Tongue nodules in an atypical canine leishmaniasis in Brazil

Abstract

We aimed to report a case of canine leishmaniasis with the only visible clinical sign being the presence of nodules in the lateral region of the tongue. The bitch was treated for a mandibular fracture, when multiple small nodules were observed on the tongue. We identify nodular glossitis with the presence of structures compatible with amastigote forms of Leishmania. The bitch was positive by ELISA, RIFI and PCR assays. Clinical re-evaluation after one year of treatment for leishmaniasis showed clinical improvement, but there was maintenance of antibody titers and infectivity. Lingual nodules as the only clinical sign of the disease is rare, especially in endemic areas, but should be included as differential diagnosis for leishmaniasis in the country.