Information on Canine Meningitis
Canine meningitis is a life-threatening disease that can often be successfully treated if medical care is sought as soon as symptoms are observed.
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Causes
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The disease is caused by an inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord. It's usually triggered by a bacteria or virus, though other organisms can sometimes be responsible.
Symptoms
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The symptoms are abrupt and severe. The infected animal's pulse and breathing speed up, and its movements turn clumsy and uncoordinated. Fever, diluted pupils and aimless barking are among other early symptoms. Later, your pet might become alarmingly lethargic and immobile. Partial paralysis is possible.
Diagnosis
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If canine meningitis is suspected, your vet might start by administering corticosteroids. That's because the most common type of the disease is "steroid responsive" meningitis, so a positive response can serve as a diagnosis. Other diagnostic tools include CT scan and spinal tap.
Treatment
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If your pet is steroid responsive and care is given early, full or partial recovery is possible. With the less treatable canine bacterial meningitis, your vet might try high-dose antibiotics. Seizure or anti-convulsive medication, nutritional supplements and painkillers might also be required to treat your dog's disease or the dangerous side effects.
A Final Word
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With the most serious cases, your pet's survival might involve long-term physical therapy and a lifetime of medication and pain. There might come a time when you'll want to consider your pet's quality of life before deciding to take extreme measures to extend it.
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