Meningitis

[Carol Burke]

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge about viral or bacterial meningitis in Rotts?
A dog I bred, who is about 18 months old, come down with a wide variety of symptoms about three weeks ago. The owners have had no success in getting a diagnosis and have taken him to a large teaching school to try to get some answers. The vets there are talking about meningitis as a possible cause. He is undergoing a battery of tests including a spinal tap and possibly an MRI to try and pin down a diagnosis. Any info would be appreciated.

[Nancy Estes]

The Merck Veterinary Manual has lots of info. But - ". . .meningitis and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) often occur simultaneously. . . . Causes... include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasite migrations, chemical agents, and immune-mediated diseases. . . . A spontaneous bacterial meningitis or meningoencephalisis can develop in dogs . . . . Bacterial endocarditis and septicemia are important sources of CNS infection in dogs. When bacterial infections do occur, they are more likely to be sporadic than epidemic. Other agents. . ., especially in dogs . . . include Toxoplasma and Poxoplasma-like protozoa, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis neurona, Acanthamoeba castellani, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Aspergillus sp, Coccidioides immitis and Rickettsia spp (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, salmon poisoning and ehrlichiosis. . . usual signs . . . fever, hyperesthesia, neck rigidity, and painful paraspinal muscle spasms . . . . However, in diffuse meningoencephalitis due to any agent, depression, blindness, progressive paresis, cerebellar or vestibular ataxia, opistohotonos, cranial nerve deficits, seizures, dementia, agitation, and depressed consciousness (including coma) can develop. . . " I don't know if that helps any. There is more info but it's long. I'd scan it for you if I could figure out to get my scanner to work!

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net

[Carol Burke]

Thanks, Nancy. I got that info from my Merck too. After undergoing an MRI and getting results on some other tests they have ruled out menengitis and are now thinking distemper. They are talking about treating this with prednisone and hoping for the best. The owners of this dog are willing to do anything and have the substance to be able to afford it. Any thoughts out there on holistic treatment?

[Nancy Estes]

Try locating a book called *The Nature of Animal Healing* by Goldstein. I checked it out of the library so don't have a copy here. I can't remember what/if he said (anything) about distemper. I've only seen one case of meningitis/distemper and it was in the 70's and it was truly horrible. I had a puppy in the 60's die of distemper but he didn't have recurring seizures. Dr. Goldstein is, I believe, in New York State or somewhere in that area. If I had the resources I would definitely check with him.

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net