PennVet’s Neurology Service is currently enrolling up to fifteen (15) dogs with suspected meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). Your pet will first be evaluated by the Neurology team. If the neurological examination suggests a disease affecting the brain, the next recommended steps may include a brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, provided these procedures are considered safe for your pet.

Based on the results of these diagnostics, if there is a high suspicion for MUO, your pet may be eligible for enrollment in this clinical trial. Dogs enrolled will be assigned to either a control group receiving standard-of-care treatment for MUO or a treatment group receiving ibrutinib in addition to standard-of-care therapy.

Ibrutinib has previously been studied in dogs with cancer and has been shown to be safe in canine patients. When side effects have occurred, they have most commonly been mild gastrointestinal signs, such as decreased appetite.

Dogs enrolled in the study will be required to attend a minimum of four (4) visits to PennVet over a twelve-week (12 week) period.

Inclusion Criteria:
MUO being highly suspected through brain MRI, bloodwork and CSF analysis
Treatment for disease has not yet started
No evidence of other concurrent diseases
Must be amenable to two MRIs (onset of disease and week 12)

Benefits:
Financial coverage for blood work, cytosar treatment, anesthesia, two MRIs, and all study visits and procedures upon confirmation of eligibility.

Contact:
If interested in enrolling your dog in this study, or would like to learn more, contact the Neurology service at dc1996@upenn.edu and leoben@upenn.edu for more information about this.