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Metastatic protothecal retinitis in a dog. Electron microscopic observations
Veterinary Pathology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Disseminated protothecosis, caused by Prototheca wickerhamii, led to severe gastrointestinal and ocular issues in a dog. Despite treatment, the infection progressed, resulting in euthanasia and detailed histological examination.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Protothecosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by Prototheca species.
- Disseminated protothecosis is uncommon in dogs, often presenting with nonspecific clinical signs.
Observation:
- A two-year-old female dog presented with a nine-month history of hemorrhagic colitis and diarrhea.
- The dog subsequently developed acute blindness in the left eye.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed disseminated Prototheca wickerhamii in the colon and eye.
- Microabscesses and necrotic foci containing Prototheca organisms were found under the detached retina.
- Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies confirmed the identification of P. wickerhamii.
Implications:
- This case highlights Prototheca wickerhamii as a cause of severe, disseminated disease in dogs.
- Ocular involvement can lead to blindness, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and diagnostic features is crucial for veterinary clinicians.