Atypical findings in 16 cases of canine ehrlichiosis.
Sixteen cases of clinically and serologically diagnosed canine ehrlichiosis were studied retrospectively. Findings not previously reported included diffuse, pulmonary interstitial radiopacities; weak-positive results for blastomycosis, using agar gel immunodiffusion; normal platelet counts; hemorrhage despite platelet counts greater than 100,000/mm3, and positive results for platelet factor 3 and antinuclear antibody assays. These atypical findings showed that the differential diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis, blastomycosis, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, and primary nasal lesions may be confusing, warranting careful assessment. The increased release of platelet factor 3 and the finding of antinuclear antibodies supported an immune mechanism in the pathogenesis of canine ehrlichiosis, as suggested by previous experimental studies.
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004285:Dogs; D004536:Ehrlichia; D005260:Female; D005779:Immunodiffusion / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D010977:Platelet Factor 3 / Q000032:analysis; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012288:Rickettsiaceae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D010977:Platelet Factor 3