Guide to Meningitis in Dogs

As with humans Meningitis can be a very serious condition in dogs. It can come on quite suddenly and in severe cases become fatal. I unfortunately lost my three year old dog to it. However, in many other cases a speedy diagnosis will include a rapid treatment plan. The swift rate in which the treatment plan is administered will often mean a higher survival rate for your dog. Thus, the purpose of this article is to bring more awareness to the condition of Meningitis in dogs. It is a strong hope that people will learn what signs and symptoms to look in their dog to ensure that treatment is administered as soon as possible.

What is it?

Meningitis is a condition that involves the dog's central nervous system, which is actually that of the brain and spinal cord. It is defined as an inflammation of the meninges which are the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

Meningitis is common in young adult dogs and is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can come with a variety of symptoms. The most common are fever, stiff neck, hyper-reactivity to touch, seizures, and loss in coordination and mobility. There are certain breeds in which the condition is more significant such as the Beagle, Bernese Mountain Dog, Pug, and Maltese Terrier, however it is not limited to these breeds. The sooner you notice the symptoms and seek treatment the better off your dog will be health-wise.

Diagnosis

In order to make a solid diagnosis your Veterinarian must perform blood tests. In addition to this is the need for a Spinal Tap in order to obtain cerebrospinal fluid. The Spinal Tap will help determine whether the cause is due to infection and what the best course of immediate treatment will be. These can be painful procedures for your dog and you will need to prepare yourself for this. In some cases it is best to wait outside the room for your Veterinarian to perform the procedure.

Treatments

The best treatment plan for your dog will be a loving and supportive home environment. However, Steroid medications, Anti-Inflammatory medications, Antibiotics and Anti-Seizure medications are also common treatments to be administered in the course of Meningitis. All dogs are different and thus the success rates of all the medications will vary on the individual dog. However, if the medications are doing their job some dogs are able to cease taking them by a gradually reduced schedule. On the other hand some dogs will need to continue for the duration of their lives to ensure no relapses occur.

It is important to remember that if your dog is diagnosed with Meningitis that it is not the end of the world. Many dogs live long and happy lives with such a condition as long as they have received their treatment. The single most important element is to seek the advice of a Veterinarian if you suspect anything is wrong.

References:

http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/dogs/meningitis.html

http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-articles/Dog_Diseases/page_1/My_Dog_Has_Meningitis_-_What_Does_that_Mean.html

http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/nervous%20system%20disorders/meningitis.htm