Can we continue research in splenectomized dogs? Mycoplasma haemocanis: Old problem - New insight

We report the appearance of a Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in
laboratory dogs, which has been reported previously, yet, never
before in Europe. Outbreak of the disease was triggered by a
splenectomy intended to prepare the dogs for a hemorrhagic shock
study. The clinical course of the dogs was dramatic including
anorexia and hemolytic anemia. Treatment included allogeneic
transfusion, prednisone, and oxytetracycline. Systematic follow-up
(n=12, blood smears, antibody testing and specific polymerase chain
reaction) gives clear evidence that persistent eradication of M.
haemocanis is unlikely. We, therefore, had to abandon the intended
shock study. In the absence of effective surveillance and screening
for M. haemocanis, the question arises whether it is prudent to
continue shock research in splenectomized dogs. Copyright (C) 2004
S. Karger AG, Basel.