Bacterial meningitis: Q&A
Q: WHAT CAUSES THE CONDITION?
“In adult horses, the most common cause is direct exposure of the meninges to bacteria,” says Dr Mark Hillyer of Newmarket Equine Hospital, who provided specialist support in Jerry’s case. “This can occur as a result of trauma and fracture to the head, or as a consequence of diseases of the paranasal sinuses.
“Clinical signs are subtle in the early stages, but an altered mental state, lack of co-ordination or both are typically seen as the condition progresses.”
Becky Price adds: “Jerry had a raised temperature but was otherwise bright and showed no particular signs. Why he developed bacterial meningitis remains a mystery.”
Q: HOW RARE IS IT?
“Bacterial meningitis is extremely uncommon in horses,” says Mark, pointing out that in the UK we are currently fortunate not to suffer from the viral causes of meningitis and brain disease seen elsewhere, such as West Nile virus, Eastern and Western encephalitis and even rabies.
A lack of bacterial meningitis cases means that there is little by way of research findings or data, but survival rates are thought to be as low as 5%.
Q: CAN IT SPREAD?
“It is unlikely to spread between horses, and less so to other species,” says Becky. “We were careful with biosecurity, however, isolating Jerry as well as we could and maintaining strict hygiene standards. The other horses at the yard were monitored, but none showed any signs of infection.”
Q: ARE THERE ANY PREVENTATIVE MEASURES?
Becky advises: “It’s good to know the parameters for your horse’s vital signs, such as his heart rate, and to take his temperature daily so you know what is normal if anything changes. While bacterial meningitis is incredibly rare, prompt treatment will enhance chances of survival.”