Encephalitis in dogs is a medical condition wherein a dog’s brain becomes inflamed. It can result from a number of factors, including infection by parasites.
While all dogs can unfortunately suffer from this condition, studies suggest that certain breeds, including Yorkshire Terriers, German Short-Haired Pointers, and Maltese dogs, have a higher predisposition for developing brain inflammation.
If you see signs that your canine might be suffering from brain inflammation, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of encephalitis in dogs.
Symptoms Of Encephalitis In Dogs
Encephalitis in dogs can result in a wide range of symptoms depending on precisely which part of a dog’s brain has been affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Seizure
- Tilting the head to one side
- Circling
- Becoming depressed and less responsive
- Fever
- Issues with vision
Causes Of Encephalitis In Dogs
The cause of encephalitis in dogs is unknown in many instances. In other cases, viral, fungal, and bacterial infections may cause the condition.
Additionally, parasitic infections can result in brain inflammation, with infected skunks and raccoons able to transmit the disease.
When it comes to specific breeds of dog, the Maltese, German Short-Haired Pointer, and Yorkshire Terrier seem to have the highest risk for developing the condition.
Veterinary Treatments
If you suspect that your dog is developing encephalitis, your veterinarian will want to carry out a full physical examination. They’ll order blood and urine tests. Additionally, vets may use X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to investigate suspected cases.
Your vet may also consider collecting a fluid sample from the brain and spinal cord and sending it to a laboratory for further analysis.
If the vet confirms their diagnosis, then treatment for the condition might involve a period of hospitalization for your dog depending on the root cause of the issue. The vet may also prescribe medication, including antibiotics.
As ever, if your vet prescribes any medicine for your dog, then it is vital that you stick to the precise dosage and frequency instructions along with completing the full course of medication.
While your dog recovers, it is vital that they keep up regular visits with their vet. This is so that the vet can closely monitor the state of the condition in case your dog needs another round of medical treatment.
Has your dog developed encephalitis? What kinds of treatments has your vet prescribed? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
