Meningitis / Rat Lungworm Prognosis?

[WeeRedDogs]

Hi Dog Owners,

I was wondering if anyone had had any experience with meningitis? Our 5 month old Setter is currently in hospital with suspected meningitis/rat lungworm.

He had some pain in his tailbone last Saturday (a week ago) and was having difficulty sitting. Initially it looked like a possible fracture or limber tail. The vet prescribed anti-inflammatories, followed by an xray in 2 weeks if there was no improvement.

At first he seemed to be responding to rest and anti-inflammatories. He was still stiff in his back legs, but was walking around more and his appetite and bathroom habits were normal. Then on Friday morning he couldn't stand and was is in a lot of pain, so we rushed him back to the vets. His xrays appeared normal and he was referred to a specialist hospital for an MRI. The specialist suspected meningitis caused by coming in contact with a snail or slug carrying rat lungworm. The vets have started him on steroids and antibiotics while they wait for the results of the spinal tap (the preliminary test 'is consistent' with meningitis/rat lungworm but the CSF needs to go to a lab in Tasmania on Monday for confirmation).

The vets have stabilised him but he's still in pain. His tail is paralysed and he can't move his back legs. He still appears to have feeling in his toes, so we don't know if the problems with his legs are permanent. Defecating is very painful and he cries terribly when he poos. The vets are hopeful, but don't expect to see much change until at least Monday. We won't know what neurological damage there is until when/if he recovers from the inflammation.

Has anyone had a dog with meningitis or rat lungworm? We love our little man and its horrible seeing him in so much pain. He's a beautiful puppy and he doesn't deserve this. If anyone can give us an idea of what to expect regarding prognosis or the recovery process that would be greatly appreciated. We want to make the best decisions we can for him, but there's so much conflicting information out there about meningitis, it's hard to know what to do.

[*kirty*]

It really depends on the diagnosis. My Italian Greyhound had steroid responsive meningitis. She made a quick and complete recovery once she received the correct treatment (cortisone). She had one minor relapse but has been perfect ever since. Fingers crossed your baby makes a speedy recovery.

Edited May 17, 2014 by *kirty*

[Rascalmyshadow]

We lost our young afghan to meningitis a few years back, we tried for almost 3 weeks to save her. She would scream in pain every time she moved, at first we thought it was a back injury. In the end none of the medication worked and she was a skeleton that couldn't eat or move without severe pain.

I wish you all the best such a horrible thing to go through.

[Erny]

If the Vets think there's a chance, then I'd follow that and give every chance possible. Good luck - I haven't had experience with this condition (and hope I never do), but sending you and your dog strong well-wishes and all things crossed for a good outcome.

[WeeRedDogs]

Thanks for the well wishes.

Latest report is that he is still stable but not really showing any improvement. He's very quiet and very weak through the back legs. It looks like if he makes it, he will probably have some permanent impairment, but they can't really give us any idea of the extent at present. The 'Medicine Specialist' is seeing him tomorrow, so hopefully they will be able to give us a better idea of what is going on.

[persephone]

fingers crossed