# Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis IMPA: Joint Pain, Fever and Steroid Protocol


## Key Takeaways

- Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is characterized by the immune system attacking multiple joints, leading to severe pain, stiffness, and often fever (pyrexia), which is a systemic inflammatory response.
- Diagnosis relies heavily on arthrocentesis (joint fluid analysis) revealing inflammatory cells, primarily neutrophils, and ruling out septic arthritis via synovial fluid culture.
- The cornerstone of IMPA treatment is immunosuppression, with corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) used at immunosuppressive doses for induction, followed by a slow, months-long taper to the lowest effective dose to manage inflammation and prevent relapse.
- IMPA can be non-associative (idiopathic) or associative, triggered by underlying conditions such as infections, drug reactions, or neoplasia, necessitating a thorough diagnostic workup to identify potential triggers.
- Relapse is common, particularly within the first year, requiring diligent monitoring of clinical signs and inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP) to guide therapy adjustments and manage potential drug side effects.
- Erosive IMPA, a more severe form characterized by bone destruction, carries a guarded prognosis and may necessitate aggressive multimodal immunosuppression or surgical intervention.

---

**Direct Answer:** Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is a condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing severe pain, fever, and stiffness. The cornerstone of treatment is immunosuppression, most commonly with corticosteroids (steroids) like prednisolone, which are tapered slowly over months to control inflammation and prevent relapse.

**Owner-Facing Triage Summary:** If your [dog](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/dog) or [cat](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/clinical-methods/cat) is showing signs of shifting-leg lameness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, a fever, or a stiff, stilted gait, IMPA is a possible cause. This is a painful and potentially serious condition that requires prompt veterinary diagnosis. Do not give human pain relievers, especially acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as these are toxic to pets. Contact your veterinarian immediately for an examination. Early diagnosis and treatment with an appropriate steroid protocol are critical for managing pain, resolving fever, and achieving the best possible long-term outcome.

## At a Glance: Understanding IMPA

| Feature | Typical Finding in IMPA | Clinical Relevance |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Primary Sign** | Stiff, stilted gait; shifting-leg lameness | Often mistaken for arthritis or injury [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>] |
| **Systemic Sign** | Fever (pyrexia) | Present in many cases, indicating systemic inflammation [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>, <a href="#ref-2">2</a>] |
| **Pain Location** | Multiple joints (polyarthritis), often carpi, tarsi, and stifles | Pain on joint manipulation is a key finding [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-4">4</a>] |
| **Diagnosis** | Synovial fluid analysis (arthrocentesis) | Shows marked inflammation, typically with a high neutrophil count [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-5">5</a>] |
| **First-Line Treatment** | Immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) | The mainstay of therapy to induce remission [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>, <a href="#ref-7">7</a>] |
| **Long-Term Goal** | Slow tapering of steroids to the lowest effective dose | To manage disease while minimizing side effects and preventing relapse |
| **Prognosis** | Generally favorable for remission, but relapse is common | Requires diligent monitoring, especially in the first year [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>, <a href="#ref-9">9</a>] |

## What is Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis (IMPA)?

Immune-mediated polyarthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that results from a dysregulated immune response targeting the synovial membranes of multiple joints. It is a common immune-mediated disease in dogs [<a href="#ref-10">10</a>]. The condition is broadly categorized into two main types: erosive and non-erosive [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. Non-erosive IMPA is far more common and is characterized by inflammation of the joint lining without significant bone destruction. Erosive IMPA, which resembles rheumatoid arthritis in humans, is less common and involves progressive destruction of the bone and cartilage within the joint [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-11">11</a>]. In both forms, the immune system's attack leads to the clinical signs of joint pain, swelling, and fever.

### Anatomy of the Problem: Why Joints and Fever?

The primary target in IMPA is the synovium, the delicate membrane that lines the inside of the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid for lubrication. In IMPA, immune complexes and activated immune cells, particularly neutrophils and T-lymphocytes, infiltrate the synovium [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>]. This causes synovitis, leading to the production of abnormal, inflammatory synovial fluid. This fluid is often thin and contains an elevated number of white blood cells, primarily neutrophils [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-5">5</a>]. The inflammation within the joint capsule causes pain and stiffness with movement.

The fever seen in IMPA is a systemic response to this profound local inflammation. Inflammatory cytokines released into the bloodstream act on the hypothalamus to raise the body's set point, causing pyrexia. This systemic inflammation can also be tracked using biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP), which is often markedly elevated in dogs with inflammatory joint disease [<a href="#ref-5">5</a>, <a href="#ref-10">10</a>, <a href="#ref-12">12</a>].

## Causes and Classification of IMPA

IMPA is often described as either "non-associative" (or primary/idiopathic) when no underlying cause can be found, or "associative" (or secondary/reactive) when it occurs as a reaction to another disease process [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>, <a href="#ref-2">2</a>, <a href="#ref-8">8</a>].

### Non-Associative (Idiopathic) IMPA
This is the most common form. The immune system's attack on the joints is the primary disease, and no trigger can be identified. This diagnosis is made by exclusion after ruling out other causes [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>, <a href="#ref-13">13</a>].

### Associative (Reactive) IMPA
This form is triggered by an underlying condition. Potential triggers include:
- **Infections:** Bacterial infections elsewhere in the body can trigger a reactive arthritis. This is a key reason why a thorough search for infection is part of the diagnostic workup. In one case, a dog developed IMPA after a period of diarrhea, and *Salmonella* was later isolated from its urine, suggesting a potential link [<a href="#ref-14">14</a>].
- **Drug Reactions:** Certain medications can trigger IMPA as an idiosyncratic reaction. For example, a case report documented a Siberian Husky that developed IMPA and anterior uveitis after starting the anti-epileptic drug zonisamide; the condition resolved after the drug was discontinued [<a href="#ref-15">15</a>].
- **Neoplasia:** Cancer can sometimes trigger a paraneoplastic immune response that affects the joints.
- **Breed-Specific Syndromes:** Some breeds have a genetic predisposition. For instance, a study in Japan found a strong association between specific dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) types and IMPA susceptibility in dachshunds, similar to the shared epitope risk factor seen in human rheumatoid arthritis [<a href="#ref-16">16</a>].

## Risk Factors and Epidemiology

- **Age:** IMPA is more commonly diagnosed in adult dogs. One study found that dogs with idiopathic IMPA were typically between 4 and 10 years old [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>]. In cats, the condition can occur at any age [<a href="#ref-2">2</a>]. A key differentiating factor between IMPA and a similar condition, steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), is age: SRMA is diagnosed significantly more often in dogs under 12 months old, while IMPA is more common in dogs 12 months and older [<a href="#ref-10">10</a>].
- **Breed:** While any breed can be affected, certain breeds appear to be overrepresented. In Japan, the dachshund has a reported susceptibility [<a href="#ref-16">16</a>]. Other studies have noted breed predispositions, but these can vary by geographic region.
- **Sex:** Some studies suggest a male predisposition. A retrospective review of dogs with IMPA and spinal pain found that 14 of 18 dogs were male [<a href="#ref-17">17</a>].
- **Weight:** Dogs with erosive IMPA in one study had a mean body weight of only 8.3 kg, suggesting that smaller breeds may be more prone to this severe form [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>].

## Clinical Signs: Joint Pain, Fever, and More

The classic presentation of IMPA is a combination of joint pain and systemic illness. Owners often report a sudden onset of signs.

### Key Signs in Dogs and Cats
- **Lameness and Stiffness:** This is the most common sign. It can be a shifting-leg lameness, where the animal favors different legs on different days [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>, <a href="#ref-14">14</a>]. A stiff, stilted gait is also typical, especially after rest.
- **Fever (Pyrexia):** An elevated body temperature is a common finding, reported in a majority of cases [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>, <a href="#ref-2">2</a>].
- **Joint Pain and Swelling:** The animal may be reluctant to move, jump, or climb stairs. Physical examination by a veterinarian will often reveal pain on flexion and extension of multiple joints, particularly the carpi (wrists), tarsi (hocks), and stifles (knees) [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-4">4</a>].
- **Lethargy and Decreased Appetite:** Affected animals are often dull, tired, and may have a reduced appetite [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>, <a href="#ref-11">11</a>].
- **Other Signs:** In some cases, there may be lymph node enlargement (lymphadenomegaly) [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>, <a href="#ref-8">8</a>]. In more severe or chronic cases, ligament laxity can develop, leading to joint instability, particularly in the carpi and tarsi [<a href="#ref-18">18</a>]. One study noted that dogs with IMPA and spinal pain may also have concurrent steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) [<a href="#ref-17">17</a>].

## Veterinary Examination and Diagnostic Approach

Diagnosing IMPA is a multi-step process that aims to confirm joint inflammation and rule out other causes of the signs. It is a diagnosis of exclusion [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>].

### Step 1: Physical and Orthopedic Examination
The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, noting the animal's temperature and overall condition. An orthopedic exam involves palpating and manipulating each joint to assess for pain, swelling, and range of motion.

### Step 2: Arthrocentesis (Joint Fluid Analysis)
This is the most critical diagnostic test for IMPA. A needle is used to collect a small sample of synovial fluid from one or more joints. The hock (tarsal) joints are often preferred as they are reliable for diagnosis [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>]. The fluid is then analyzed for:
- **Cell Count and Type:** In IMPA, the fluid typically has an increased number of white blood cells, predominantly neutrophils [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-5">5</a>]. In some cases of erosive IMPA, the predominant cell type may be mononuclear cells [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>].
- **Culture:** A sample of the fluid is sent for bacterial culture to definitively rule out septic (bacterial) arthritis, which requires a different treatment approach [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>, <a href="#ref-14">14</a>].
- **Other Markers:** Synovial fluid CRP can be measured and is significantly elevated in IMPA compared to osteoarthritis, though it cannot differentiate between IMPA and bacterial infective arthritis [<a href="#ref-5">5</a>].

### Step 3: Bloodwork and Urinalysis
Blood tests are used to assess overall health and look for evidence of systemic inflammation or underlying disease. Common findings include:
- **Elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP):** A sensitive marker of inflammation [<a href="#ref-10">10</a>, <a href="#ref-12">12</a>].
- **Leukocytosis:** An elevated white blood cell count [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].
- **Non-Regenerative Anemia:** A common finding in chronic inflammatory disease [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].
- **Elevated Liver Enzymes:** May be present due to inflammation or as a baseline before starting steroid therapy [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].

### Step 4: Diagnostic Imaging
- **Radiographs (X-rays):** X-rays of the affected joints are taken to look for evidence of erosive changes (bone lysis), which would indicate erosive IMPA. The carpal joints are commonly affected in erosive disease [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. X-rays are also important to rule out other causes of lameness.
- **Thoracic Radiography and Abdominal Ultrasonography:** These are often recommended as part of the standard diagnostic workup to look for underlying causes (e.g., fungal disease, neoplasia) or concurrent illness. A 2024 study found these imaging modalities to be useful in the initial approach to canine IMPA cases [<a href="#ref-19">19</a>].

### Step 5: Ruling Out Other Diseases
Because IMPA is a diagnosis of exclusion, the veterinarian will test for and rule out other conditions, including:
- **Septic Arthritis:** Ruled out by negative synovial fluid culture [<a href="#ref-13">13</a>].
- **Tick-Borne Diseases:** Such as anaplasmosis, which can cause a reactive IMPA [<a href="#ref-12">12</a>].
- **Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):** A multi-systemic immune disease that can include arthritis [<a href="#ref-1">1</a>].
- **Trauma or Osteoarthritis:** Ruled out by history, physical exam, and imaging.

## The Steroid Protocol: Cornerstone of Treatment

The primary goal of treatment is to suppress the aberrant immune response. Corticosteroids, particularly prednisolone or prednisone, are the first-line immunosuppressive agents [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>, <a href="#ref-7">7</a>]. The protocol is intensive and requires careful, long-term management.

### Induction Phase
Treatment begins with immunosuppressive doses of steroids. A common starting dose is 1 to 2 mg/kg/day of prednisolone. The goal is to rapidly bring the inflammation under control and resolve clinical signs like pain and fever. Most dogs will show significant improvement within days. In a randomized controlled trial, 70% of dogs treated with either prednisone or cyclosporine showed resolution of symptoms within 90 days [<a href="#ref-7">7</a>].

### Tapering Phase
Once the animal is in remission (no clinical signs and ideally normal inflammatory markers), the steroid dose is gradually reduced. This is a slow process, often taking several months. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose that controls the disease with the fewest side effects. The dose is typically reduced by 20-25% every 2-4 weeks, but the exact protocol is tailored to each individual patient's response.

### The Role of Adjunctive Immunosuppressants
Because of the high relapse rate and the side effects of long-term steroid use, other immunosuppressive drugs are often used in combination with steroids. These "steroid-sparing" agents allow for a more rapid tapering of prednisolone. Common options include:
- **Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF):** Has been used successfully in both dogs and cats. In one case, a cat with refractory IMPA was successfully maintained on MMF alone after prednisolone was discontinued [<a href="#ref-4">4</a>]. It has also been used in a dog with erosive IMPA [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>].
- **Leflunomide:** A common adjunctive therapy. However, a 2024 study from Australia found that adding leflunomide to prednisolone did not improve relapse or mortality rates compared to prednisolone alone [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>]. Another study found leflunomide to be safe and tolerated for long-term use, though some dogs experienced side effects like vomiting and elevated liver enzymes [<a href="#ref-20">20</a>].
- **Cyclosporine:** An alternative immunosuppressant that can be used. In one trial, it was as effective as prednisone, but some dogs required a change to prednisone to achieve a response [<a href="#ref-7">7</a>].

### Monitoring and Adjusting Therapy
Treatment is not a "set and forget" protocol. It requires regular rechecks with the veterinarian to:
- **Monitor Clinical Signs:** Assess for any return of lameness, pain, or fever.
- **Track Inflammatory Markers:** Serum CRP levels can be a valuable, unbiased marker of inflammatory activity during steroid treatment, helping to guide dose adjustments [<a href="#ref-12">12</a>].
- **Monitor for Drug Side Effects:** Steroids can cause increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as liver enzyme elevation. Other immunosuppressants have their own potential side effects that need to be monitored with blood tests [<a href="#ref-20">20</a>].

## Evidence-Based Management: Beyond the Steroid Protocol

The decision to use additional immunosuppressants should be made on a case-by-case basis. The evidence for some common practices is evolving.

### The Leflunomide Question
While leflunomide is frequently used, a large retrospective study of 93 dogs found no difference in outcomes (relapse or mortality) between dogs treated with prednisolone alone and those treated with prednisolone plus leflunomide [<a href="#ref-6">6</a>]. This suggests that for many dogs, steroids alone may be sufficient, and the addition of leflunomide should be reserved for cases that are refractory or to reduce steroid side effects. However, other research confirms that leflunomide can be a safe long-term option for some dogs [<a href="#ref-20">20</a>].

### The Erosive IMPA Challenge
Erosive IMPA is a more severe and challenging form of the disease. It is characterized by bone lysis visible on radiographs, most commonly in the carpal joints [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>]. These cases often require aggressive, multimodal immunosuppression. The presence of cytotoxic T-cells in the synovial fluid of these dogs suggests that they may be a therapeutic target [<a href="#ref-11">11</a>]. The prognosis for erosive IMPA can be guarded, with some dogs developing significant ligament laxity that may require surgical arthrodesis (joint fusion) [<a href="#ref-18">18</a>].

### Managing Relapses
Relapse is a significant concern in IMPA. Studies show that relapse rates are high, especially in the first year after diagnosis [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>, <a href="#ref-9">9</a>]. One study found that 43% of dogs relapsed within 6 months, and 61% within 12 months [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>]. Another study reported a 35% relapse rate at 12 months, which was significantly higher than for other immune-mediated diseases like IMHA or ITP [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>]. Identifying risk factors for relapse, such as thrombocytosis (high platelet count), lymphadenomegaly, and lameness at the time of diagnosis, may help veterinarians tailor more aggressive initial therapy for at-risk patients [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>].

## Unsafe Home Remedies and What to Avoid

Managing a pet with IMPA requires professional veterinary care. There are no safe or effective home remedies for this condition.
- **Never Give Human Pain Relievers:** Drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and can be fatal. Even dog-specific NSAIDs should only be given under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
- **Do Not Alter the Steroid Dose:** The steroid protocol is carefully calculated and must be tapered slowly. Suddenly stopping or reducing the dose can trigger a severe, life-threatening relapse.
- **Avoid Unproven Supplements:** While some joint supplements are safe, they are not a treatment for the immune system dysfunction that causes IMPA. They should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medication.

## Prevention and Long-Term Prognosis

### Prevention
Because the exact cause of non-associative IMPA is often unknown, there is no guaranteed way to prevent it. For associative forms, the best prevention is to manage underlying triggers:
- **Tick Control:** Preventing tick-borne diseases can reduce the risk of reactive IMPA [<a href="#ref-12">12</a>].
- **Careful Drug Use:** Be aware of potential drug reactions. If your pet has had a reaction to a drug like zonisamide, it should be avoided in the future [<a href="#ref-15">15</a>].
- **Vaccination:** A study found that vaccine administration after a diagnosis of IMPA was not associated with an increased risk of relapse [<a href="#ref-9">9</a>].

### Prognosis
The prognosis for IMPA is variable but generally considered favorable for achieving remission. Most dogs (95.8% in one study) will achieve remission with treatment [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>]. However, the disease is often chronic, and long-term management is frequently required.

- **For Non-Erosive IMPA:** With appropriate treatment, many dogs can have a good quality of life, though they may require lifelong medication. The high relapse rate means that owners must be vigilant for signs of recurrence [<a href="#ref-8">8</a>, <a href="#ref-9">9</a>].
- **For Erosive IMPA:** The prognosis is more guarded. The disease is progressive, and even with treatment, joint destruction can continue. Some dogs may require surgery to stabilize joints, and the overall outcome can be poor in severe cases [<a href="#ref-3">3</a>, <a href="#ref-11">11</a>, <a href="#ref-18">18</a>].

## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article provides a comprehensive overview of IMPA for educational purposes. However, it cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment plan. The information presented here is based on scientific studies and clinical guidelines, but individual cases can vary significantly.

**This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.**

You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet exhibits any of the following:
- **Sudden or severe lameness** in one or more legs.
- **Refusal to bear weight** on a limb.
- **Fever** (temperature above 102.5°F / 39.2°C).
- **Lethargy, depression, or loss of appetite.**
- **Obvious joint swelling or heat.**
- **Signs of pain**, such as crying, panting, or reluctance to be touched.

Breed-level information can indicate a predisposition, but it cannot predict whether an individual animal will develop the disease, how severe it will be, or how it will respond to treatment. The specific steroid protocol and the use of adjunctive medications must be determined by your veterinarian based on your pet's unique condition, response to therapy, and any side effects that occur.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**1. What is the difference between IMPA and regular arthritis?**
Regular arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a degenerative "wear and tear" disease, while IMPA is an inflammatory condition caused by the immune system attacking the joints, leading to severe pain, fever, and systemic illness.

**2. How is IMPA diagnosed in dogs and cats?**
The diagnosis is based on clinical signs, physical examination, and most importantly, analysis of synovial fluid from the joints (arthrocentesis), which typically shows a high number of inflammatory cells. Other tests are used to rule out infections and other underlying causes.

**3. What is the standard steroid protocol for treating IMPA?**
The standard protocol starts with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone (often 1-2 mg/kg/day). Once the pet is in remission, the dose is slowly tapered over several months to the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects.

**4. Why is my dog on such a high dose of prednisone for so long?**
The high initial dose is needed to rapidly suppress the overactive immune system. The slow tapering is critical because stopping too quickly can cause the disease to flare up again. The goal is to find the lowest dose that keeps the disease in remission.

**5. What are the common side effects of steroid treatment in pets?**
Common side effects include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as panting and lethargy. Long-term use can lead to liver enzyme elevations and an increased risk of infections. These are managed by your veterinarian through monitoring and dose adjustments.

**6. Are there alternative treatments to steroids for IMPA?**
Yes, other immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and leflunomide can be used, often in combination with steroids. They are sometimes used as "steroid-sparing" agents to allow for a lower dose of prednisolone or for cases that do not respond to steroids alone.

**7. What is the chance of my dog's IMPA coming back?**
The risk of relapse is significant, especially in the first year. Studies show that over 40% of dogs may relapse within 6 months, and up to 65% may relapse within 2 years. Close monitoring and regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

**8. Is IMPA a fatal disease?**
While IMPA itself can be managed, it can be a serious disease. The prognosis for non-erosive IMPA is generally good with treatment, but the severe erosive form can be progressive and difficult to control, sometimes leading to euthanasia due to poor quality of life.

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<a id="ref-11"></a>[<a href="#ref-11">11</a>] [Increased Abundance of Cytotoxic T Cells in Synovial Fluid of a Dog With Erosive Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42078331/)

<a id="ref-12"></a>[<a href="#ref-12">12</a>] [Use of serum C-reactive protein as an early marker of inflammatory activity in canine type II immune-mediated polyarthritis: case report.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16987405/)

<a id="ref-13"></a>[<a href="#ref-13">13</a>] [Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: part 2: diagnosis and treatment.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22267168/)

<a id="ref-14"></a>[<a href="#ref-14">14</a>] [Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from the urine of a dog undergoing treatment for immune-mediated polyarthritis.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30425836/)

<a id="ref-15"></a>[<a href="#ref-15">15</a>] [Immune-mediated polyarthritis and anterior uveitis secondary to zonisamide administration in a dog with refractory epilepsy.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38403976/)

<a id="ref-16"></a>[<a href="#ref-16">16</a>] [Role of DLA-DRB1 amino acids outside the shared epitope in dachshund susceptibility to immune-mediated polyarthritis.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38096644/)

<a id="ref-17"></a>[<a href="#ref-17">17</a>] [Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis in dogs with noninfectious, nonerosive, idiopathic, immune-mediated polyarthritis.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12041656/)

<a id="ref-18"></a>[<a href="#ref-18">18</a>] [Ligament Laxity in Nonerosive Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs: Five Cases (2009-2017).](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31099600/)

<a id="ref-19"></a>[<a href="#ref-19">19</a>] [Diagnostic Utility of Thoracic Radiography and Abdominal Ultrasonography in Canine Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis: 77 Cases.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38396501/)

<a id="ref-20"></a>[<a href="#ref-20">20</a>] [Leflunomide with prednisone or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy is safe and tolerated for long-term treatment of immune-mediated polyarthritis in 27 dogs.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38608652/)

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