Inflammatory Brain Disease

Inflammatory brain disease in dogs (MUE, GME, & NE): what it means

Inflammatory brain disease is an umbrella term for conditions that include granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME) and necrotizing encephalitis (NE). Confirming the exact type usually requires a brain biopsy, but in most cases, a biopsy isn’t recommended. These conditions often look similar, are treated in similar ways, and have comparable prognoses, so treatment usually begins based on a clinical diagnosis.

You may also hear this called meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE), since the exact cause remains unknown.

What specialists do believe is that inflammatory brain disease is autoimmune, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain as if it were an infectious agent, even when no infection is present. This process is somewhat analogous to multiple sclerosis in humans.

In some breeds, genetics may play a role. For example, a specific gene (DLA) in Pugs has been linked to a significantly higher risk of developing this disease. Genetic testing for this gene can be arranged during your appointment.

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis is also an inflammatory disease that can affect the brain. However, because there are differences in diagnosis and prognosis, we’ll cover it in another section below.

Which dogs are more prone to inflammatory brain disease?

Inflammatory brain disease most commonly affects small-breed dogs, including Pugs, French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chihuahuas, but it can occur in dogs of any breed.

Though very rare, it can also affect cats.

Most cases of inflammatory brain disease are diagnosed in dogs between 2 and 7 years of age.

Symptoms of inflammatory brain disease in dogs

If you notice new symptoms or a sudden worsening of symptoms your dog already has, contact the Remedy Neurology team right away. These signs can occur with many different brain diseases, so they don’t specifically indicate inflammatory brain disease unless your dog has been diagnosed through an MRI and spinal tap.

Common symptoms include:

  • Seizures

  • Changes in personality

  • Loss of training or previously learned behaviors

  • Difficulty staying awake or sleeping

  • Problems with walking or coordination

  • Dizziness or vertigo

  • Circling behavior

  • Sudden onset of blindness

  • Challenges with eating, drinking, or swallowing

Diagnosing inflammatory brain disease in dogs (MRI, spinal tap, & testing)

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • MRI

  • Spinal tap (cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF, analysis)

  • Specialized blood work to help exclude infections

A brain biopsy would be required to confirm a specific subtype like GME or NE, but this procedure isn’t commonly recommended due to practical considerations. Instead, the Remedy Neurology team uses supportive testing (MRI, CSF analysis, and infectious disease testing) to confidently diagnose inflammatory brain disease.

Will my dog be OK?

Inflammatory brain diseases are serious conditions. Even with treatment, some dogs may not survive.

However, many dogs respond positively to treatment and have a good quality of life. In some cases, dogs can even be cured of the disease. In other cases, a complete cure isn’t possible, and some dogs may need medication for the rest of their lives.

Treatment of inflammatory brain disease

Inflammatory brain disease is primarily treated with immunosuppressive medications. While there are different treatment protocols, most include steroids such as prednisone or dexamethasone.

Many dogs are also prescribed a second medication to help regulate the immune system. This combination can reduce steroid use over time, which is important because long-term or high-dose steroid use can have serious side effects.

Other medications that may be recommended include:

It’s important to know these medications can weaken your dog’s ability to fight infections, and vaccinations might not be advisable during treatment.

If your dog experiences seizures, seizure medications will likely be part of the treatment plan, too.

Rechecks & monitoring

Regular veterinary check-ups are important while your dog is being treated for inflammatory brain disease.

Typically:

  • Rechecks are scheduled 1–2 weeks after the initial diagnosis

  • Then, monthly for the first few months

Ongoing recheck frequency depends on how severe your dog’s condition is. More severely affected dogs may require hospitalization initially and more frequent follow-ups.

Regular blood and urine screening is recommended to monitor for medication side effects. For stable patients, these tests are recommended every four months.

Emergency signs to watch for with inflammatory brain disease

Seek emergency veterinary care if your dog is showing any of the following signs:

  • More than two seizures in a day, unless your veterinary team has provided specific alternate instructions

  • A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes

  • Inability to stand or walk

  • Difficulty or inability to eat or drink

  • Unconsciousness, especially if your dog cannot be roused

  • Pressing their head against a wall or other surfaces persistently

  • Continuous howling, barking, or crying that doesn’t subside when comforted

  • Sudden, uncharacteristic aggressive behavior