Meningitis syndrome is a disease of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the central nervous system, resulting in the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. There are several forms of meningitis. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis is a form of the disease that results from inherited abnormalities of the canine immune system in a Maltese. The prognosis for this form of disease is poor as there is no cure.
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Causes
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This inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord is difficult because the cause is unknown. According to PetPlace.com, the majority of meningitis cases are due to bacterial and viral infections, which is known as steroid responsive meningitis. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis is a rare form of meningitis, which is inherited and a result of autoimmune problems, which means the immune system suddenly sees parts of the body as "foreign" and attacks. This disease is widely seen in small breeds of dogs such as the Maltese and can develop anywhere between 6 months and 7 years of age.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will do a complete physical neurological exam and may order some additional tests, such as a complete blood count, spinal fluid analysis, serum chemistry analysis and a urinalysis. Other tests ordered will depend on the results of these first tests required. He may order an ultrasound, MRI, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap, an electroencephalogram (EEG) or a bacterial and viral culture.
Symptoms
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Your Maltese may experience head tilt, falling, difficulty swallowing, rolling, deafness, facial paralysis, frailty in all four limbs and difficulty trying to walk. Different symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected, though the forebrain is most often affected, accounting for the seizures, blindness and altered state of mind.
Treatment
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If your dog has the steroid responsive form of meningitis, a steroid therapy would be used to reduce inflammation around the spinal cord, according to TerrificPets.com. This therapy starts with higher doses, then tapers down every other day to the lowest dose possible. After six months of therapy, your veterinarian may suggest taking your dog off the steroids completely. Some dogs may be fine with no further treatment, while others may need the low dose steroids for the rest of their life.
As for necrotizing meningoencephalitis, the goal will be supportive care while trying to relieve symptoms. Phenobarbital may be given for seizures, while corticosteroids such as dexamethazone or prednisone are given to prevent further destruction of the brain brought on by the disease. Medications and fluids may be administered intravenously if your Maltese cannot take them orally.
Home Care
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The prognosis for a Maltese with meningitis syndrome is poor, and you will want to prolong the best quality of life you dog can have. Along with unconditional love and care, keep your dog well-rested, warm and well-fed while minimizing stress.
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