Can dogs recover from GME?

GME has a poor prognosis. Most studies offer the generalisations that dogs with multifocal disease typically have a short survival (e.g., up to six weeks after diagnosis) and dogs with focal disease usually have a longer survival (e.g., three to six months).

What is GME disease?

GME (granulomatous meningo-encephalomyelitis) is a fancy name in medical terminology for a kind of inflammation affecting the brain, the spinal cord and the meninges (the covering of the spinal cord and brain).

Why do dogs get GME?

GME is an acute, progressive inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of dogs. GME is a common differential for dogs that are affected by focal or diffuse neurological diseases. An inflammatory disease like GME can cause severe and often irreversible damage to the CNS.

Is GME genetic?

This does not leave out much in the way of neurologic symptoms. Symptoms can come on acutely or be more chronic. Breeds felt to have a genetic predisposition to GME are Chihuahua, dachshund, Maltese, and miniature poodle.

Is granulomatous meningoencephalitis treatable?

Prognosis is better for the focal form but, regardless of the form, GME is not curable and life-long medication is necessary (see below). The ocular form most commonly shows up as sudden, generally permanent blindness. It can affect one or both eyes but is not of a life-threatening nature.

What causes granulomatous meningoencephalitis?

The cause is only known to be noninfectious and is considered at this time to be idiopathic. Because lesions resemble those seen in allergic meningoencephalitis, GME is thought to have an immune-mediated cause, but it is also thought that the disease may be based on an abnormal response to an infectious agent.

Is meningoencephalitis in dogs contagious?

Bacterial meningitis or meningoencephalitis is not common in dogs and is not generally contagious. The usual signs of meningitis are fever, neck pain and rigidity, and painful muscle spasms. Dogs may have these signs without any sign of brain or spinal cord dysfunction.

Is meningitis the same as encephalitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Anyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. Causes of encephalitis and meningitis include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites.

How do you prevent meningoencephalitis?

These steps can help prevent meningitis:

1. Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
2. Practice good hygiene. Don’t share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes with anyone else.
3. Stay healthy.
4. Cover your mouth.
5. If you’re pregnant, take care with food.

What is the most common cause of meningoencephalitis?

The most common causes of bacterial meningoencephalitis include: Streptococcus pneumoniae: A bacteria commonly found in the nose and throat. Haemophilus influenzae (HIB): A type of bacteria that commonly causes respiratory infections, and which is preventable by vaccine.