Unusual presentation of canine Mycobacterium avium infection

Abstract

This short communication describes the clinical and morphological findings, diagnosis and treatment of a case of Mycobacterium avium infection in a golden retriever that presented with a progressive nasal swelling and lymphadenopathy. Although well documented in cats, where cutaneous lesions are frequently recognised, canine M avium infection is less commonly reported, and cutaneous lesions are rare. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first documented case of canine M avium infection that presented with a cutaneous lesion but no systemic clinical signs. It occurred in a dog with no previously reported breed predisposition and highlights that in cases of cutaneous histiocytic infiltrate in dogs mycobacterial infection should remain a differential diagnosis, even in the absence of suggestive organisms on histopathological examination.

Cutaneous manifestation of Mycobacterium avium complex infection in an Australian shepherd dog

“…In that case, MAC organisms were not directly visualised in the tissue on histopathology nor were organisms cultured. The diagnosis in that case was made alone with PCR results and antibiotic response 19. Extensive dermatological disease is evident in the current case; however, the absence of true disseminated disease beyond the skin cannot be confirmed with complete certainty.…”

Mycobacterium avium infection associated with sterile polyarthritis in a dog

“…2019, Sharp et al . 2019) and for most of them the M. avium subspecies involved was not identified (Friend et al . 1979, Shackelford & Reed 1989, Zeiss et al .…”

“…Treatment with 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin (Baytril, Bayer) for every 24 hours by orally, 15 mg/kg clarithromycin (generic) for every 12 hours by orally and 10 mg/kg rifampicin (generic) for every 24 hours by orally was started immediately (Sharp et al . 2019). 10 mg/kg gabapentin (generic) for every 8 hours by orally and paracetamol (as given above) were also dispensed for 7 days for analgesia in combination with exercise restriction.…”

The Mycobacterium avium complex – an underestimated threat to humans and animals

“…In miniature schnauzers, this MAC susceptibility has been attributed to a recessive inherited defect in CARD9 adaptive protein [59,61]. However, most of the described cases of canine mycobacteriosis concern MAP infections, which can cause long-lasting diarrhea and vomiting [62,63]. Indeed, MAP-specific DNA was found in intestinal biopsy in 19% of dogs with chronic vomiting and diarrhea, while in dogs without gastrointestinal diseases, MAP DNA was not detected [63].…”

“…However, most of the described cases of canine mycobacteriosis concern MAP infections, which can cause long-lasting diarrhea and vomiting [62,63]. Indeed, MAP-specific DNA was found in intestinal biopsy in 19% of dogs with chronic vomiting and diarrhea, while in dogs without gastrointestinal diseases, MAP DNA was not detected [63]. Occasionally, M. avium may cause skin lesions in dogs [64].…”