About Suppurative Meningitis in Dogs
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, a fungi or an inherited abnormality of the immune system. Aseptic suppurative meningitis is a strain in the latter group. As of June 2010, there is no known cause for this mutation. There are, however, treatments that have been successful.
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Symptoms
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Because of a dog’s physique, symptoms for aseptic meningitis are all interrelated. If the dog displays stiffness alone, it could be an early onset of arthritis. However, when a stiff spine turns painful and is headed by a fever, it’s time to call the vet. If these symptoms seem to clear up and then return, suppurative meningitis should be strongly suspected, as the symptoms are known to wax and wane.
Suppurative meningitis can also be suspected if these sometimes painful symptoms develop when a dog is still considered a puppy, between three and twelve months old.
Breeds Affected
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Young dogs that are medium to large sized are the typical prey for this affliction. Breeds that have been diagnosed most frequently include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, Boxers, Weinmariners, German Shepherd Dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Beagles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, although it can affect any breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs are the breed most often diagnosed with this particular form of meningitis.
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Misdiagnosis
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“The clinical signs of meningitis can mimic those of other disorders,” according to PetWave’s article on Suppurative Meningitis. Unfortunately, this allows opportunities for misdiagnosis. Other forms of meningitis caused by bacteria or a virus can be suspected, in addition to other multiple infectious causes, such as Rickettsia, also called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, or infection brought on by parasites.
Syringomyelia and Hydrocephelus are both hereditary conditions, but these usually affect smaller breeds. Finally, brain tumors can be quite suspect, as forebrain tumors can also cause pain and stiffness of the neck.
Diagnosis
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When suppurative meningitis is suspected, a dog will need to undergo a number of tests so the vet may come to an informed conclusion. First, a veterinarian will perform a physical exam and a set of diagnostic assessments to determine the general health of a pet. The diagnostic tests will include a urinalysis and complete blood count (CBC). These tests look for abnormalities including a high white blood cell count and a low platelet count. Once other illnesses have been eliminated, a thorough neurological exam will be ordered. Common neurological oddities should be limited to discomfort in the neck and misplacement of the feet, also called proprioceptive deficits. Finally, a cerebrospinal tap (CSF), under general anesthesia, will be performed to evaluate the fluid surrounding the central nervous system (CNS).
Treatment
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Some cases are minor and can be treated with oral medication, but if the dog has a severe case of meningitis, a vet will want to start medication by injection. Suppurative meningitis, a cognitive disorder, is also known as steroid responsive meningitis (SRMA). Immunosuppressive corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, are prescribed at a very high dosage of 2 to 4 mg/kg per day. Clinical signs will resolve quickly in 24 to 48 hours, but the steroid treatments must be continued for another 2 to 4 weeks. Side effects from steroids are increased thirst, urination, panting and hunger. Once this time frame is reached, you may begin slowly reducing the medication until the dog is stable on 1 mg/kg every other day. If after 4 to 6 months, the dog's stability continues on the lowered dosage, the vet may recommend stopping treatment. Proceed with caution, and monitor your dog carefully. Relapses do occur if you remove your dog from the medication too quickly, and some dogs need to remain on a low dose for life to prevent serious relapse.
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References
- University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College: Canine Inherited Disorders Database: Meningitis
- Best Beau: BMD Health Links 2: Bernese Mountain Dog Aseptic Meningitis
- Pet Adoption Guide: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed profile
- PetPlace: Dogs: Brain, Spinal cord and Nerves: Aseptic Meningitis
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association: Aseptic Suppurative Meningitis in Juvenile Boxer Dogs: Retrospective Study of 12 Cases
Resources
- Photo Credit puppy bernese mountain dog image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
