Rollo's meningitis journey

Rollo came in to see our team back in March 2024 as he was unwell with a temperature, sore tummy, not eating, and very very sad! He was admitted into our hospital and put onto an IV drip for fluids, given medication to treat his pain, and the team started investigating to find the cause of his symptoms. He had an ultrasound, X-rays and blood tests. 

After a night of hospital care his temperature had come down to normal, but he had become uncoordinated and developed neck pain; the team was suspicious that poor Rollo had meningitis, which is an uncommon diagnosis in dogs. Meningitis is infection and swelling of the lining (meninges) of the brain and spine. This diagnosis was confirmed with a CSF tap – a test that involves taking and testing some spinal fluid. The next step for Rollo was an MRI scan to check if there was a “foreign body” causing the infection in his brain – something like a grass seed; thankfully he didn’t have one. 

Rollo began antibiotics to treat his meningitis and has now been on these for 5 months – he is doing so well, and his family is so thrilled to see him back to his normal handsome self! As you can see from the photos, he has gained back the weight he lost, and he has his spark back. It has been a very long road for Rollo and his family, thankfully they had pet insurance to help with the costs and enable them to get the best treatment for Rollo – we are so honoured to have been able to help him get well again! 

We all love you, Rollo!