib mesylate treatment in a MUE case. ? 2017, Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics. All rights reserved.