Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. 

It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or auto-immune processes.

Treatment is usually supportive and anti-inflammatory, with antibiotics or anti-fungals as necessary.

Prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the response to therapy.

What is encephalitis?

• Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. 

Causes

• Viruses that can cause encephalitis can be introduced by mosquitoes, ticks, other insects, or through contact with other animals or their bodily fluids.
• Bacteria and fungi, rarely causes of encephalitis, may travel up nerves, or may be carried to the brain by the bloodstream from another site in the body.
• Often, the cause is an auto-immune disease process whereby cells of the immune system attack parts of the brain, e.g. granulomatous meningo-encephalomyelitis.

Clinical Signs

• Lethargy
  
• Confusion/ behavioral changes
  
• Seizures
  
• Fever
  
• Vomiting
  
• Tremors/convulsions
  
• Stiff neck

Diagnostics

• The Veterinary Neurologist will evaluate physical, behavioral, and neurological abnormalities to make a preliminary diagnosis. 
• In order to confirm a diagnosis of encephalitis blood tests as well as a cerebrospinal fluid tap will need to be performed. 
• Your pet will be placed under general anesthesia for the spinal tap and will not experience any pain.
• In some cases an electroencephalogram is performed to evaluate the brain waves.

Treatment

• As there is no drug that can eliminate a virus, treatment consists mostly of supportive and nursing care.  Medications may be given to control any pain associated with the encephalitis, in addition to anti-inflammatory drugs. This same treatment is used for auto-immune forms of encephalitis.
• For bacterial or fungal encephalitides, the appropriate treatment also includes antibacterial or antifungal medications.
• Some pets may require hospitalization initially for supportive therapy, e.g. intravenous fluids, or for control of seizures.

Prognosis

• Prognosis depends on the severity of the disease.  The disease may be life-threatening. In some cases there may be residual neurologic damage.  Many animals return to a happy normal life.