Reactive arthritis in a dog caused by Leishmania infection?: Detection of Leishmania infantum-DNA in an arthritic joint by PCR

Objective: First description of arthritis in a dog possibly caused by Leishmaniasis. Material and methods: Case report of a four-year-old mongrel dog formerly imported from Greece. Results:The dog was presented due to a medium grade lameness of the rightforelimb.A massive arthrosis of the right elbow joint was diagnosed by radiographic examination and computed tomography. Arthroscopy showed eburnated joint surfaces. Serologically a Leishmaniasis infection was diagnosed, while clinical signs of visceral or cutaneous Leishmaniasis were missing. Leishmania infantum-DNA could be detected in the synovia by real-time PCR. Conclusion and clinical relevance: In dogs imported from mediterranian countries that are presented with arthritis and lameness a PCR-based examination of the synovia for Leishmaniasis is recommended.