Is Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis a Inflammatory Diseases?

Abstract

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis is an inflammatory disease of the Central nervous system, which is characterised by the focal or disseminated granulomatous lesions within the brain and spinal cord. In this disease, there is irreversible damage to the Central nervous system. The disease affects all ages and breeds of the dogs but small breed dogs are mostly affected (ie. Poodles and Terriers etc). Let’s discuss in detail.

Introduction

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of CNS.It was firstly reported by Braund and Colleagues in 1978. Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis lesions mostly occur in the white matter of the Central nervous system. The Pug dog encephalitis is very much similar to the Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis but Pug dog encephalitis is a fatal disease. Pug dog encephalitis leads to inflammation of the brain and death of the brain tissue. The disease mainly affects small breed and middle aged dogs and the breeds which mostly affects are:

1. Yorkshire terrier
2. Maltese
3. Miniature poodle
4. Chihuahua
5. Dachshund

Facts

1. This is the inflammatory disease of Central nervous system
2. It mainly occurs in small breeds.
3. In Ayurveda the disease mainly occurs due to the aggravation of the Vata dosha.

Causes : (GME)

Causes of the disease are unknown, are the probable causes are:

1. Caused by virus and sometimes it is a result from a fungal infection.
2. In some cases cancer cells are associated with lesions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis are:

1. Fever
2. Pain in neck
3. Loss of function in limbs
4. Rigid stance
5. Muscles spasm with spine
6. Loss of vision

Symptoms of Pug dog Encephalitis are:

1. Blindness
2. Collapse
3. Behaviour changes
4. Seizures
5. Coma
6. Circling
7.  Stumbling and Weakness

Types

There are 3 main types of GME

1. Focal form
2. Disseminated form
3. Ocular form

Focal form – This form is also known as Neoplastic reticulosis. This is the acute form of the granulomatous Meningoencephalitis and after some period of time, medicines respond to the disease.The disease only affects one or two parts of the Dog’s brain. After examination, it is found that lesions will be located throughout the brain.

Disseminated form OR Multifocal – This is the most dangerous form of this disease, because this form progresses rapidly and the lesions spell all over the Nervous system of the dog. Commonmost sites affected are: Meninges, cervical spinal cord and lower brain stem.

Ocular form – This the most un- common form of this disease, in this form there is a loss of vision and affects back of the eyes where retina meets optic nerve. Multiple parts of the eyes can be affected.

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination – Physical examination of the dog to check the condition and growth of the disease.

2. MRI and CT- Scan – These tests will show one or more than one mass present in the brain.

3. Brain biopsy: It is used for examination of brain tissue of the dog and is also required to make definitive antemortem diagnosis of GME.

4. Blood tests and CSF analysis.

Management

In the management of Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis, immunosuppressive doses of the corticosteroids and immunomodulating drugs are most often given. Drugs which are most commonly used are:

1. Procarbazine
2. Cytarabine
3. Cyclosporine

Radiation therapy is also given in the condition of Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis. Sometimes  immunosuppressive drugs and radiation therapy both are given.

Ayurvedic overview of Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis Is an inflammatory disease of the Central nervous system in which disseminated granulomatous lesions are present in the brain and spinal cord. In Ayurveda all the Neurological disorders are compared with the aggravated Vata dosha. Vata plays an important role in the movements of the body and the functioning of the nervous system. Ayurveda offers best therapies by which the aggravated Vata dosha balances, therapies mainly includes: Snehana, Swedana, Niruha basti, Nasya and Sanshodhana etc.Some of the herbs which are very useful includes: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) and Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculata) etc. Some of the Bhasma includes: Rajata bhasma, Loha bhasma, Abhrak bhasma and Pravala bhasma etc.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda For Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis

Planet Ayurveda produces herbal remedies for Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis  in dogs. All the medicines act on the Vata dosha and pacify the aggravated dosha. Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis is a neurological disorder and the remedies given here, works on the healthy Nervous system. These remedies are natural, pure and free from all types of preservatives,chemicals and colours and are formulated under MD. Ayurveda experts.

Product List

1. Ashwagandha capsules
2. Neuroplan syrup
3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
4. Brahmi capsules

Product Description

1. Ashwagandha capsules

Ashwagandha capsules is such a important formulation and it has it’s great effect on the Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis.The ingredient involved is: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).This formulation mainly works on the healthy nervous system and maintains the neurological health. These capsules contain Medhya rasayana which is very effective in brain health.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with meals.

2. Neuroplan Syrup

This formulation balances the aggravated dosha and is very effective in Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis. Ingredients involved are: Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Pippali (Piper longum) etc. It works on the brain, nerve health and also on the memory.

Dosage : 10ml twice daily with meals.

3. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is the formulation which supports mental health and maintains the healthy nervous system. The formulation contains: Rajata bhasma, Abhrak bhasma, Suta bhasma and Loha bhasma etc.This formulation balances the Vata dosha and also supports the healthy digestive system.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice daily with meal.

4. Brahmi capsules

In Granulomatous meningoencephalitis this capsule plays a vital role, it supports the healthy Neurological system and also boosts the immunity. Ingredients present in the formulation are: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). In this disease this formulation balances the aggravated Vata dosha.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with meals.

Conclusion

Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis is the inflammatory disease of the Central Nervous System of dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but viral and fungal infections may lead to the Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis. The disease in Ayurveda is co- related to the aggravated Vata dosha. So Ayurveda produces Basti karma which is very very effective in aggravated Vata dosha.and in this disease specially Niruha Basti plays a vital role in balancing of the Vata dosha. Sneha, Sweden, Sanshodhan etc arte also the Karma involved in this particular disease. Planet Ayurveda offers all these formulations which manage this disease and also gives strength to the body and improves the immune system.