Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Streptococcal meningoencephalitis in a dog.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- Irwin, P J & Parry, B W
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Hospital · Australia
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5.5-year-old French bulldog was brought to the vet with sudden neck pain and signs of balance issues. Tests of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord showed a lot of white blood cells and bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, which usually affects humans. The dog was treated with antibiotics given through an IV, along with supportive care and medication for seizures that started soon after arriving at the clinic. The dog improved with treatment and, two years later, only had a slight tilt of the head remaining.
Abstract
A 5.5-year-old French bulldog was presented with acute neck pain and a short history of central vestibular syndrome. A marked neutrophilic pleocytosis and numerous gram-positive cocci were evident on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a pathogen of humans, was isolated upon CSF microbiological culture. Treatment consisted of intravenous antibiotics, supportive care, and anticonvulsants for the generalized seizures which developed shortly after admission. The dog responded to therapy and two years later exhibited only a mild, residual head tilt. The pathogenesis and treatment of bacterial meningoencephalitis in dogs are reviewed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10493418/