The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Sporting Gun|August 2023
Vet's advice
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system

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?

Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Sporting Gun.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av Sporting Gun.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SPORTING GUNSe alt
Thermal spectrum
Sporting Gun

Thermal spectrum

Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2023
Roe, rucks and new ground
Sporting Gun

Roe, rucks and new ground

Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Sporting Gun

Tales from a lifetime of foxing

Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Fox rot about Charlie
Sporting Gun

Fox rot about Charlie

Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
The sniff of success
Sporting Gun

The sniff of success

Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Adventures of Nick & Ted
Sporting Gun

Adventures of Nick & Ted

A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Sporting Gun

The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system

Vet's advice

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Gundogs Q&A
Sporting Gun

Gundogs Q&A

No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Stop-start!
Sporting Gun

Stop-start!

Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Sporting Gun

Gundogs at the Game Fair

Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2023