Tuberculosis - Dogs
Description
Tuberculosis rarely affects the dog. Infection with Mycobacterium spp. is usually from a human or cattle source. Granulomatous lesions develop in various body systems. Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis can uncommonly result in cutaneous tuberculosis which is charcterised by ulcers, abscesses and plaques affecting the skin.
Signalment
Dogs of any age or breed in contact with tuberculosis infected people or cattle.
Diagnosis
The intradermal tuberculin test can produce flase negative results in the dog.
Clinical signs
Clinical signs depend on which body system is affected, associated regional lymph nodes will be enlarged in any case.
- Dyspnoea
- Soft productive cough
- Diarrhoea
- Liver failure
Radiology
Nodular soft tissue opacities will be seen in th lungs, most commonly in the caudal lung lobes.
Pathology
On post mortem examination firm multifocal nodules, with necrotic centres are found in the caudal lung lobes, liver, kidney, pleura and peritoneum. The lesions are often exudative, dicharging a yellow fluid into the thorax and abdomen.
Treatment
Euthansia is advised due to the zoonotic potential of the disease.
References
- Blood, D.C. and Studdert, V. P. (1999) Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (2nd Edition) Elsevier Science
- Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial