tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7008632143615292951.post837223696579454746..comments2023-09-26T12:09:29.433-07:00Comments on Q&A: The Dogs Today Think Tank: Would a definite diagnosis make a difference?Beverley Cuddyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03544804932989118884noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7008632143615292951.post-65963130717360583392014-05-30T12:14:37.005-07:002014-05-30T12:14:37.005-07:00Hi there. My lovely lab/collie cross has also rece...Hi there. My lovely lab/collie cross has also recently been diagnosed with SRM. It has taken over a week for us to finally find out why my healthy, fit, eight and a half month puppy went from being her energetic, playful self to a stiff, painful and fatigued shadow of herself. <br />When we first noticed something wasn't right, the vet gave her an examination. She had noticed that she had a slight vaginal discharge and it was initially believed that she may have a vaginal infection. The next day however, she came into season. Her condition seemed to get steadily worse over the next few days. She became more generally unwell, not keen for diet/fluids, increasingly stiff and fevered despite the antibiotics that she was on. After a fourth visit to the vet, she had bloods and a pelvic scan. Her bloods revealed an elevated WCC but her pelvic scan showed a normal uterus. It looked more likely that something neurological was going on. She was taken to the vet school and has had a lumbar tap, confirming SRM.<br />She has started her long term course of steroidal treatment tonight and hopefully we can bring her home tomorrow.<br />When something like this happens it is normal to look at reasons why this could happen. She hasn't had any problems and as she is only coming up for 9 months, it is not a long time to reflect over possible causes. She had one episode of diarrhoea which she recovered from following treatment. ?Cause of diarrhoea. Could the cause have triggered an auto-immune response?<br />The other more worrying possible cause that I have been investigating today is the use of the Advocate treatment for dogs. I have learned that herding breeds can be extremely sensitive to this drug. The result of side effects are a whole range of neurological disorders including SRM. No-one at my vet practice has ever advised me re this potential side effect. It is just assumed that best practise means you get your dog set up on these regular worming/flea protection plans without due consideration of the potential harm that these drugs can do. We vaccinate our pets annually as advised by vets, yet many animals have reactions to these drugs, which may not even be required on an annual basis anyway.<br />I am not sure what has caused this problem in my dog, however the more research I am doing, it is looking more likely that Advocate was the cause as I had administered her last dose only 2 days before her problem started. I am fuming that steps I have been advised by my vet to 'protect' my lovely pet has caused long term damage. It is about time that healthcare organisations for animals and humans began to look and question it's relationship with drug companies for research, education and sponsorship which compromises the health of the patients they are supposed to be protecting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17184515522019472862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7008632143615292951.post-76859859483710184512011-02-16T13:25:08.150-08:002011-02-16T13:25:08.150-08:00Ideally, any dog with pyrexia (a high temperature)...Ideally, any dog with pyrexia (a high temperature), lethargy and neck pain, should have investigations to obtain a specific diagnosis, as there are numerous conditions that may present with these signs, and the treatment and prognosis can be quite different with each condition. Steroid responsive meningitis (SRM)is just one of a number of inflammatory conditions that may affect the spine of a young dog, in addition to non-inflammatory causes, such as deformity of the spine. In Alfie's case, the positive response to the steroid therapy indicates it is probable that SRM, or a similar type of non-infectious meningitis, is the cause of his signs and thus it is unlikely that making a definitive diagnosis is necessary at this time, especially since he is responding favourably to courses of steroids that are only necessary every six months on average. However, if the frequency and severity of Alfieās signs progress and become less responsive to therapy it may be worth considering investigations, including analysis of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). There are other drugs in addition to steroids that may be used for managing SRM, but these too can have side effects, and are thus generally only prescribed when a specific diagnosis has been made. The distance you live from a specialist referral centre is an important consideration since, as you mentioned, it is necessary to weigh up the pros and cons that affect Alfie's welfare. <br /><br />Malcolm McKee Specialist in Small Animal Orthopaedics, Willows Referral Service, Solihull, West MidlandsMalcolm McKeenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7008632143615292951.post-15346823741263541952011-01-18T14:11:28.868-08:002011-01-18T14:11:28.868-08:00Hi Jo
My puppy also has Steroid Responsive Meningi...Hi Jo<br />My puppy also has Steroid Responsive Meningitis. I haven't had it confirmed with a spinal tap but the treatment certainly points to SRMA . It is certainly not easy dealing with it and can get quite complicated, is it a relapse, is he tired, is he stressed which can bring on a relapse? <br />My puppy has had one relapse, meaning I had to start the whole treatment again. The side effects from the medication leaves my puppy looking and behaving far from the puppy he should be. But we strive on knowing that the prognosis is good.<br />A shining light has been the following website. They have been so supportive and helpful. the lady that runs it, Jo Tucker, has kept me sane!<br />Are you aware of it?...<br />http://www.afghanhoundsinternational.net/health/cimda.htmTony Crusenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7008632143615292951.post-72722499242721677722011-01-09T04:34:53.213-08:002011-01-09T04:34:53.213-08:00Mmm difficult one BUT as he is still so young I th...Mmm difficult one BUT as he is still so young I think I would investigate further. No chance of flying him over? Try local aero clubs - many of them are dog lovers and an appeal there might prove fruitful.In the pinkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09043405252243850366noreply@blogger.com