Hello, I'm new

[Lizawake]

I'm Liz Robotham and I'm the proud companion of 6-year-old Dora, a Jack Russell Terrier. She is my first dog, although I shall reach 70 next year. She is fantastic, and normally bursting with health and energy, really bright and amazingly perceptive. Just over 2 weeks ago she scared the living daylights out of me by falling ill. All I can say is thank heaven for the AHT! After 2 inpatient stays, 2 x MRI, 2 x Scans, 2 x spinal taps and more blood tests than I have fingers to count, she was diagnosed with an auto-immune type of meningitis. After over a week of steroids, painkillers, pills for a sludgy gall bladder and liver pills she is getting about a bit better. She is supposed to take things very easily, and although she wants to play as usual, any activity still leaves her pretty exhausted. My main reason for joining this forum, (my first on line  of any kind) is to hear from any other owners who have similar experiences.

[Catherine]

I do not have any experience of Steroid Responsive Meningitis Ateritis, but I do of other AI diseases so know how worrying and tiring it can be to have a dog ill. There are some members who have experience with SRMA on the Forum so hopefully they will soon be in touch.

Meanwhile have you read up on SRMA on the Forum? Here is a link : http://cimda.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,25.0.html

Also: http://cimda.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,16.0.html

Also here is the medication protocol that is recommended:

..........."Immunosuppressive Protocols for Oral Prednisolone in the Dog.
Ref: Clinical Immunology of the Dog & Cat by Michael J Day  – Professor of Veterinary Pathology, University of Bristol, UK and WSAVA - Chairman of Scientific Advisory Committee.

This example is base on a dog receiving an induction dose of 1.0mg/kg/q12hrs

Dose                Duration (based on clinical effect)

1.0mg/kg/q12h             10-28 days
0.75mg/kg/q12h            10-28 days
0.5mg/kg/q12h             10-28 days
0.25mg/kg/q12h                         10-28 days
0.25mg/kg/q24h                         10-28 days
0.25-0.5mg/kg/ Every other day      at least 21 days
0.25-0.5 mg/kg/ Every third day       at least 21 days

Azathioprine (a cytotoxic drug) can be used in combination with prednisolone at 2mg/kg/24 or 48 hrs and dose gradually reduced, when remission is achieved, over a period of months.
Clinical response to Azathioprine may take up to 6 weeks. (Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook)

Don't forget the gastroprotectant!............."

[Jo CIMDA]

Hi and welcome

SRMA carries a good prognosis.  Relapses can occur but on the whole long term remission can be achieved and the dog can live a normal life. 

Catherine has posted an excellent drug protocol.  I hope Dora is on a similar regimen.   Smaller dogs cope pretty well with the high doses of steroids, so that is a plus for Dora.  I Hope she is on something to protect her stomach.

Dora should feel much better very soon.

Jo