Meningitis
The meninges is the sheet of protective tissue covering the delicate brain. In the picture of a human brain above, the pathologist is peeling the meninges back with his forceps.
Infection or inflammation of the Meninges is called meningitis and it is a very painful and disorienting disease.
Viral infections like distemper and rabies were a common cause of meningitis in the United States, but thanks to most people who vaccinate their pets this cause of the disease is well under control.
But bacterial causes of meningitis is still a problem.
Bacteria gets into the blood stream from bite wounds, other trauma, surgery, through an unhealthy gut wall, heart disease (endocarditis) and gum disease. Once bacterial infections get in the blood, sometimes they can get through the barrier that protects the brain and spinal cord causing infection of the meninges.
Diagnostic and treatment comments coming soon
Meanwhile...take good care of your pet's oral health and general health to include vaccinations.
Feeling generous?
I've written this web site partly to share my love of my profession with you ... but also in hopes of raising money for our no kill pet shelter.
Our shelter is an honest, transparent, and 100% volunteer organization that finds homes for 200-300 pets a year for the last 15 years or so.
With a little more funding we can continue to operate and expand.
Please help:
