A case of treatment of idiopathic immune-mediated polyarthritis in a dog

Abstract

A 12-year-old, castrated male, mixed-breed dog was referred to us with a history of depression, lameness, neck and multiple joints pain. Clinical signs had been deteriorating from rear limbs lameness leading to pain on all four limbs lameness for 7 days. Mild leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein concentration were revealed in blood work. On radiography, degenerative change of humerus and cervical intervertebral space narrowing were found. The results of synovial fluid analysis revealed severe neutrophilic pleocytosis, decreased viscosity, increased turbidity and bacterial culture was negative. The antinuclear antibody test was negative and MRI results revealed mild cervical intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Based on all tests, we diagnosed this case as idiopathic immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA). Prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were administered and clinical signs were resolved after 7 days. This case report demonstrated that clinical, diagnostic imaging and synovial fluid analysis findings and successful treatment result with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil in canine idiopathic IMPA. ? 2015 Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics. All rights reserved.