Unknown to this writer until recently witnessing a friend's dog receive the diagnosis, Beagle Pain Syndrome was first documented in a population of research Beagles in the late 1980s. It since has been identified in several other breeds and renamed Steroid Responsive Meningits-Arteritis (SRM or SRMA), but it's most commonly associated with and found in the Beagle breed.
A mysterious ailment both in symptom and treatment, SRMA is most often seen in young adult dogs, though it can afflict any age. Initial symptoms vary, but commonly include the following:
- Hyper-reactivity to touch, including excessive vocalization (This can be especially difficult to deal with in vocal breeds such as the Beagle)
- Fever
- Stiffness - especially in the neck - and reduced mobility
- Tucked tail and depression
Owners report that their dogs act as if it hurts to move and nothing relieves their suffering. Since several of the symptoms also are consistent with neck and spinal injuries - as well as another common Beagle affliction Intervertebral Disc Disease - SRMA diagnoses often come after all others have been ruled out. This diagnosis by elimination takes time and can be expensive, but it is often the only way to reach an accurate conclusion. This can be frightening and frustrating both for dogs and owners, as the pain generally is unrelenting and early treatment is critical to effect a cure.
Common diagnostic tests include blood chemistry analysis (CBCs), urinalysis, neurological examination, x-rays, MRI or CT scans and analysis of the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) via spinal tap. None may be definitive on their own, but a combination can eliminate other issues exhibiting similar symptoms. Your vet also may need to treat the fever symptoms, as the dog's temperature can get quite high.
While its cause is unknown, SRMA is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects both the protective layer (meninges) of the central nervous system as well as the arteries throughout the body, and it responds well to aggressive steroid therapy. Once diagnosed, the most common - and effective - drug used is prednisone, but it must be given in high doses under veterinary supervision.
One challenge owners face during the diagnostic process is limiting the dog's movement in case the symptoms indicate a spinal issue rather than SRMA. Post-diagnosis, a dog with SRMA must be kept active to avoid muscle atrophy, but prior to that it must be kept contained to avoid potentially further injuring itself. This makes rapid action imperative on the part of the owner and the veterinarian.
If you think your pet may be facing this strange disease, visit your vet immediately. If they are unfamiliar with the condition - or lack the necessary diagnostic tools to detect it - ask them for a referral to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine here in Knoxville.
In the case of our friend's dog, several additional challenges presented included her advanced age (~8 yrs), her mild obesity and the multiple elevations in and around her house. All of these factors pointed toward the more likely diagnosis of spinal injury or disease, and it was only through their dogged determination and the comprehensive approach taken by the staff at UTCVM that an SRMA diagnosis was achieved. We're happy to report the treatment is working and she's well on the road to recovery.
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