Quote:
Originally Posted by cbiesold  Hello! I have a 2.5 year old female Yorkie name Zoosa. This past weekend she was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis - confirmed with MRI. She was immediately put on prednisone and a Cytostar infusion (a chemo drug). I don't like either medication but she has improved about 80%. Does anyone have experience with giving Cytostar (cytarabine) to their yorkie? Or experience with treating meningoencephalitis? Thanks so much for your help! |
I am so very sorry. Do you know the type of meninoencepalitis? I can tell you one thing: if you don't give those meds she will quickly decompansate. We had a foster years ago who had GME. She lived for some time on Cytosar but sadly there was a shortage of the med and the substitute did not help her. I can't recall the year but it was so sad because people and pets who needed it could not get it. So, yes, the medication is effective.
I had a foster in 2021 who came to us with suspected neuro issues. She came to us very debilatated and we had her in a specialty hospital for 2 weeks. She showed some improvement and was discharged on prednisone. On her first visit after the hospitalization, they tapered the prednisone and she went down hill quickly and we were unab le to save her. Because she had been so ill, the specialists were holding off on the MRI as she was not stable enough. The thought was that she could have it after putting some much needed weight on. Her passing was devastating and we opted to do a necropsy. It showed that she had necrotizing encephalitis. The only thing that made us feel a bit better was the her NE was widespread and there was nothing we could have done to save her. Her brain was actually dying.
So, I am sharing those two pups' stories with you to show you that these pups with these conditions need medications. There is no way they will survive without the meds.
The prognosis varies from dog to dog and much depends on what it is. GME. NME, or NLE. Also depends on if it is in one area of the brain or spread throughout. Your vet could give you that information.
I can try to find some links for you with good info. I have seen dogs live fairly long lives. There are so many variables.
I am sorry you are dealing with this and do hope Zoosa continues to show improvement.