ENCEPHALITIS AND MENINGITIS

Inflammation of the brain and meninges is a common cause of neurologic dysfunction in dogs and cats. A wide range of infectious agents has b een demonstrated to cause encephalitis an meningitis, although there a re many inflammatory conditions for which an etiology has not been fou nd. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is the most useful diagnostic lest to identify central nervous system inflammation. This article discuss es the common causes of encephalitis and meningitis in dogs and cats, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment moda lities, and prognosis.