Daisy is a five month old Lhasa Apso puppy. Her owners brought her to the vets in March due to lameness on her right fore. There was no obvious cause for the lameness and the vet prescribed Metacam, an anti-inflammatory pain relief solution.
Daisy did not respond to the pain relief and the following day the lameness was affecting both right legs. On clinical examination the vet Jo noted that Daisy also had neck pain. Daisy was admitted to the hospital for stronger pain relief, observation and cage rest.
After initial treatment Daisy appeared to be happier and she was beginning to use her right fore. Her neck was still very painful and she was reluctant to walk so Jo recommended taking x-rays in case Daisy had fractured her neck. The x-rays did not show any abnormalities.
The following day Daisy was much better and was beginning to use both right legs and was moving her neck in all directions. Daisy went home for the weekend but on Monday she was worse again and Jo recommended referring her for an MRI scan.
The referral centre diagnosed Daisy with meningitis (see below). Daisy was put on a course of steroid and antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately Daisy had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics. She had a rash on her tummy and sores all around her face and back end. Jo advised that Daisy would need to stop the antibiotics.
A week later, whilst still on steroid treatment, Daisy had made a fantastic improvement. The allergic reactions on her skin had settled down well and her owners report that she is playful again. Daisy is a happy puppy and is making up for lost time.
What is an Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Scan?
- MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
- MRI scans can show muscles, joints, bone marrow, blood vessels, nerves and other structures within your body.
- The images produced are usually two-dimensional.
- MRI scans are commonly used to examine the brain, spine, abdomen and pelvis.
What is Canine Meningitis?
- Inflammation in the meninges, the membranes that coat & protect the brain and spinal cord.
- Can be bacterial or non bacterial (aseptic).
- Aseptic meningitis is most common and the cause is unknown.
- Usually affects young dogs aged between 4 months and 2 years.
- Clinical signs include depression, fever, stiff neck, reluctance to move due to stiffness.
