Detection of Bartonella henselae DNA in two dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis.
METHODS
1 dog evaluated because of inappetence and lameness of the left hind limb of 1 day's duration and 1 dog evaluated because of inappetence, fever, and lymphadenopathy of 2 weeks' duration.


RESULTS
Histologic examination of excisional biopsy specimens from lymph nodes revealed pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in both dogs. Quantitative real-time PCR assays detected Bartonella henselae DNA in blood samples and affected lymph node specimens from both dogs. Antibodies against B. henselae were not detected via immunofluorescent antibody testing during active disease in either dog.


RESULTS
1 dog recovered after 6 weeks of treatment with doxycycline (5 mg/kg [2.3 mg/lb], p.o., q 12 h), whereas the other dog recovered after receiving a combination of azithromycin (14.5 mg/kg [6.6 mg/lb], p.o., q 24 h for 21 days), doxycycline (17.3 mg/kg [7.9 mg/lb], p.o., q 24 h for 4 weeks), and immunosuppressive corticosteroid (prednisone [3 mg/kg {1.4 mg/lb}, p.o., q 24 h], tapered by decreasing the daily dose by 25% every 2 weeks) treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
B. henselae is implicated as a possible cause or a cofactor in the development of pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in dogs. In dogs with pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis, immunofluorescent assays may not detect antibodies against B. henselae. Molecular testing, including PCR assay of affected tissues, may provide an alternative diagnostic method for detection of B. henselae DNA in pyogranulomatous lymph nodes.
Morales
Sofia C
SC
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Breitschwerdt
Edward B
EB
Washabau
Robert J
RJ
Matise
Ilze
I
Maggi
Ricardo G
RG
Duncan
Ashlee W
AW
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018416:Bartonella henselae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002372:Cat-Scratch Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004269:DNA, Bacterial