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Inflammation of the brain and meninges is a common cause of neurologic dysfunction in dogs and cats. A wide range of infectious agents has been demonstrated to cause encephalitis an meningitis, although there are many inflammatory conditions for which an etiology has not been found. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is the most useful diagnostic test to identify central nervous system inflammation. This article discusses the common causes of encephalitis and meningitis in dogs and cats, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment modalities, and prognosis.

Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy occur infrequently in small animals, but are capable of causing significant disease. The clinical and histopathologic findings seen with these late complications of diabetes are discussed. The pathogenesis of these disorders is most likely multifactorial; metabolic alterations secondary to the hyperglycemic state, and microvascular changes seen with diabetes have both been implicated. Current treatment consists of aggressive control of the hyperglycemia, as research continues into the pathology of the late complications in attempts to find a definitive therapy.