Clinical response of acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis treated with therapeutic plasma exchange in four dogs.

TPE shows promise as emergency treatment for canine acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis.

Acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (AIP) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy affecting dogs, historically lacking established veterinary treatment protocols. This case series presents four dogs diagnosed with AIP and treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), a standard human treatment for the clinically analogous Guillain-Barré syndrome. All four canine patients received three consecutive TPE sessions, with each session processing 4.2-4.8 total dog plasma volumes. Motor function improvements were documented following the first treatment session in all cases, with near-complete neurological recovery achieved at hospital discharge. Notably, no adverse effects were reported during or after treatment. Follow-up monitoring spanning 2-12 months revealed sustained disease-free status in three dogs, while one dog experienced disease recurrence that subsequently resolved. These findings suggest TPE represents a promising emergency therapeutic option for canine AIP, particularly in cases presenting with severe and rapidly progressive neurological deficits. The rapid clinical improvement observed and lack of adverse effects support further investigation of TPE as a standard treatment modality in veterinary neurology.

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