Outcome of dogs with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis
Relapse of clinical signs reported in 53% of dogs
The objectives of this study were to provide a description of primary idiopathic immune-mediated polyarthritis, including long-term outcome and relapse rates, for dogs starting treatment with corticosteroids alone or corticosteroids with a second immunosuppressant.
Researchers reviewed medical records between January 2012 to December 2017 and identified dogs diagnosed with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis. They recorded data including signalment, clinicopathological findings, type and duration of treatment, relapse and outcome.
The research team enrolled 73 dogs in the study. Fifty-four dogs were started on corticosteroid monotherapy and 19 dogs were treated with multi-modal immunosuppression from the outset. An additional immunosuppressant was introduced later in 27 of the 54 dogs.
Ninety-five percent, or 69 of 73 dogs responded favorably to therapy although researchers noted that death was attributed to immune-mediated polyarthritis in 19%, or 14 of 73, of the dogs.
Relapse of clinical signs was reported in 53% or 39 of 73 of the dogs, with multiple relapses observed in 17 dogs. Complete cure, defined as permanent withdrawal of immunosuppressive medication, was achieved in 46 dogs.
Overall, 81% of dogs had a well-managed disease for an extended time or more than 1,131 days. Fourteen of 19, or 74%, of dogs that started treatment with multi-modal immunosuppression and 32 of 54, or 59%, started on corticosteroids alone achieved a complete cure.
Researchers concluded this study provides extended follow-up information for a large cohort of dogs with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis. Immunosuppressive therapy was discontinued in the majority of dogs, but disease-associated mortality remains high.
S Ravicini, et al. “Description and outcome of dogs with primary immune-mediated polyarthritis: 73 cases (2012-2017).” J Small Anim Pract. 2022 Nov 2. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13565.
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