Sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis (juvenile cellulitis) in adult dogs: a retrospective analysis of 90 cases (2004-2018).

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has long been speculated that sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis (SGDL) occurs in adult dogs. However, only three published case reports exist. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical presentation, identify breed predispositions, and assess treatment and outcomes of adult dogs with the histopathological diagnosis of SGDL. ANIMALS: Included are 90 dogs with biopsies submitted to a veterinary teaching hospital with a histopathological diagnosis consistent with SGDL, from 2004 to 2018, of which 35 had medical records available for review. METHODS: Data were analysed retrospectively from histopathology submission forms, medical records, surveys and telephone calls. Scoring systems were created to aid statistical analysis of outcomes. RESULTS: Havanese dog (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), Australian shepherd dog (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), Irish setter (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.0001), Dachshund (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0002), bichon frise (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.0003) and Maltese dog (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.004) were significantly over-represented breeds. The median age at onset was 1,292 days (3.54&#xa0;years). Dogs up to five years of age were significantly over-represented (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.01). Of 35 dogs with medical records available for review, the median treatment duration was 60&#xa0;days and the median time to remission 28&#xa0;days. Remission status was not established for five dogs but the remaining 30 dogs reached remission. Nineteen dogs remained in complete remission. Recrudescence occurred in 11 dogs (median follow-up 60 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study shows a close parallel in clinical appearance, histopathological results and clinical behaviour, of both adult and juvenile onset SGDL; therefore, SGDL should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs of all ages.