Fatal protothecosis in four dogs with large bowel disease in Italy

Protothecosis occurs sporadically in dogs around the world, with few cases documented in Europe. Protothecosis causes infection of the large bowel, central nervous system and eyes. It is progressive and has a poor prognosis. We describe dogs affected by protothecosis in Italy and review the current literature. Clinical and laboratory data and information on the treatment and survival of dogs affected by protothecosis and diagnosed between 2009 and 2011 in the western part of the Po river basin in North- West Italy were collected from medical records. PCR analysis of biopsy specimens was used to identify the Prototheca species. Four dogs were included. They were adult and of medium-large breeds, including two Boxers. Complaints at presentation were large bowel diarrhoea, haematochezia and weight loss. Infection was associated with unspecific laboratory and instrumental abnormalities. All dogs had progressive disease despite treatment with itraconazol, antibiotics and corticosteroids. Two dogs developed uveitis and another developed clinical signs of the central nervous system.