Sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis (juvenile cellulitis) in adult dogs: a retrospective analysis of 90 cases (2004-2018).

BACKGROUND

It has long been speculated that sterile granulomatous dermatitis and lymphadenitis (SGDL) occurs in adult dogs. However, only three published case reports exist.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical presentation, identify breed predispositions, and assess treatment and outcomes of adult dogs with the histopathological diagnosis of SGDL.

ANIMALS

Included are 90 dogs with biopsies submitted to a veterinary teaching hospital with a histopathological diagnosis consistent with SGDL, from 2004 to 2018, of which 35 had medical records available for review.

METHODS

Data were analysed retrospectively from histopathology submission forms, medical records, surveys and telephone calls. Scoring systems were created to aid statistical analysis of outcomes.

RESULTS

Havanese dog (P < 0.0001), Australian shepherd dog (P < 0.0001), Irish setter (P < 0.0001), Dachshund (P = 0.0002), bichon frise (P = 0.0003) and Maltese dog (P = 0.004) were significantly over-represented breeds. The median age at onset was 1,292 days (3.54 years). Dogs up to five years of age were significantly over-represented (P < 0.01). Of 35 dogs with medical records available for review, the median treatment duration was 60 days and the median time to remission 28 days. Remission status was not established for five dogs but the remaining 30 dogs reached remission. Nineteen dogs remained in complete remission. Recrudescence occurred in 11 dogs (median follow-up 60 days).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

This study shows a close parallel in clinical appearance, histopathological results and clinical behaviour, of both adult and juvenile onset SGDL; therefore, SGDL should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs of all ages.