Long-term management of necrotizing meningoencephalitis in a pug dog

A male pug dog suffering from epilepsy was treated for 17 months. The onset of the seizures was at 9 months of age. It was difficult to detect the cau se of the epilepsy, although various laboratory examinations were made. Cli nical findings were as follows: an increase in protein concentration and th e number of mononuclear cells (13/mu L) were detected in only one examinati on repeated cerebrospinal fluid analysis; magnetic resonance imaging reveal ed the dilation of both lateral ventricles and the existence of areas of in creased signal intensity in the cerebrum: slow waves were found in an elect roencephalogram throughout the course of the case. Combined anticonvulsant therapy using phenobarbital, prednisone, and/or medicines of plant origin ( Japanese Kampo) was not entirely successful in controlling the services, al though Japanese Kampo therapy allowed the dog to be comfortable for 4 month s. The histopathologic examination of biopsy and necropsy samples showed ex tensive cerebral necrosis, severe astrogliosis, and mild infiltration of mo nonuclear cells in the cerebrum, indicating that the case was necrotizing m eningoencephalitis (pug encephalitis).