Ellie

Ellie, together with two littermates, was found at the roadside in September 2009, and after being looked after by the RSPCA found a lovely home in Witney.

She turned into a beautiful, lively and very active dog so the owners were very concerned when, a few weeks ago, she began to eat less and became more and more quiet.

At first we thought these signs were due to a phantom pregnancy, but when she developed a fever, started yelping, especially when she moved her head, and generally was very sore, we suspected meningitis.

Ellie was referred to a specialist centre for an MRI scan and examination of her cerebrospinal fluid (= fluid around the brain and spinal cord). These tests confirmed a ‘steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis’ (SRMA) and she was started on steroid medication which she will have to take for at least 6 months.

After a few days on medication Ellie was back to her normal, lively self and she continues to do well.

Fortunately Ellie is insured with a good insurance company who paid quickly for the extensive and costly diagnostic tests that she needed.