Meningoencephalitis is an infection that affects the central nervous system and is more common in canines out of all pets. The disease is commonly caused by the distemper virus and will have a quick development with a sudden onset. The disease should be discovered as early as possible, as it may lead to permanent damage and even death. Discovering the symptoms of meningoencephalitis is paramount.
Early Symptoms of Meningoencephalitis
A dog affected by meningoencephalitis in the early stages of the disease may experience milder symptoms such as elevated fever and lethargy. As the disease advances, you may be able to detect other symptoms such as:
- Muscle stiffness
- Reduced mobility and incapacity to perform certain movements
- Lack of coordination (ataxia)
- Unusual gait
- Tilted head and the dog will not be able to move his head to the other side or will have to make a huge effort to do so
- Irritability, which will manifest when you want to play with your pet or may be triggered even by the smallest sounds that the dog typically tolerates
- Absence of appetite, as the dog will feel ill and will refuse to eat
- The dog may also refuse to drink water, which will lead to dehydration
Late Stage Symptoms of Meningoencephalitis
In late stages of the disease, the dog will display some severe symptoms such as:
- Stumbling on objects
- Depression
- Loss of sight, which you can detect if your dog is not responding to visual stimuli
- Confusion
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Coughing, may cause vomiting and even bloody discharges
- Ocular and nasal discharges
- Urinating and defecating unconsciously
- Seizures with feet paddling and excessive drooling
- Paralysis, which may affect 1 side or just certain portions of the dog’s body
- Coma
The symptoms will worsen in a short period of time; so ideally, you should detect the earliest symptoms and get veterinarian help in a timely manner.
Treatment Options for Meningoencephalitis
Meningoencephalitis can be detected by performing blood tests, x-rays and CT scans.
The treatment options for meningoencephalitis will depend on the type and stage of the disease. Typically, the dog will receive steroids or antibiotics. If the dog doesn’t respond to steroids, which is the first choice treatment, the dog will get antibiotics. An aggressive dose will be required to treat the illness. Anti inflammatory meds may also accompany the treatment. If the dog is experiencing seizures, Phenobarbital or other anti seizure medications will also be prescribed. The dog should be monitored and see if he shows any signs of improvement. A long term treatment will be needed to prevent future relapses.
Meningoencephalitis is not contagious to other canines or humans, but the dog will need to be treated to prevent complications that may include permanent central nervous system damage and paralysis. Meningoencephalitis may be fatal if treatment is not administered in time.