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Primary hypothyroidism associated with leishmaniasis in a dog
L Cortese1, G Oliva, P Ciaramella
1Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|December 2, 1999
Summary
A Yorkshire terrier diagnosed with hypothyroidism also had leishmaniasis. The dog
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Primary hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs.
- Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania.
Observation:
- A four-year-old male Yorkshire terrier presented with clinical signs suggestive of hypothyroidism.
- Diagnostic tests confirmed primary hypothyroidism, including low serum thyroxine (T4) and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Findings:
- Thyroid biopsy revealed numerous Leishmania amastigotes within and outside macrophages.
- Histopathological examination showed follicular atrophy in the thyroid gland.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential association between leishmaniasis and primary hypothyroidism in dogs.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathomechanisms linking Leishmania infection and thyroid dysfunction.