Encephalitis in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Encephalitis
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Encephalitis refers to the inflammation of the brain. The disease is most often seen simultaneously with meningitis, the inflammation of the membranous covering of the brain and spinal cord. Causes of encephalitis include infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, rickettsia, and parasites. Encephalitis can also be idiopathic (unknown cause). Clinical signs depend on the severity and location of inflammation—seizures, blindness, behavioural changes, mental depression, and circling (cerebral disease); imbalance or incoordination, head tilt, tremors or facial paralysis (brainstem disease). Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the encephalitis. Chances for recovery depend on the cause, severity, and whether or not there is irreversible damage to the brain tissue.

Breeds exposed to Encephalitis – Research Reference
German Shepherd Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Alsatian Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Doberman Pinscher Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Dobermann Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Boxer Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Rottweiler Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Doberman Pinscher – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Great Dane Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
British Bulldog Cross – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Boxer – (Burkert et al. 2005)
British Bulldog – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Dobermann – (Burkert et al. 2005)
German Shepherd – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Great Dane – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Rottweiler – (Burkert et al. 2005)
Alsatian – (Burkert et al. 2005)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Encephalitis or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.