Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with skin sores and liver disease also diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis
By Mehmet Maden et al.·Published in Revista Científica·2026·Selcuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Konya, Türkiye., VE·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Hepatocutaneous syndrome in a dog with concurrent Ehrlichiosis: Case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old Golden Retriever was brought to the vet because he was lethargic, had a fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin problems on his paws and other areas. After various tests, the dog was diagnosed with hepatocutaneous syndrome, a serious liver condition, and Ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne infection. Despite treatment with medications and supplements aimed at both conditions, the dog's health continued to decline, and he sadly passed away due to severe liver dysfunction. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing complex conditions in dogs, especially when they have overlapping symptoms.
People also search for: dog lethargy and skin problems · Golden Retriever liver disease · Ehrlichiosis treatment in dogs
Abstract
This report describes the diagnosis of hepatocutaneous syndrome in a dog concurrently affected by Ehrlichiosis. A 13-year-old Golden Retriever presented with lethargy, fever, lymphadenopathy, and dermatological lesions on the paws, perianal region, and testes, characterized by hyperkeratosis, erosion, ulceration, crusting, and exudation. Clinicopathological evaluation revealed regenerative anemia, lymphopenia, monocytopenia, basophilia, thrombocytopenia, and increased serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. After ruling out other vector-borne diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis), Ehrlichiosis was diagnosed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a honeycomb-like hepatic echotexture, and differential diagnoses for hepatocutaneous syndrome included pemphigus foliaceus/vulgaris, systemic lupus erythematosus, drug eruptions, and zinc-responsive dermatosis. Ultimately, the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings supported concurrent diagnoses of hepatocutaneous syndrome and Ehrlichiosis. The dog died, most likely due to severe hepatic dysfunction and associated coagulopathy; disseminated intravascular coagulation was suspected based on the clinical course, although it could not be confirmed due to the absence of coagulation testing, despite receiving combination therapy that included vitamin–amino acid infusion, ursodeoxycholic acid, antioxidant nutraceuticals (S-adenosylmethionine, Silybum marianum, phospholipids, zinc), omega-3 fatty acids, and benzoyl peroxide shampoo for hepatocutaneous syndrome, in addition to doxycycline and prednisolone for ehrlichiosis. This case report highlights the diagnostic complexity of hepatocutaneous syndrome, particularly when concurrent with infectious diseases such as Ehrlichiosis. It demonstrates how overlapping clinical signs can complicate diagnosis and delay appropriate treatment. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of hepatocutaneous syndrome in a dog concurrently diagnosed with Ehrlichiosis. By presenting this case, we aim to raise awareness among veterinary clinicians of the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup in dogs exhibiting compatible dermatologic and systemic signs, even in regions endemic for tick- borne diseases.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e362850