Bartonella henselae in a dog with ear tip vasculitis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Canine Pathology

Background:

• Bartonella henselae, a zoonotic bacterium, has been linked to various skin lesions in dogs, including bacillary angiomatosis and erythema multiforme.
• This study investigated a case of ear margin vasculitis in a beagle to determine the potential role of Bartonella henselae infection.

Observation:

• A 12-month-old beagle presented with ear margin vasculitis.
• Diagnostic methods included serological testing, PCR, blood culture, and histopathology.

Findings:

• PCR confirmed Bartonella henselae (genotype San Antonio 2) DNA in ear tip margins and abdominal skin.
• Confocal immunostaining visualized Bartonella henselae within tissue biopsies.
• Histopathology revealed necrotizing vasculitis and dermal necrosis.
• Seroconversion to Bartonella henselae was retrospectively documented.

Implications:

• Bartonella henselae infection may contribute to or cause vasculitis of the ear margin in dogs.
• This finding highlights Bartonella henselae as an emerging zoonotic pathogen with potential dermatological manifestations in canines.
• Successful treatment with doxycycline and enrofloxacin suggests antibiotic therapy is effective for this condition.