Pathological findings in dogs after multiple Africanized bee stings

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Pathology

Background:

• Africanized bees (Apis mellifera scutellata) are known for their aggressive behavior and mass stinging events.
• Bee sting envenomation can lead to severe systemic toxicity in domestic animals, including dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathological findings in dogs that died from Africanized bee sting intoxication.
• To characterize the gross and histological lesions associated with multiple bee stings in canine victims.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 19 canine cases of fatal bee sting intoxication.
• Gross necropsy examination to identify macroscopic changes.
• Histopathological examination of tissues to determine microscopic lesions.

Main Results:

• Multiple bee stings led to severe edema and hyperemia, predominantly on the head and neck.
• Gross findings included dark kidneys, dark-red urine, splenomegaly, and congested lungs.
• Histological examination revealed widespread kidney tubular degeneration and necrosis, often with pigment accumulation, alongside muscular necrosis and hemorrhage.

Conclusions:

• Africanized bee sting envenomation is a significant cause of mortality in dogs, characterized by severe local and systemic inflammatory responses.
• Renal pathology, specifically tubular degeneration and necrosis, is a critical and consistent finding in fatal bee sting intoxication in dogs.