Uveitis associated with ehrlichia canis in a siberian husky dog: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory changes of the uveal tract, commonly known as uveitis, frequently occur in veterinary clinical practice and have a multifactorial etiology associated with primary eye diseases, systemic conditions, immune-mediated diseases, infections, traumatic injuries, neoplasms, or idiopathic causes. However, they are often correlated with infectious diseases such as hemoparasitoses, and their severity can vary from patient to patient depending on their physiological state and the time elapsed before diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Case Report: This report describes the clinical case of a male dog, 1 year and 24 days old, of the Siberian Husky breed, not neutered, weighing 18 kg, presenting clinical ophthalmic signs of conjunctival hyperemia, corneal opacity, and alteration in iris coloration in both eyes. After anamnesis, physical examination, intraocular pressure measurement, serological tests, and complete blood count, the animal was diagnosed with bilateral anterior uveitis secondary to hemoparasitosis caused by Erlichia canis in the municipality of Teresina, Piauí. Discussion: The therapeutic protocol for uveitis treatment was based on topical and systemic anti-inflammatory medications and a lubricating eye drop. For the therapeutic treatment of ehrlichiosis, doxycycline was used for 28 days. Conclusion: A thorough anamnesis, complete general clinical examination, meticulous ophthalmic examination, and targeted therapy for both the underlying disease and the ocular condition are essential for restoring the patient's health and preventing more severe complications.