When we hear the word leprosy today, it sounds like an old disease where people that were infected were sent off to colonies. What we don’t realize is that dogs can contract leprosy called canine leproid granuloma.
It’s a bacterial infection that comes from the soil and it may even be transmitted from dirt found containing the bacteria on insect feet and carried on to the skin of dogs.
The bacteria that causes this in our canine friends in Mycobacterium, which is a tricky bacteria to grow in culture.
While this infection is not too common, when it occurs it is alarming to see and often occurs and firm nodular growths on the flaps of the ear and sometimes on the head. Short-coated breeds and boxers seem most prone but any dog can become infected.
Often in 2-3 months time, the nodules regress. Until then, they can proliferate and ulcerate. If the dog is uncomfortable, the open ulcerations are infected or in 3 months time, no regression is seen, antibiotic therapy is needed.
Making the diagnosis:
Appearance of firm circular nodules on the ear flaps and head helps clue your veterinarian in to what this might be but needle aspirates or biopsy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. To further identify mycobacterium, PCR (DNA amplification can be done on tissue or aspirate samples)
Treatment:
If nodules are few, they may regress on their own and then no treatment is needed. Also, if only a few, they can be surgically removed. However, if they continue to spread, don’t regress or cause ulceration and discomfort and infection to the patient then antibiotic therapy is needed.
This is not a common disease but this author has diagnosed and treated two cases in the Houston area. It is an important diagnosis to keep in mind if lesions like this are seen in your dog.
If you suspect your dog or cat has a skin problem, please call a veterinarian for an exam and direction of care. Together, your vet and you can help your four-legged friend live his or her happiest and healthiest life!
