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IntroductionA variety of treatment options have been described for canine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). Few studies focused on radiation therapy as a second line immunomodulating treatment, implicating its effective use. However, a standard radiation therapy protocol is lacking, and further research will help to evaluate the effect of different dose regimens.MethodsTen dogs diagnosed with MUO based on MRI and CSF findings were prospectively enrolled. The dogs were treated with a shortened whole brain radiation therapy protocol (5 × 4 Gy) in combination with prednisolone. Neurologic changes were quantified using an established scoring scheme. Follow-up MRI and CSF examination was scheduled three months after radiation therapy. Overall survival and time to progression were calculated. Histopathology of the brain was performed in case of death.ResultsSeven dogs were diagnosed de novo and three had a history of relapsing MUO. Neurological status improved in all 10 dogs during radiation therapy, with 4/10 returning to normal shortly after radiation therapy. Three dogs died within the first three months after radiation therapy. At follow-up MRI lesions completely resolved in two dogs, partially resolved in five dogs, and progressed in one dog. After follow-up MRI, dogs were further treated with prednisolone monotherapy (two dogs) and additional immunosuppressant drugs (five dogs). Overall, four dogs showed disease progression, with a mean time to progression of 691 days (95%CI: 396–987) and mean overall survival for all dogs was 723 days (95%CI: 436–1011) (both medians not reached). Histopathology confirmed MUO in three dogs but was suggestive for oligodendroglioma in one dog. Radiation induced side effects were not seen.ConclusionShortened whole-brain radiation therapy could be an additional treatment option for MUO in conjunction to prednisolone, specifically for cases that require rapid relief of symptoms and with relapsing history.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a low-dose radiotherapy treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Inclusion criteria were dogs affected by OA of one or multiple joints, with lameness, previously treated with medical therapy and referred for radiotherapy because of chronic unresponsive pain. After suspension of medical therapy, dogs underwent external beam radiotherapy treatments delivered in three fractions of 2 Gy each. Four of these dogs had one (three dogs) to four (one dog) additional courses of radiation. Medical records were reviewed and follow-up information was collected by clinical recheck and owners interview. Twenty-five dogs matched the inclusion criteria; among them, 21 had one course of RT and 4 underwent multiple treatments, respectively 218, 266, 39, and 1,384 days after the first treatment. Clinical improvement was observed in 92% of patients with median benefit duration of 356 days after the first treatment, and 418 days after the second treatment. No side effects were recorded. In this group of patients, radiotherapy was effective, well tolerated, and repeatable, leading to an improvement of quality of life in dogs with degenerative joint disease unresponsive to medical treatments.