Inflammation of the membranes of the brain may take on a sub-acute or chronic form. It is a disease which comes on insidiously, without characteristic symptoms, and its presence is usually for a long time overlooked, the manifestations being attributed to some other morbid state. To ascertain the cause in many cases is no less difficult than to reach a correct diagnosis; injuries to the head are doubtless largely instrumental in inducing the affection. Chronic meningitis is one of the diseases upon which epilepsy is dependent; it is possible that in some diseases of the kidneys it occasionally takes its origin.

Certain diseases within the cranial cavity may exist for a considerable period without manifestations clearly indicating the head as the seat of the derangements; even when located the absence of distinctive symptoms renders it impossible to distinguish chronic meningitis from many other affections of the brain, and a positive diagnosis can rarely be made excepting at the autopsy.

If a dog's disposition changes; if he gradually grows dull, stupid, and disinclined to exertion; sleeps more than usual; has occasional convulsive movements, possibly confined to the mouth; carries his head low; his eyes become vacant in expression, dim in sight or sightless; his movements when on his feet are erratic, and it is known that sometime in the past he has experienced a severe blow on the head, then the presence of chronic meningitis may with reason be suspected. The symptoms described are common to a variety of affections of the brain, but when following an injury the membranes are more often affected than the brain substance.

The treatment consists of mild laxatives, blisters or setons to the back of the head, perfect quiet, nutritious diet, the iodide of potassium in three grain doses three times daily, and possibly after this agent has been used for several weeks, strychnine can wisely be substituted. The appetite and general condition of the animal will indicate whether quinine and iron need be added to the strychnine.