Meningitis is a condition in which the meninges (the membranes that cover the spinal cord and brain) become inflamed. This serious neurologic disease can be fatal to cats and dogs, and requires emergency medical treatment.
Causes of Meningitis
Meningitis usually occurs as a result of bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection that spreads to the central nervous system. Infection can originate in many areas of the body, including the ears, eyes, nose, and sinuses. Other causes of meningitis include exposure to certain medications or toxins, tumors, and immune-mediated disorders. Meningitis can also be idiopathic, this means that it has no identifiable cause.
Symptoms of Meningitis
It is important to visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of meningitis.
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Muscle stiffness
- Depression
- Head tilting
Diagnosis of Meningitis
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical and neurologic examination to check for clinical signs of meningitis.
Routine diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. These tests will be used to evaluate your pet’s organ function and identify the potential underlying causes of meningitis.
Depending on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may recommend imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans of the brain to check for inflammation or other abnormalities. In addition, a cerebrospinal fluid tap or other specialized tests may be used to help reach a definitive diagnosis of meningitis.
Treatment of Meningitis
Treatment of meningitis will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In most cases, a period of hospitalization will be necessary so pets can receive supportive care to manage their symptoms.
Potential treatments for meningitis include antibiotics to fight infection, corticosteroids to treat immune-mediated disorders, and anti-seizure medications. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s specific needs. Please follow all treatment advice closely and administer prescribed medications as instructed.
Prevention of Meningitis
Always feed a healthy, balanced diet and provide plenty of exercise to support your pet’s immune health. We also recommend keeping your pet clean and well-groomed to help prevent infections that can lead to meningitis. Finally, please keep vaccinations up to date and schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s health.
