Frequency of signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Acute enteropathy is a trigger of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease in humans. OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of and explore possible risk factors for signs of chronic GI disease in dogs after an episode of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea (AHD). ANIMALS: One hundred and fifty-one dogs, 80 dogs with a historical diagnosis of AHD, 71 control dogs with no history of AHD. METHODS: In this retrospective longitudinal study, data were collected from dogs with a historical diagnosis of AHD and healthy controls matched by breed, age and sex, aged between 1 year and 15 years of age, for which a follow-up of at least 12 months after enrolment was available. Dog owners responded to a questionnaire to determine the history of signs of chronic GI disease. RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence of signs of chronic GI disease in the dogs with a previous episode of AHD compared to control dogs (AHD 28%; controls 13%; P = .03; odds ratio = 2.57; confidence interval [CI] 95% 1.12-6.31) over a similar observation time (median 4 years; range, 1-12 years). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Severe intestinal mucosal damage and associated barrier dysfunction might trigger chronic GI disease later in life.

Systemic Acremonium species infection in a dog.

A 2-year-old female Magyar Viszla was referred with fever, lethargy, polyuria/polydipsia, and suspected systemic cryptococcosis. At presentation increased rectal temperature and enlarged lymph nodes were detected. Main laboratory abnormalities included lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, and mildly reduced urine specific gravity. Abdominal ultrasound was unremarkable. Lymph node cytology revealed mycotic infection. Acremonium species was isolated from urine as well as from a popliteal lymph node by fungal culture. Therapy with itraconazol (10 mg/kg p. o. q 12 h) was initiated based on susceptibility testing, but dosage had to be reduced by half due to adverse effects. Despite treatment, the dog developed progressive azotemia. Four months after initial presentation, the patient showed anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, vomitus, neurological signs, and severe azotemia and was euthanized. Acremonium species are emerging opportunistic mould fungi that can represent a potential threat for immunocompromised humans. In dogs, only two cases of systemic infection with this fungal species have been reported so far. This case highlights the fact that systemic fungal infections should be considered as a differential in cases of fever and lymphadenopathy.