Pseudogout in two dogs (abstract)

Authors: Forsyth SF
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 52, Issue 1, pp 50, Feb 2004
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Joint/arthrology, Disease/defect, Locomotor, Pathology, Tendon/ligament
Article class: Abstract

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Abstract: Pseudogout is a common condition in elderly people in which sudden onset of intense joint pain and synovitis develop. Perisynovial calcium crystal deposition is the cause of the synovitis rather than the uric acid deposition in common gout. It is a rare condition in dogs, having only been reported twice before. Two dogs presenting with acute lameness and pyrexia showed many macrophages and occasional neutrophils containing intracellular crystals on cytological examination of synovial fluid. The crystals were single or multiple, small to large, clear, square or rhomboid- shaped, weakly birefringent and resembled those described for pseudogout. Occasional crystals were also present free in the matrix. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are effective in reducing pain in people with pseudogout provided no relief to either patient, but twice daily oral prednisolone therapy was successful. Dosage was gradually tapered as clinical signs improved over a period of 6 weeks.

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