there is a very good possibility they can be referring to this
Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)
if so please join this group as they are sharp on this stuff as all of them have had spinal taps and mri done on their dogs and can help you understand what may be going on and what the newest treatment is
and no it does not have to be a death sentence as long as your dog gets the right diagnosis and treatment immediately as that is key with neurology
NewGMEDogs : NewGMEDogs