Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with sudden blindness linked to Ehrlichia canis infection
By Harrus, S et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·1998·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acute blindness associated with monoclonal gammopathy induced by Ehrlichia canis infection.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Labrador retriever was brought to the vet because it suddenly became blind. Upon examination, the dog had bleeding in both eyes and signs of retinal damage. Tests showed that the dog had an infection caused by Ehrlichia canis, which is linked to a condition called monoclonal gammopathy (an abnormal increase in certain proteins in the blood). The vet explained that the dog's blindness was likely due to several factors, including thickened blood and issues with blood platelets. Treatment for the infection and its effects is crucial for recovery, but the specific outcome isn't detailed in the report.
People also search for: dog sudden blindness · Labrador Ehrlichia canis infection · monoclonal gammopathy in dogs
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis infection was diagnosed in a Labrador retriever presented with a primary complaint of acute blindness. Ocular signs on admission included bilateral hyphema, retinal haemorrhage and retinal detachment. Serum protein electrophoresis results revealed monoclonal gammopathy. This report discusses and suggests the pathogenesis of ocular bleeding in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. Blood hyperviscosity, elevation in oncotic pressure, vasculitis, thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction are all proposed to be important factors in the pathogenesis of acute blindness in canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9735920/