INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The clinical course
of the disease in
dogs is extremely
rapid and resembles
the peracute
pulmonary form
observed in horses.
Figure 1: Diffuse interstitial pneumonia, serofibrinous pleuritis and ventral atelectasis
indicative of fluid accumulation.
Post mortem examination typically reveals moderate
serofibrinous pleuritis, severe interstitial pneumonia,
severe mediastinal oedema and moderate visceral
congestion. Histologically, the lungs show the most
diagnostic lesions which are characterised by a
protein-rich alveolar and interstitial oedema, mono-
nuclear leukocytic interstitial pneumonia and multi-
focal haemorrhage. cAHS was confirmed by positive
AHS-specific immunohistochemical labelling in all
cases and real-time PCR in most of the cases.
of African horsesickness virus from naturally infected
dogs in Upper Egypt." Canadian Journal of Compar-
ative Medicine 45(4): 392.
5. Theiler, A. (1906). "Transmission of horse sickness into
dogs." Rep. Govern. Vet. Bacteriol: 160-162.
6. Van Rensberg, I., et al. (1981). "An outbreak of African
horsesickness in dogs." Journal of the South African
Veterinary Association 52(4): 323-325.
In clinical cases of ARDS, cAHS should be included as
a differential diagnosis and EDTA-blood can be sub-
mitted for rPCR confirmation to the Equine Research
Centre at the Onderstepoort Genetics Laboratory. At
necropsy collection of a full set of organs (esp. lungs)
in 10% buffered formalin for histopathology and im-
munohistochemistry as well as fresh lung and spleen
on ice for rPCR will assist in confirmation of cAHS.
Although the exact mode of transmission has not
been confirmed, it is suspected to be vector borne,
therefore owners should be advised to implement tick
& fly/midge control in high risk areas during late sum-
mer and autumn. Once clinical signs appear, a very
high mortality rate (estimated to be >90%) can be ex-
pected in spite of veterinary intervention.
REFERENCES:
1. Braverman, Y. and A. Chizov-Ginzburg (1996). "Role
of dogs (Canis domesticus) as hosts for African horse
sickness virus." Veterinary microbiology 51(1): 19-25.
2. Howell, P. (1963). "Emerging diseases of animals. II.
African horsesickness, FAO Agric." Stud 61: 71-108.
3. Piercy, S. (1951). "Some observations on African
horse-sickness including an account of an outbreak
among dogs, East Afr." Agric. J 17: 62-64.
4. Salama, S., et al. (1981). "Isolation and identification
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