Case of the Month: Meningitis

Beau’s story*

Eight year old Beau was a healthy and active dog for most of his life. One morning, his attentive family noticed that he had a hard time rising from bed.  When he got up, he seemed to be a little weak and unstable on his back legs. Thinking this could be an early indication of arthritis, his family booked an appointment with their veterinarian for the following week. However, throughout the day, Beau’s mild weakness progressed alarmingly until he was extremely weak on all four legs, and couldn’t hold up his own weight. 

Beau was rushed to an emergency and referral center, where he was evaluated by a neurologist. His veterinarians were concerned about spinal cord injuries, brain or spinal tumors, and meningitis. Beau received a CT scan and a spinal tap to try to get to the bottom of the problem.  When no injuries or tumors could be identified, and infectious diseases that affect the nerves were ruled out, Beau received a diagnosis of Immune Mediated Meningitis. 

About the Condition: Immune Mediated Meningitis

Also known as steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), this is a condition where a dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This causes inflammation of the meninges and blood vessels. This leads to sudden onset neck pain, weakness or paralysis, and sometimes other neurological signs like seizures. It happens most often in young, large breed dogs, and it is diagnosed by ruling out other causes (such as injuries or infectious meningitis) using advanced imaging and examination of the spinal fluid.

Treatment

Treatment of the condition involves the use of immunosuppressive medications, as well as pain control and supportive care when mobility is limited. Long-term management of the inflammation is often required to prevent or manage relapses.

Beau needed hospitalization for IV fluids, pain control and mobility/bathroom support while he underwent diagnostic tests and his condition was brought under control. He was treated with prednisone and cyclosporine to suppress his abnormal immune activity. 

Happily, Beau made a remarkable recovery in a little more than two weeks, and was able to go home a comfortable, mobile dog. He continues to take medication at home to keep his condition under control, but as long as he continues to do well, the plan is to taper back his doses as much as possible.

Claim Outcome

Since Beau’s first onset of symptoms, fees related to diagnosis and treatment of his meningitis have totalled $15,800.  His family’s Pets Plus Us Accident and Illness Max policy has reimbursed them $11,950 of those expenses. We are so happy you’re on your feet again, Beau!