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Destructive polyarthritis in a dog with leishmaniasis
C F Wolschrijn1, H P Meyer, H A Hazewinkel
1Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This case study details a dog diagnosed with leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease affecting its skin and elbow joints. Diagnosis involved clinical signs, imaging, and a direct agglutination test for canine leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Canine Diseases
Background:
- Leishmaniasis is a significant parasitic disease affecting dogs, particularly in endemic regions.
- Canine leishmaniasis can manifest with diverse clinical signs, including dermatological and musculoskeletal issues.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing canine leishmaniasis.
Observation:
- A five-year-old crossbreed dog imported from Majorca presented with a two-year history of bilateral forelimb lameness.
- Physical examination revealed swollen, painful, and crepitating elbow joints, along with ulcerating dermatitis on the ear pinnae.
- Radiographs showed severe osteolytic arthritis with joint surface destruction and dislocation in both elbows.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and radiographic findings were highly suggestive of severe joint involvement.
- Diagnosis of leishmaniasis was confirmed using a direct agglutination test.
- The case highlights the potential for leishmaniasis to cause severe, debilitating arthritis in dogs.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of dogs with chronic lameness and dermatological signs, especially those with a history of travel to endemic areas.
- Effective diagnostic strategies, including serological tests, are vital for identifying canine leishmaniasis.
- Understanding the varied clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis is essential for prompt and accurate veterinary care.