Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bartonella DNA found in liver tissue of two dogs with liver disease
By Gillespie, Tracey N et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2003·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae DNA in hepatic specimens from two dogs with hepatic disease.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Basset Hound and a 6-year-old Doberman Pinscher were brought to the vet because their liver enzymes were high, indicating liver problems. After examining liver tissue samples, the Basset Hound was found to have a type of liver inflammation called granulomatous hepatitis, while the Doberman had lymphocytic hepatitis with some copper buildup. Tests showed that both dogs had DNA from different types of Bartonella bacteria in their liver tissues. They were treated with azithromycin along with other medications and herbal remedies, and both dogs showed improvement in their health.
People also search for: dog liver disease symptoms · Basset Hound liver problems · Doberman liver treatment · Bartonella infection in dogs · azithromycin for dogs
Abstract
A 4-year-old Basset Hound and a 6-year-old Doberman Pinscher were referred for diagnostic evaluation following documentation of persistently increased hepatic enzyme activities and hepatic dysfunction. Histologic evaluation of hepatic biopsy specimens from the 2 dogs revealed granulomatous hepatitis in the Basset Hound and lymphocytic hepatitis with fibrosis and copper accumulation in the Doberman Pinscher. No etiologic agents were identified histologically. Bartonella henselae DNA was subsequently amplified from hepatic tissue from the Basset Hound and Bartonella clarridgeiae was amplified from hepatic tissue from the Doberman Pinscher. Amplification was performed with a polymerase chain reaction assay incorporating primers that target a portion of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. Both dogs were treated with azithromycin, in combination with a variety of other medications and herbal treatments, and improved clinically. Identification of Bartonella DNA in these dogs indicates the need for future prospective studies to determine the clinical relevance of Bartonella spp infection in dogs with hepatic disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12523479/