Bilateral Panophthalmia as a Late Sequel of Leishmaniasis in Dogs

Fifteen dogs were presented with complete blindness that progressed over 2-4 months. Diagnosis was confirmed that dogs had leishmaniasis through direct observation of the amastigotes within the blood cells, PCR testing and phylogenetic analysis. Gross pathologic and histopathologic examinations were performed for two dogs that were severely debilitated and humanely euthanized. Systemic involvement including decreased appetite (n=8), generalized weight loss (n=4), generalized lymphadenopathy (n=3), icterus (n=3), polyuria and polydepsia (n=2), lethargy (n=5) and four dogs were presented without any systemic involvement. All dogs had bilateral panophthalmia (n=30 eyes) manifested by cataract, anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, retinal detachment, peri-ocular alopecia, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis and glaucoma. Detailed ultrasonographic ocular lesions were described; histopathological examination confirmed the ongoing changes within the eye. Leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with bilateral ocular involvement especially those not responding to symptomatic medicinal therapy.