Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis in dogs: A review

Abstract

: Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in dogs that is characterised by focal or disseminated granulomatous lesions within the brain and/or spinal cord, non-suppurative meningitis and perivascular mononuclear cuffing. The aetiology of the disease remains unknown, although an immune-mediated cause is suspected. This article reviewed the typical history, clinical signs and pathology of the condition along with current opinions on pathogenesis. The potential differential diagnoses for the disease were discussed along with current treatment options.

Figure 1

Sections from brains of GME cases: A) Section showing a characteristic perivascular cuff lesion around a blood vessel comprising a predominantly mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate. Haemotoxylin and Eosin. Original magnification ×40 (top left). B) Section demonstrating characteristic 'whorling' pattern of inflammatory cells within the CNS white matter. Reticulin-staining. Original magnification ×20 (bottom left).

Figure 2

Cerebrospinal fluid cytology demonstrating mononuclear cell pleocytosis in a case of GME. Original magnification ×40.