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Published on: April 21, 2012
Presumed brain infarctions in two dogs with systemic leishmaniasis
R José-López1, C De la Fuente, S Añor
1Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Leishmania infection in dogs can cause brain infarcts, leading to acute neurological signs. This study highlights the link between canine leishmaniasis and cerebrovascular changes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Canine leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species.
- Cerebrovascular complications are not commonly reported in canine leishmaniasis.
Observation:
- Two dogs presented with peracute clinical signs of intracranial dysfunction.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal, non-haemorrhagic, ischaemic brain lesions.
Findings:
- Both dogs had hyperproteinaemia and hyperglobulinaemia.
- Positive serum antibody titres for Leishmania infantum and presence of Leishmania amastigotes in bone marrow macrophages confirmed infection.
- Lesions were consistent with multiple brain infarcts.
Implications:
- Canine leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs presenting with acute neurological deficits.
- The parasite may induce vasculitis, predisposing to cerebrovascular events like brain infarcts.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis of these neurological complications.
