Dealing With a Dog’s Inflammation of the Brain
Under this general heading can be grouped encephalitis, meningitis, the involvement of the brain during uraemia and advanced kidney diseases, acute toxaemia, and so on. The symptoms may come suddenly as with a fit, or may appear gradually. Although the animal seems conscious he is, for the most part, more or less oblivious of his surroundings although there may be occasional periods of comparative lucidity.
He does not recognise his owners, although he will react to food and sometimes to loud noises. In mild cases the dog tends to wander about aimlessly and restlessly with a vacant expression; in more serious cases he will walk round in small circles, always in the same direction and, if restrained, will struggle to continue this circling. Violent cases will try to climb the wall and bump into obstacles. Often the dog will cry, whine or howl, and the high-pitched typical meningeal yelp is a very distressing and ominous symptom.
Little can be done by the owner. Pending arrival of the veterinary surgeon, the dog should be given a sedative or Chlorbutol (from three grains upwards) and put in a darkened, empty room or a large kennel where he cannot injure himself. Ice packs or cloths wrung out in very cold water are often useful when applied to the back of the skull during a quiet period.
Except in very mild cases the prognosis of this condition is extremely unfavourable, and where permanent damage to the brain exists recovery is impossible; it is kinder to have the animal put to sleep. The veterinary surgeon should be asked his frank opinion of the dog’s chances. He should always be consulted immediately whenever the brain is involved.
If treatment is to be tried, such as general anaesthesia for some hours to rest the brain or powerful sedatives, the sooner it is begun the better. As it can be provided only by a qualified person, one should be consulted without delay.
