Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs in young, small breed dogs. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis has been described in numerous small breeds, including the Pug, Maltese and Chihuahua.
Meningoencephalitis refers to inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) and brain (encephalitis). The cause of inflammation in NME is unknown, although many speculate that it is an autoimmune disorder. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis is fatal without aggressive immunosuppressive treatment and is frequently fatal despite immunosuppressive therapy. Since NME can not be definitively diagnosed before death, it is difficult to truly determine the prognosis.
Another similar inflammatory CNS disorder of dogs is granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME).