Canine Encephalitis Symptoms

The clinical symptoms of canine encephalitis mainly include seizures, circular movements, confusion, drooling, foam at the mouth, etc. The onset of encephalitis is usually slow, and the early symptoms are mild, such as heightened excitement or depression, unstable walking, drooling, etc. In the later stages, severe symptoms may occur, such as whole-body paralysis, motor coordination disorders, dilated pupils, and loss of response to the outside world. As dogs with encephalitis will have many neurological symptoms, diagnosis is usually confirmed clinically through imaging, electroencephalography, and cerebrospinal fluid examination.

1. Early and Middle Stage Symptoms of Encephalitis

2. Early Stage

In the early stage of canine encephalitis, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as heightened excitement or depression, unstable walking, drooling, and delayed response. Dogs may constantly circle, lean their heads to one side, and may have confusion, easily hurting their owners. Some dogs may have severe pain in certain body parts, even with light touch, they may emit sharp screams.

1. Middle and Late Stage

As encephalitis develops to the middle and late stages, dogs may exhibit symptoms such as generalized paralysis, motor coordination disorders, dilated pupils, and loss of response to the outside world. By the time most dogs are diagnosed with encephalitis, they are already in the late stages. It is recommended to follow the treatment plan based on the hospital's examination results and the doctor's guidance.

1. Symptoms of Different Types of Encephalitis

In addition to the duration of the disease, encephalitis can be divided into suppurative encephalitis, granulomatous encephalitis, and idiopathic encephalitis specific to certain dog breeds based on the location and severity of the inflammation.

1. Suppurative Encephalitis

Common in young large dogs, early symptoms include fever, alertness, and spinal pain. Later, neurological symptoms will appear.

1. Granulomatous Encephalitis

Common in young small dogs, the disease progresses rapidly, with symptoms such as nystagmus, ataxia, blindness, and trigeminal palsy. Some dogs may also exhibit behavioral changes and confusion.

1. Idiopathic Encephalitis in Specific Dog Breeds

Encephalitis in breeds such as Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, and Pug is genetic and exhibits acute seizures, weakness, ataxia, head tilt, and photophobia.