Suspected pregnancy‐associated meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 1‐year 5‐month‐old, female, entire Parson Russell terrier was referred for investigations of focal epileptic seizures and behavioural changes. The clinical signs started 4 days after whelping its first litter. On presentation, the neurological examination was unremarkable. Neuroanatomical localisation was the forebrain. A brain magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral, asymmetric, intra‐axial, T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense, T1‐weighted hypointense, mildly to non‐contrast‐enhancing lesions in the piriform cortex. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was within normal limits, and main infectious diseases were ruled out. Based on the presentation, findings and progression of clinical signs, a meningoencephalitis of unknown origin was suspected. In the present case, a positive response to immunosuppressive medication was observed. A well‐established link between pregnancy and immune‐mediated diseases, including meningoencephalitis, has been described in humans. This connection could have been the reason of the clinical signs, and this is supported by the recent pregnancy, presentation and positive response to immunosuppressive medication.