Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Joint problems in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis seen on exams
By Silva, Alexandre Redson S et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology·2021·Federal University of Sã, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Joint involvement in canine visceral leishmaniasis: Orthopedic physical examination, radiographic and computed tomographic findings.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (a disease caused by parasites) showed joint problems during exams, with most having issues in their carpal, tarsal, elbow, and stifle joints. While many dogs appeared normal during physical exams, imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans revealed signs of osteoarthritis in a significant number of them. The most affected joints were the tarsal and stifle joints, with many dogs showing changes like joint swelling and bone lesions. Treatment options for osteoarthritis may help manage these symptoms, but it’s important to discuss specific care with your veterinarian.
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the joint involvement in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis by means of orthopedic physical examination, radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings. Of the 46 evaluated dogs, an overall of 91.3 % presented joint (carpal, tarsal, elbows, and stifle) abnormalities, observed on physical examination, radiography and/or CT. In 67.3 % of the dogs orthopedic examination showed no abnormalities. Among the 31 dogs with normal orthopedic examination, 61.3 % showed radiographic and CT findings suggestive of osteoarthritis, 25.8 % presented normal radiographs with abnormalities evidenced only on CT, while 12.9 % presented normal radiographs and CT imaging. From the 15 dogs with abnormal orthopedic examination, 80 % had abnormal radiographic and CT findings suggestive of osteoarthritis, while 20 % presented normal radiographs with abnormalities evidenced only in their CT. Radiographic and CT findings included evident trabecular pattern, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteolysis, mixed bone lesions (osteolytic-proliferative lesions), soft tissue swelling around the joint (edema), joint space narrowing, bone proliferation, osteophytes, bone cyst and cartilage flap. Based on CT results the most affected joints, among those assessed, were the tarsal (80.9 %), followed by stifle (78.5 %), carpal (64.2 %), and elbows (54.7 %). Except by one dog that presented only one stifle joint compromised, the other three joints presented bilateral abnormalities in all dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34509126/