Characterisation and outcome of idiopathic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis in 64 English springer spaniel dogs. (17th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dor, C.; Gajanayake, I.; Kortum, A.; Day, M. J.; Tappin, S.; Harris, B.; Battersby, I.; Walker, D.; Glanemann, B.; Myatt, P.; Dunning, M.; Bexfield, N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of small animal practice. Volume 60:Number 9(2019)
• Page Start: 551
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2019-07-17
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13052
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4510

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To describe the history, clinicopathological abnormalities, diagnostic imaging findings, lymph node cytological/histological appearance, treatment and outcome of English springer spaniels diagnosed with idiopathic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective UK‐based multicentre study, 64 dogs were recruited from 10 referral centres, 32 first‐opinion practices and three histopathology/cytology laboratories, between 2010 and 2016. Results: The median age at presentation was 6 years (range: 0.17 to 11.75). Neutered females were frequently affected. Pyrexia (83.8%), peripheral lymphadenomegaly (78.4%), dermatological lesions (72.9%), lethargy (67.6%), hyporexia (54%), diarrhoea (29.7%), coughing (24.3%), epistaxis, sneezing or nasal discharge (21.6%), ocular signs (21.6%) and vomiting (16.2%) were reported in dogs for which the history and physical examination records were available. Popliteal (45.3%), superficial cervical (35.9%) and submandibular (37.5%) lymphadenomegaly were frequently reported. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed non‐specific changes. When undertaken, testing for infectious diseases was negative in all cases. Lymph node cytology, histopathology or both demonstrated mixed inflammatory (27%), pyogranulomatous (24%), neutrophilic (20%) or granulomatous (11%) lymphadenitis. Treatment details were available for 38 dogs, with 34 receiving prednisolone for a median duration of 15 weeks (range: 1 to 28 weeks). A good to excellent clinical response was reported in all but one case. Ten dogs relapsed after discontinuing prednisolone. Clinical Significance: Idiopathic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for lymphadenopathy and pyrexia in English springer spaniels. The characteristics of the disease, absence of identifiable infectious aetiology and response to glucocorticoid therapy suggest an immune‐mediated aetiology.