Meningitis Symptoms in Dogs

The name 'meningitis' is derived from the condition wherein the meninges [a membrane (one of 3) that envelops the brain and spinal cord] gets inflamed. This disease is also known as spinal meningitis in dogs and it affects the dog's brain and the spinal cord, i.e., the central nervous system. Although, meningitis is diagnosed in all dog breeds, certain breeds are known to be more prone to this illness. Viral or bacterial infection are assumed to be the primary suspects for causing this health disorder in dogs. If the cause is attributed to a viral infection (canine distemper and parvovirus), then this illness is termed as viral meningitis in dogs. There is a sudden onset of this illness and in many cases, the results can be fatal. However, quick action to initiate medical treatment increases the survival rate in the animals. In order to administer the required treatment, the most important need is to be aware of the different meningitis symptoms in dogs. So, read on for the symptoms...

Symptoms of Meningitis In Dogs
Early meningitis symptoms in dogs include fever, stiff neck, poor appetite, lethargy and stiffness in leg muscles. The stiffness causes the dog's legs to bend and it reduces mobility. The stiffness in the dog's body may become so severe that it might cause the head to remain in a tilted position. The animals also suffer from back spasms, seizures and become extremely sensitive to touch or small sounds. Other meningitis symptoms in dogs are problems in coordination (ataxia - inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements; unsteady movements and staggering gait) may be noticed along with unusual whining. The loss in coordination causes the dog to stumble off to the side while trying to walk. The dogs also tend to walk with their legs spread out more than normal. Meningitis in dogs, if left untreated, show severe symptoms of great depression, blindness, confusion, agitation and in some cases, even paralysis.

If you are wondering, 'Is meningitis in dogs contagious?', then you may be relieved to know that this dog illness isn't. Normally, the bacteria or the viruses which are associated with meningitis in dogs are not contagious to human beings. Know more on dog health problems.

Treatment of Meningitis in Dogs
The treatment of meningitis in canines usually depend upon the type of the disease. Steroid responsive meningitis is known to be the most common type of meningitis in dogs. Bacterial meningitis is difficult to treat and usually high doses of medications are required for elimination of the cause. In order to carry out the diagnosis of the illness, physical and neurological examination, laboratory tests, spinal fluid analysis, X-rays and CT scans may be recommended as part of the treatment. Steroid medications, anti-Inflammatory medications, antibiotics or anti-seizure medications may also be recommended in the course of the treatment. Most importantly, love and supportive dog care is what is required in abundance from the owner. Different breeds of dogs may show varying improvements during the healing period of the disease. Some breeds may get cured by a gradually reduced schedule of medications while some might have to continue to take a long-term schedule in order to avoid relapses or future recurrences.

At the slightest recognition of the meningitis symptoms in dogs, the sole responsibility of any owner is to seek advice and help of a vet; at the earliest. Many owners have had to go through the phase wherein they had to suffer the loss of their beloved pets due to delay in treatment. So, keep a close watch on your dogs health and ensure to provide them with everything that is needed for them to live long, happy and healthier lives!