Brain inflammation (also known as encephalitis) occurs when a dog’s brain suffers inflammation for an unknown reason. This inflammation can change the way a dog thinks, how it moves, and if it acts unusually. While this may sound terrifying, knowing the signs of inflammation in your dog and acting quickly can really help your dog's prognosis.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Here are some signs that your dog may be experiencing brain inflammation:
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New seizures or shaking
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Altered behavior (confusion, irritability)
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Signs of circling or head-tilting
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Signs of difficulty walking or lack of coordination
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Newly-acquired sensitivity to light/sound and barking at nothing
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Incessant vomiting or lack of interest in eating
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Weakness or paralysis in specific body parts
If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, you should reach out to your veterinarian right away.
Causes
Brain inflammation in dogs can have a variety of causes, including but not limited to:
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Immune-mediated disorders: The dog's immune system attacks the brain by mistake
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Infectious causes: bacteria, viruses or parasites
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Postvaccinal complications: rare, unwanted reactions to vaccinations
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Less common causes such as toxins or tumors
Because understanding the cause of brain inflammation is important for effective treatment, your veterinarian will suggest appropriate tests to determine the root cause.
Diagnosing Brain Inflammation
When diagnosing brain inflammation, your veterinarian will conduct a careful physical examination and may suggest a number of tests including:
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Bloodwork: for infections and other patterns of immune response
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging: to confirm the location of inflammation or abnormal structures
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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): attained through a spinal tap for cell counts for bacteria or other immune activity in the brain
The basic necessary tests will allow your veterinarian to support a diagnosis of brain inflammation and to confirm which diagnostic tests have suggested the best course of treatment.
Treating Brain Inflammation
The goals of treatment will include alleviating symptoms and reducing inflammation:
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Medications: to prevent seizure activity and swelling
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Hospitalization: if the brain inflammation is severe enough, your dog may require a stay in a veterinary hospital for 24-hour monitoring of vital signs and supportive care
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Antibiotic and/or antiviral medication: if an infection is suspected
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Therapies: your veterinarian may prescribe steroids or immune-suppressing drugs to manage the immune system's misbehavior
Your recovery will be largely impacted by your veterinarian’s response to treatment beginning promptly.
Prognosis & Follow-Up Care
Most dogs that receive treatment for their brain inflammation recover well and slowly go on to make a full recovery. However, you will need to continue doctoring for follow-up visits to:
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Monitor for returning or worsening symptoms
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Make changes to medications and dosages
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Provide supportive care for pain, sleep, and eating
Your veterinarian knows you and your dog and will be able to advise on what to do once your dog is stabilized.
Take Action: Protect Your Dog's Health
If you note any of the warning signs of brain inflammation or if your dog's behaviour changes, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Getting an assessment at the time of care is the best way to improve objectives for full recovery and to get a dog back to its happy, healthy self!
