Caracterização clínica e laboratorial de um cão com artrite séptica por Ehrlichia sp - relato de caso.

Abstract

Clinical and laboratory characterization of a dog with septic arthritis caused by Ehrlichia sp - case report. It was objectived with this work to report the clinical and laboratory aspects of a Poodle dog, 11 years old, diagnosed with septic arthritis by Ehrlichia sp, on the UFCG’s Veterinary Hospital, Patos-PB. On the anamnesis, it was found a history of apathy, anorexia, lameness of the thoracic and pelvic right members and painful manifestations throughout the body. On clinical examination, the patient was weak, with tick infestation, moderate dehydration, slightly congested mucosa and hypertrophied lymph nodes. The right forelimb presented volume alteration on the radio-carpal-metacarpal articulation and asymmetry regarding the left joint. It was conducted immunoenzymatic assay ELISA to detect anti-Ehrlichia canis antibodies, which result was positive. Complementarily it was done blood count, serum biochemical analysis of total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase; Other tests consisted of urinalysis, synovial fluid analysis (Cytology and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)), x-ray from the affected joint and blood pressure measurement. On hemogram was observed leukopenia by lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. On biochemical measurements it was found hyperproteinemia, and on urinalysis proteinuria and granular and hyaline casts. Were observed Ehrlichia sp. morulae on the cytology from the synovial fluid on the cytoplasm of macrophages and the PCR technic confirmed the presence of this hemoparasite. Radiographic examination was suggestive of joint swelling. Blood pressure showed a value considered moderate. The choice of therapy for the case was the administration of doxycycline and prednisolone. We conclude that the cytological analysis and PCR from synovial fluid are effective in elucidating the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis in dogs. In cases of unilateral arthritis on older dogs, infectious arthritis should be suspected with the Ehrlichia being one of the etiologies.