Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infections in Dogs: A Case Series

Abstract

Encephalitozoon (E.) cuniculi has been occasionally identified as a cause of neurological or renal disease in dogs, but cases are not well documented in the United States. The medical records from a state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for 19 cases of fatal encephalitozoonosis in puppies were reviewed. Clinical histories included depression, inappetence, and progressive neurological signs of short duration. Histopathological evaluation showed brain and renal lesions typical of encephalitis and nephritis, respectively. Molecular analyses of parasites from 13 cases confirmed the identity of the organisms as E. cuniculi strain III. This parasite may be an underdiagnosed cause of fatal canine neurological or renal disease.

Fungal Diseases

“…61 Most affected animals are less than 1 year of age; in one report, 17/19 affected dogs were 4 -10 weeks of age. 61,62 Diagnosis Defi nitive antemortem diagnosis is diffi cult because clinical signs are not pathognomonic, and there are limitations in available diagnostic tests. Presumptive diagnosis (particularly in rabbits) is usually made based on clinical signs, exclusion of other possible causes, and serological testing.…”

“…45 Serological testing may be of more value in dogs than rabbits because of the lower prevalence in healthy dogs in most regions, but the apparent predominance of disease in young (and immunologically immature) puppies may affect its reliability. 61 Evaluation of acute and convalescent titers for seroconversion is not useful because of the late and gradual onset of disease with respect to time of exposure.…”

“…Spores can sometimes be detected in the feces or urine of infected animals. 61 Modifi ed trichrome staining or chitin -staining fl uorophores can be used for microscopic detection of spores, 61 though access to either of these methods and personnel with experience in detecting microsporidia is limited. Detection of spores in urine or feces is supportive of the diagnosis if appropriate clinical signs are present, although it is not absolutely diagnostic because some animals can shed spores in the absence of disease.…”

“…47,61,62 Depression, inappetence, and weight loss may be seen initially, followed by progressive neurological disease with ataxia, hypermetria, central blindness, and circling. 61 Most affected animals are less than 1 year of age; in one report, 17/19 affected dogs were 4 -10 weeks of age.…”

“…47,61,62 Depression, inappetence, and weight loss may be seen initially, followed by progressive neurological disease with ataxia, hypermetria, central blindness, and circling. 61 Most affected animals are less than 1 year of age; in one report, 17/19 affected dogs were 4 -10 weeks of age. 61,62 Diagnosis Defi nitive antemortem diagnosis is diffi cult because clinical signs are not pathognomonic, and there are limitations in available diagnostic tests.…”