Meningitis is a serious condition that will require intervention and treatment. It occurs when the meninges, membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, become inflamed. This causes neurological symptoms which can vary in severity. Meningitis can have various causes, including both infectious and non-infectious. Certain breeds seem to have a propensity for the disease. Meningitis is a severe disease and can be fatal depending upon the health of the dog, and the type of meningitis. If you are concerned about your dog, you should always consult your trusted vet.
What Age do Dogs Get Meningitis?
Dogs can get infectious meningitis at any age, as this can occur due to a bite, or an infection. However, a dog that has an inherited strain of meningitis such as beagle pain syndrome, aseptic meningitis or necrotizing meningoencephalitis (also known as “pug encephalitis”), can often start showing signs earlier in life, between 3 and 12 months of age. There are various types of non-infectious meningitis which are seen in certain breeds of dogs.
Is Meningitis in Dogs Common?
Meningitis is a rare condition. If you are concerned about your dog’s health, always consult your vet. Remember that you know your dog best, and will pick up on changes in behaviour that could be less obvious, which can help to form a diagnosis. Certain breeds are more commonly affected by meningitis, and if you have one of those breeds it is worth bearing that in mind, especially if your dog is presenting with the typical symptoms of meningitis.
Causes
Meningitis can occur from both infectious and non-infectious causes. Infectious meningitis most commonly occurs through a bite wound, an inner ear infection, or a contaminated spinal tap. Infectious agents can include viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, parasites, ameboid, and algal agents. Non-infectious forms of this condition, known as MUO, (meningoencephalitis of unknown origin) include steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME), necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), greyhound meningoencephalitis, necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE), and idiopathic eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis can come and go and can include severe neck pain, seizures, stiffness, depression, muscle rigidity, fevers, circling and blindness. Dogs with meningitis may also show neurologic signs, including seizures, depression, balance problems, blindness, pacing, circling, and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet will begin by examining your dog and taking a thorough history. Signs that may suggest meningitis include neck pain, decreased blood pressure, and changes to the optic nerve that may be visible on an ophthalmic (eye) exam. Your vet will take blood and urine tests, which may show infection. An MRI, (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT, (computed tomography) will be taken of the brain, as this has the ability to show changes to the meninges. The other useful diagnostic test is a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) tap, where a needle is used to collect the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. This fluid can then be tested, which can help to not only diagnose but also suggest an underlying cause.
Prognosis
The prognosis for meningitis depends upon the underlying cause, and type of meningitis. Steroid-responsive meningitis typically gives the best prognosis, while infectious and immune-mediated meningitis gives a more guarded prognosis. Your vet will discuss the prognosis honestly with you, and if the prognosis is not good, then you may decide that it is kindest to euthanise your pet.
Prevention
In general, meningitis cannot be prevented. Some infectious types of the disease can be prevented, by ensuring that your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control. Viral causes of meningitis are contagious and there are vaccines which are effective against these. As ever keeping your pet healthy and well is the best prevention of any disease.
Affected Breeds
Meningitis can affect any dog, any age or breed. However, there are different types of meningitis, and certain types are more breed-specific. Some breeds seem to show a higher predisposition for certain types of meningitis. These include:
- SRMA – Beagle, Bernese mountain dog, Border collie, Boxer, English Springer spaniel, Jack Russell terrier, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, Weimaraner, and Whippet
- NME – Pug, Maltese, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Papillon
- Necrotizing leukoencephalitis – Yorkshire terrier, French bulldog
- Greyhound encephalitis – Greyhounds
- Eosinophilic meningoencephalitis – Golden Retriever and Rottweiler
What is The Survival Rate For Meningitis in Dogs?
The survival rate varies according to the type of meningitis. The survival rate for SRMA is generally very good, with most dogs improving after 2-3 days of treatment and entering clinical remission within 2 weeks. Dogs can sometimes relapse during or after treatment, but this can often be addressed by recommencing treatment. If your dog has viral meningitis then his chances of survival are severely reduced.
How Long Before Meningitis is Fatal?
Meningitis can be fatal within a few days to a week, but this is dependent upon the type of meningitis that your dog has, and their underlying health when they fall ill. A young, fit, healthy dog may manage to survive, whereas an older or unwell dog, may have less of a fighting chance. Always discuss your options with your vet. The kindest action to take may be to euthanise your pet, if they are extremely unwell, in pain, and with little chance of improvement.
Is Meningitis Contagious to Dogs?
Generally, it is not considered contagious. Viral causes of meningitis can be contagious and are usually spread through aerosolized droplets or transfer of body fluids, however, vaccines are effective at preventing the disease. Bacterial meningitis is not contagious, and some forms of meningitis which are caused by auto-immune conditions, are also not contagious.
Anrich Vets Are Here to Care For Your Pets!
Here at Anrich Vets, we put the health and well-being of your dog at the heart of all that we do. Our dedicated and professional team are always on hand if you have any concerns over the health and happiness of your dog. If you are concerned about the health of your dog, then we are here to help. We understand that meningitis can be a devastating condition and that you want the very best care for your dog during this difficult time. It is always better to seek advice if you are in any doubt about your dog. We can help, whether you want a check-up just to make sure everything is okay or an emergency consult, we are here for you. If you do need to make hard decisions about your dog’s well-being, we will be with you with kindness and compassion. Simply call our friendly and helpful to book your appointment today on 01942 242001.