CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS. 235 
to fevers, like distemper, in which the disturbance is general, throughout the 
system, not local merely. 
In acute meningitis the inflammation as a rule is at the top of the brain, — 
just underneath the roof of the skull, — whereas in the disease under considera- 
tion the inflammation is at the basis of the brain, and extends some distance 
down the spinal cord. 
It is not a common affection among dogs; although there is basis for the be- 
lief that cases have occurred and its true nature not been detected; the attacks 
being credited to other affections, or held to be mysterious. 
It is defined as a specific infectious disease of microbic origin. That is, its 
real cause is a morbific germ. But while it is undoubtedly communicable from 
one dog to another, it is evidently not easily so; and for dogs to contract it they 
must be in intimate and prolonged contact with a sufferer. In other words, a 
well dog may be under the same roof with the sick without “taking” the disease, 
provided they have separate compartments, feeding-vessels, etc.; but were they 
mates, occupied the same room, slept on the same bench, and ate and drank 
from the same dishes, the chances of the well becoming infected would be quite 
great. 
Epidemics have occurred in kennels, and but few therein escaped the disease; 
but the histories of such seem to indicate that instead of its being conveyed from 
one inmate to another, as a rule the inmates acquired the poison from outside of 
the kennels, and all about the same time. 
While the actual cause of the disease is a specific poison or germ, the chances 
of infection are greatly increased by certain external conditions; and where the 
kennels are cold, filthy, or damp, the inmates are crowded, and their food or 
drinking-water is bad, the germ finds the most favorable soil and easiest victims. 
Whereas healthy dogs properly managed, kennelled, etc., would be able to resist 
it and the disease to which it gives rise. 
There are certain local conditions which are favorable to the entrance and 
development of the germ in question. Inflammation of the internal ear, for in- 
stance, is liable to extend and involve the membranes of the brain; thus while 
it exists, there is a door open through which the germ may enter and find its 
work easy. And the same may be said of every inflammation in the nose, mouth, 
or throat. 
Whether or not this germ can reach the system from the stomach or intes- 
tines is an open question; but it is probable that it might enter with the food or 
drink, and find the conditions favorable to its growth and entrance into circula- 
tion, when, of course, cerebro-spinal meningitis would be the result. It is also 
probable that entering the mouth and nose, in the air, either along the passage 
to the lungs or in the lungs, it finds a way into the system, where it can do its 
baneful work. 
Cerebro-spinal meningitis begins suddenly and with symptoms that are indic- 
