Necrotising Meningoencephalitis (NME)

Necrotising meningoencephalitis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the brain and its surrounding membranes, accompanied by tissue damage that progresses over time. It occurs most often in young to middle-aged dogs of certain smaller breeds, and the underlying trigger remains uncertain. The inflammation affects how the brain functions, which means the signs an owner observes tend to relate to changes in behaviour, movement, or awareness. Owners often arrive at this page because their dog has developed seizures, seems less responsive or coordinated than usual, or has begun behaving in ways that feel unfamiliar—tilting the head, circling, or appearing confused. These signs may appear suddenly or build gradually, and they can vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected. The condition can look different from one dog to another, and the pattern of signs may shift as time passes. This page explores what signals may be observed, what is understood about the processes occurring in the brain, how the condition is investigated through imaging and laboratory work, and what approaches exist for managing inflammation and supporting quality of life.