Steroid Responsive Meningitis Arteritis in a 6-month-old Cane Corso
A 6-month-old, male intact Cane Corso presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals' (CUHA) Emergency Service for workup of progressive cervical pain of one week's duration and an incident of left pelvic limb lameness. The puppy was transferred to the Neurology Service for further diagnostics. Physical exam abnormalities included multifocal spinal pain, pelvic limb ataxia, and possible left pelvic limb joint effusion and lameness. The puppy was treated with clindamycin, doxycycline, prednisolone, and pain medications during diagnostic testing. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRJ) of the spine showed mild lumbar contrast enhancement of the ventral meninges; a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap showed a polymorphonuclear pleocytosis and an elevated protein; and joint taps were suggesting ofperiarticular inflammation. Thoracic and lumbar spinal radiographs were unremarkable and infectious disease serology testing was negative. Based on his signalmen!, physical exam findings, and diagnostic testing, the puppy was diagnosed with Steroid Responsive Meningitis Arteritis (SRMA) with concurrent Immune Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA). The puppy was discharged to his owner after a few days in hospital and continued to improve at home on prednisolone and pain medication.