Traumatic Encephalitis in Dogs

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain caused by external trauma. This condition can lead to the manifestation of various nervous signs. Case report: A three-year-old male mongrel was brought to the Small Animal Medicine Unit of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry, India, with a history of hit injury, inappetence, haematuria, and circling gait for the past three days. Clinical examination revealed circling gait and swelling at the base of the penis with other normal vital parameters. By the third day, there were some nervous signs, such as circling, head pressing, and torticollis with insomnia. Haemogram revealed anemia and neutrophilia with no evidence of blood parasites or protozoans. Radiological examination of the head and neck revealed increased atlanto-occipital joint space. The condition was diagnosed as traumatic encephalitis and was treated with Mannitol, Phenobarbital, Diazepam, and Renerve Plus. A neck collar was also advised for immobilization of the neck. The dog collapsed after 20 days despite the symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: The secondary infections caused by encephalitis can lead to death in animals.

Keywords

• Atlanto-occipital joint
• Dog
• Encephalitis
• Nervous signs
• Trauma