Received: April 30, 2009.

Accepted: June 23, 2009.

Abstract published online: July 7, 2009.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2009.

NECROTIC SKIN LESION IN A DOG ATTRIBUTED TO Loxosceles (BROWN SPIDER) BITE: A CASE REPORT

Machado LHA (1), Antunes MIPP (1), Mazini AM (1), Sakate M (1), Torres-Neto R (1), Fabris VE (2), Vailati MCF (1), Lourenço MLG (1)

(1) Department of Clinics, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Envenomations caused by Loxosceles (brown spider) have been reported throughout the world. Clinical signs associated to bites of these spiders involve dermonecrotic lesions and intense local inflammatory response, besides systemic manifestations such as intravascular hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute renal failure. The present study aimed to report and to describe dermonecrotic lesions probably caused by a Loxosceles envenomation in a four year-old poodle female dog, treated at the Dermatology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil. Initially, the animal presented two skin lesions with blackish aspect that evolved into ulcerative crusts. The owner reported the presence of a brown spider near the place where the animal spent most of the time. Histological examination of lesions revealed necrosis of the epidermis extending to adnexa and panniculi, which is compatible with Loxosceles bite reaction. The animal was treated with systemic antibiotic and local curatives. Lesions healed by second intention in two months.

KEY WORDS: Loxosceles, dermonecrotic toxin, dogs.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

LUIZ HENRIQUE DE ARAÚJO MACHADO, Departamento de Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr., s/n, Botucatu, SP, 18.618-000, Brasil. Phone: +55 14 3811 6280. Email: henrique@fmvz.unesp.br.