(N18) Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 Concentrations in Dogs with Non-infectious Meningoencephalitis

Abstract: Background – Vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) is a vitamin/hormone involved in calcium homeostasis. Recent research has focused on its role in immunomodulation and expression in various disease states, with low levels being associated with increased risk for immune-mediated disease. This study evaluated serum 25-OH-D3 levels in dogs with non-infectious meningoencephalitis, principally Steroid-Responsive Meningitis Arteritis (SRMA) and Meningoencephalitis of Unknown Etiology (MUE), which share similarities with Multiple Sclerosis in humans.
Hypothesis/Objectives – Mean serum 25-OH-D3 levels for non-infectious meningoencephalitis (NIME) would be 25% lower than control dogs.
Animals – 17 client-owned, mature dogs with NIME (SRMA and MUE) were compared to a control population of 71 adult dogs of normal health status. Patients with comorbidities, prior treatment with steroids, and on non-commercial diets were excluded.
Methods – A prospective, case-control study was performed evaluating serum 25-OH-D3 levels with liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS).
Results –The SRMA group had 6 dogs (mean age 1.5 years), mean 25-OH-D3 of 19.4 ng/mL, median 16.5 +/- 6 ng/mL. The MUE group had 11 dogs (mean age 5.8 years) with a mean of 26.1 +/- 6.9 ng/mL. Control group had 71 adult dogs, mean of 29 ng/mL +/- 7.1 ng/mL. The SRMA group had a significantly lower mean 25-OH-D3 level compared to the control population (P=0.002), while the MUE group did not (P=0.102).
Conclusions and clinical importance – Lower 25-OH-D3 levels may allow for its use as a biomarker for SRMA. It may offer insight into its pathogenesis and alternative ways to manage this disease.