- Cases of meningitis in dogs are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa or rickettsia. Other causes, such as chemical agents, are not as common, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Most dogs that get meningitis are of larger breeds. Usually they are between 4 months and 2 years old, according to VetBase.Co.UK.
- Dogs often show symptoms of meningitis suddenly without warning. These include neck rigidity and muscle spasms, fever, and hyperesthesia.
- Meningitis is frequently treated with antibiotics. However, the dog often doesn't survive if the infection is bacterial.
- Veterinarians should always do a meningitis test if dogs show symptoms of the infection. Without the test, it is often misdiagnosed as pancreatitis or intervertebral disk extrusion.
