Protothecosis: A cause of chronic enteropathy/large bowel diarrhoea in dogs

Protothecosis is an emerging algal disease which has not been much reported from India. Canine protothecosis typically involves a broadly disseminated infection mainly colitis (with or without hematochezia), a common presenting complaint. Four male dogs out of total 69 cases presented to University Hospital with history of hematochezia for more than 2 months in all cases, high grade fever, inappetance, poor body condition and chronic weight loss. On rectal examination, anal saculitis (n=1) and hematochezia (n=4) was seen. Hemogram revealed hemoconcentration, neutrophilic leucocytosis. However, no apparent change seen in biochemistry, fecal examination, radiography and ultrasonography. Acute phase protein and other inflammatory markers were also undertaken to rule out other causes of gastrointestinal signs. Rectal brush cytology was done to rule out rectal mucosal abnormality which revealed large number of prototheca organisms round to oval, having basophilic cytoplasm with an unstained theca within the cytoplasm along with increased no. of normal microflora. Three out of four cases succumbed to disease as of its fatal occurence. Hypoallergenic diet was given in one case for 2 weeks followed by a course of antibiotic and B-complex. Patient did not respond and then was shifted to Arsenic album 30, a homeopathy medicine 4 drops q.i.d for 1 week PO, followed by Arsenic album 200 4 drops q.i.d once weekly PO for 4 weeks to which animal responded well. It was concluded that protothecosis carries a grave prognosis in canine patients; however, homeopathy should be tried as an alternative therapy in more number of affected dogs.

• Homeopathy can be used as an alternative medicine in Protothecosis.

• Protothecosis is also a cause of chronic enteropathy in dogs.

• Rectal brush cytology considered as gold standard technique for this disease.