Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin - endogenous retrovirus
Is your dog affected by meningoencephalitis of unknown origin or idiopathic epilepsy? Your companion may be eligible to participate in a research study at Université de Montréal.
Did You Know?
Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is the only spontaneous animal disease that presents clear clinical and pathological similarities with multiple sclerosis, a common human neurological disease.
More than 50 years after the identification of this canine neurological disease, no trigger for the disease has been identified. Treatment is limited and presents highly variable results. Unfortunately, the associated mortality rate is still very high.
Purpose of This Study
The project aims to identify canine endogenous retroviruses in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of dogs affected by meningoencephalitis of unknown origin compared to a control group of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. These retroviruses, remnants of ancient retroviral infections acquired by distant ancestors, could be associated with the inflammation found in meningoencephalitis of unknown origin, as demonstrated by certain studies on multiple sclerosis in human medicine.
Importance of the Study
Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is still, to this day, associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate. By identifying triggering factors of the disease, a specific treatment could eventually be developed to improve the prognosis of affected patients.
Eligibility Criteria
Your dog may be eligible if:
- They are affected by meningoencephalitis of unknown origin diagnosed by MRI and cerebrospinal fluid collection
- OR they are affected by idiopathic epilepsy diagnosed by MRI and cerebrospinal fluid collection
- Samples can be collected at the time of diagnosis
Your dog cannot participate if:
- It is not possible to collect blood or cerebrospinal fluid
- Advanced imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) has not been performed
- The diagnosis obtained is infectious meningoencephalitis
Study Procedures
This study requires a single participation at the time of your dog's diagnosis.
What to expect:
Sample Collection at Diagnosis:
- A blood sample will be collected via catheter or venipuncture if this has not already been done for medical reasons
- A cerebrospinal fluid collection will be performed for diagnostic purposes as planned with the care team
- An additional quantity of 0.5 to 1 mL of cerebrospinal fluid will be collected for participation in the study
- These samples will be collected while your animal is under general anesthesia
Frequency:
A single intervention at the time of diagnosis.
Benefits of Participating
- Contributing to Science: You contribute to advancing knowledge on potential triggers of meningoencephalitis of unknown origin
- Improvement of Future Treatments: This research aims to refine the treatment of this disease for future patients
- Advancement of Comparative Research: This study could also contribute to research on human multiple sclerosis
- No Additional Cost: Samples are collected during diagnostic procedures already planned
Risks: There are no additional risks beyond those associated with obtaining the diagnosis of your animal's condition. All samples are collected under general anesthesia during standard diagnostic procedures.
Important: Participation is completely voluntary. Your dog's condition will continue to be managed by their treating veterinarian or a neurology specialist. During diagnostic procedures, your dog will be monitored by the neurology specialist responsible for the study and the animal health technicians.
Study Location
All evaluations and procedures will be conducted at:
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV)
Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire
Université de Montréal
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
How to Participate?
We are recruiting dogs of any age, sex, or breed diagnosed at CHUV with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin or idiopathic epilepsy.
Simply complete the consent form provided by the veterinarian in charge.
For more information, please contact us at:
Email: neurologie@chuv.umontreal.ca
Our team will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the participation process.
This study has been approved by the Animal Care Ethics Committee (CÉUA) of Université de Montréal.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas Parmentier, DMV, PhD, DACVIM-Neurology
Graduate student: Dr Karol-Ann Henry, DMV, IPSAV
This content has been updated on 22 January 2026 at 0 h 19 min.