Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chronic uveitis and cataracts from Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a dog
By Neuber, Claudia et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2023·Tierä·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: [Ophthalmic findings caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi (strain III) in a dog].
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old female mixed-breed dog from Namibia was brought in for chronic eye inflammation (uveitis) and was found to have a cataract in her left eye. Tests confirmed she had an infection caused by a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Despite treatments with medications and surgery to remove the cataracts, she developed recurring uveitis and eventually lost vision in her left eye. However, after ongoing anti-inflammatory treatment, her eyes showed no signs of inflammation more than two years later.
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Abstract
A 2-year-old female mixed-breed canine patient from Namibia presented originally with chronic uveitis. A serum antibody titer and a PCR test performed on the aqueous humor were positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi. The left eye showed an immature anterior focal cortical cataract in the periphery with suspected lens capsule rupture and signs of chronic uveitis. An incipient anterior focal cortical cataract was also perceivable in the patient's right eye. Despite local treatment as well as systemic administration of carprofen, prednisolone, and fenbendazol recurrent uveitis occurred. The patient then underwent bilateral extracapsular lensextraction via phacoemulsification. A PCR test of the lens material was positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III. Recurring uveitis and secondary glaucoma 10 months post-op resulted in permanent blindness of the left eye. The patient then continued to receive local anti-inflammatory treatment. The last recheck examination of both eyes, 31 month post-op, revealed no signs of uveitis. This is the first case reported of a cataract in a canine patient caused by encephalitozoon cuniculi strain III.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36917992/