5. Six Weeks In

6 Weeks In

It is six weeks since Bosons diagnosis of SRMA, and at the minute, he is doing ok.

He likes short walks, is interested in his surroundings, but isn't interested in mingling with other dogs yet. He was super friendly before he took ill, but now he ignores other dogs completely! This isn't necessarily a bad thing as he has to stay away from others until his immune system recovers.

He is still painfully thin, with muscle wastage of his head, neck and back legs but with a swollen belly (from the steroids) and looks pregnant! But he still has a crazy appetite, so the weight will come on eventually.

Bosons steroids have been reduced now to two 5mg tablets twice per day. We have noticed a pattern of 2-3 days after a reduction in the dose he has an "off day", and will spend the much of the day sleeping.

After 6 weeks I have learned a huge amount about this condition, so I thought I would put together a list of things I have picked up over this time.

Causes of SRMA.

Meningitis is not fully understood, but studies suggest the following are possible triggers.

Genetic predisposition

Abnormal response of the immune response to the central nervous system

Vaccinations and possible desensitisation to viral infections

All breeds can be affected, but it seems more prevalent in Boxers, Beagles, Weimaraners and Burnese Mountain Dogs

Infection

More common in younger dogs (less than 2 years old)

Signs and Symptoms.

Severe pain in the neck or lower back

Reluctance to walk, stiff walking motion

Swollen joints

Refusing food

Raised temperature

Boson only had the sudden onset of extreme back pain and inability to walk. 

Diagnosis and Treatment.

Full Neurological examination of the dog

Bloods

Cerebrospinal fluid sample (spinal tap/puncture)

MRI can be useful to rule out other causes while awaiting lab results

Initial treatment is with high dose steroids and antibiotics

The steroids (commonly Prednisolone) are usually given with Omeprazole (gastro protectant) as it can be harsh on their intestines

Antibiotics are given to fight any infection present

The steroids are given on a tapering dose, they will gradually be reduced over around a 6 month period

Relapses are most likely whilst reducing the steroids. If this happens, the steroid dose increased and the tapering starts again from scratch

A repeat spinal sample will be carried out a few months after treatment starts

During treatment

Side effects of the steroids will cause the most issues

Increased appetite

Increased thirst

Weight loss

Muscle weakness and wasting

Stomach upsets

Panting

Energy loss

Increased risk of infection

Fur loss and thin skin

Poor wound healing
Bosons exercise routine is 3 30-45 minute slow walks on the lead.. He physically can't manage the long walks we used to have. But they should be kept moving to lessen the effects of muscle wastage.

Prognosis

Generally very good. Most dogs improve after 2-3 days of treatment and are in clinical remission within 2 weeks

Treatment with the steroids is usually around 5-7 months

Normal length and quality of life can be expected

Relapses are possible, they usually present with the same symptoms as the initial syndrome, and are treated with an increase of the steroids

Our Experiences

Six weeks into out journey, We have found that there are things that are NOT on the websites about what owners of affected dogs will go through and can expect.

Worry.
This is natural. But I worry about EVERYTHING now!

"Is this the start of a relapse?"

"Is that because of the steroids?"

"Is he eating enough?"

"Is that too much exercise?"

"IS THAT NORMAL??"

We are not normally ones to ask on social media about my dogs health issues, but the Surviving SRMA Facebook group has been invaluable in reassuring us and preventing us rushing to the vets unnecessarily! But they have also told us when we should be concerned and things we need to keep an eye on.

Expense.
The diagnosis and treatment of SRMA does not come cheap. Consultant neurologist examination, overnight stays in the vet hospital, anaesthetics for the diagnostic procedures (MRI, spinal samples, blood work etc.) and a vast amount of take home drugs soon mount up! This is why we will always have pet insurance. You just don't know what's around the corner. When looking for insurance, always go for the most cover for vets fees, and make sure its an "all of life" policy!

Practicalities.
There needs to be someone with the dog most of the day. Boson still eats and drinks a huge amount, so needs to go a huge amount! I am still surprised by Bosons bladder volume and control!! And we are going through dog waste bags like they are going out of fashion!!

Also, his meds have to be given at set times and intervals throughout the day.

He has no strength so needs to be lifted into the car and onto the sofa.

We were advised not to walk him on a collar due to the pressure and pain in his neck, so we had to buy a harness. He isn't keen on it!!

Boson himself.
He seems to have had the "puppy" knocked out of him! He is calm, quiet and easily tired. But he is the most well behaved he has ever been, he walks to heel, doesn't get over excited when guests visit, and isn't a picky eater any more!

Boson has become very attached to my husband, which he wasn't previously. He would always come to me to play, and for a cuddle, but now he doesn't want to know me unless I am feeding him!

The steroids seem to be causing him eye-wateringly noxious gas, which can clear a room in seconds! And his poo is extremely pungent too!!
His is eating almost twice what he ate before, with added extras to help his system. Eggs, bone broth, sheep milk yoghurt, spirulina, tree bark powders, milk thistle and satin balls!

His full recovery will take time, once he is off the steroids he should regain his weight and fitness, and hopefully his cheeky personality will return. Although he's been on his best behaviour, I kind of miss his mischievous side!

Thanks again for reading.

I really hope this is helpful for someone out there going through this.

Lynn and Boson x