Causes of Meningitis in an Animal

Meningitis is a disease that is hallmarked by inflammation, or swelling, of the brain's mucous membranes such as the meninges, which are the three special membranes that encase the brain and spinal cord. Often seen in small children and animals like pigs and dogs, it can lead to meningoencephalitis, swelling of the brain, which is fatal.

  1. Septicemia

    • Farms with outbreaks of E coli tainted meat often experience meningitis outbreaks as well

      Septicemia is a condition caused by bacteria entering the blood stream of people and animals. E coli is the leading bacteria found in swine and bovine blood when an outbreak of meningitis is apparent.

    Glässer's disease

    • Swine with Glässer's disease often develop meningitis

      Glässer's disease, caused by bacteria known as Haemophilus parasuis, affects nursing piglets. The bacteria often attack the heart and the meninges, which leads to meningitis and meningoencephalitis.

    Meningitis in Dogs

    • Pugs are prone to "pug-meningitis"

      Canine meningitis has many causes, some of which are associated with particular breeds. Protozoa, or single-cell organisms, known as Toxoplasma gondii, as well as fungi and the bacteria that can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been linked to meningitis in pugs, beagles, short-haired pointers and several toy breeds.

    Animal Disease

    • Regular vet checkups and immunizations can keep meningitis-causing illnesses from your pets

      Many diseases that affect cats, dogs, sheep and other animals--such as distemper, the parvo virus, feline infectious peritonitis, malignant catarrhal fever and feline HIV--can cause meningitis in an animal.

    Poor Hygiene

    • Unclean stables can breed this infections disease

      Unclean living conditions breed disease, and when a stable, corral or other habitat is neglected, bacteria can make their way into an animal's food or bloodstream, causing meningitis.

    Other Causes

    • Infectious bacteria that affect both animals and people, like staph, can spread to the meninges. Parasites like fleas, ticks and intestinal worms can transmit the bacteria that cause the disease to their animal hosts. Pre-existing ailments like cancer and brain growths also lend a hand in causing meningitis.