Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog suddenly blind 3 years after import with monocytic ehrlichiosis
By Gould, D J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2000·Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis presenting as acute blindness 36 months after importation into the UK.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Labrador retriever suddenly went blind and showed signs of eye inflammation and bleeding after being imported to the UK from Sardinia three years earlier. Blood tests revealed low red and white blood cell counts, and a specific test confirmed the dog had a tick-borne infection called ehrlichiosis. This condition can remain hidden for a long time, allowing dogs to enter the country without showing any symptoms. Treatment for ehrlichiosis typically involves antibiotics, and early diagnosis is crucial for recovery.
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Abstract
A four-year-old Labrador retriever developed sudden-onset blindness, associated with bilateral uveitis, intraocular haemorrhage and retinal detachment. It had been imported into the UK from Sardinia 36 months before presentation. Haematological abnormalities included non-regenerative anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Serum and urine protein electrophoresis demonstrated a monoclonal gammopathy. An immunofluorescent antibody test for Ehrlichia canis was positive, with a titre of 1:320, confirming a diagnosis of chronic monocytic ehrlichiosis. This case highlights how the prolonged subclinical phase of monocytic ehrlichiosis could enable infected dogs to enter the UK without signs of disease. Chronic monocytic ehrlichiosis should be considered in dogs which have been imported from E canis-endemic countries and present with bleeding disorders and gammopathy, even if signs develop many years after importation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10879405/