Gonzo - Granulomatous Meningioencephalitis (Inflammatory Brain Disease)
In December 2018 Gonzo developed neurological symptoms - a head tilt (torticollis) to the left side, eye reflex deficits, headaches, head pressing, intermittent nystagmus (eye flicking) and he also circled to the left when trying to walk. He also presented with ‘right sided motor deficits’ indicating weakness over the right side of his body – limbs etc.
An MRI and cerebral spinal fluid cytology were undertaken at Massey University. These tests supported an immune-mediated inflammatory process consistent with GME. He was put on immunosuppressive therapy to try and support the GME symptoms. The symptoms resolved slightly, but he also suffered from side effects related to the drugs.
Treatment Goals: To support immune system and autoimmune disease. To reduce general inflammation, pain, headaches, neurological deficits and osteoarthritis. To support his gastrointestinal system, any food intolerances, and correct any dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria).
Integrative Treatment Plan: The herbal tincture had gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory, nervine, detoxifying, digestive, pain reducing, liver/kidney and mucoprotective actions. Stem cell activation therapy, medicinal mushrooms, nutraceutical support with essential fatty acids, multivitamins, Vitamin C and a non-processed balanced natural diet were also introduced.
Outcome: April 2019 Within six months of introducing stem cell enhancers, herbal and nutraceutical support, Gonzo’s GME symptoms had resolved. He was weaned off immunosuppressive conventional drugs and his quality of life and energy levels improved significantly.
Generally, the survival time of dogs with GME can range from just over a month to three to six months on average. There are single cases of dogs surviving longer on conventional therapy. Gonzo is now 13 years and 9 months of age (August 2025).
This case demonstrates the integration of holistic medicine into the treatment protocol, which facilitated the removal of conventional drugs, resolution of clinical signs and improvement in the quality of life.
Owners feedback:
“Just prior to Christmas our tiny Yorkshire Terrier Gonzo was diagnosed with GME (Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis - an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system) by Massey Vets. After a spell in the ICU and course of Chemotherapy we were very grateful to have Gonzo home again. Administering Prednisone daily to keep the horrific GME symptoms at bay, little Gonzo experienced the unpleasant steroidal side-effects; bloating, lethargy, confusion and frequent urination to name a few. In the hope of returning some quality of life to Gonzo, we sought alternative therapies and found Jacqui, who tailored a unique herbal regime for him. After only a few weeks, we noticed an enormous change in his energy levels, he was bouncy, full of life and tearing around the garden! We have been able to reduce the steroids to an extremely low dose and he is in better health than he has ever been.”
Jen James - March 2018