The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system

Vet's advice

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My young cocker has recently been diagnosed with SRMA. Will he ever be able to join me in the beating line? ROBERT BORGON, WEST YORKSHIRE

Vet's advice: Neil McIntosh SG's gundog health expert

The good news is, his chances are good. SRMA, or steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis, is an immune-mediated (or auto-immune) condition involving inflammation of the meninges (the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord) and its associated arterial supply. Occasionally, SRMA is seen alongside other inflammatory conditions, such as immune-mediated polyarthritis.

What causes SRMA?

Despite much research, we still don't know. The cause and mechanism of SRMA remains a mystery and no infectious or cancerous triggers have been identified. One study showed a prevalence of 0.6%, and SRMA accounted for 1.6% of neurology consultations at a UK referral hospital. It is generally seen in dogs younger than two years old, with first symptoms occurring between six and 18 months of age. It seems that the juvenile immune system produces inflammation and antibodies against a normal body protein, which is a protein expressed by the walls of the blood vessels in the meninges. There is no infection and the condition is not contagious.

Who is affected?