Disseminated histoplasmosis in dogs: 12 cases (1981-1986).
Diarrhea, intestinal blood loss, anemia, and lethargy were predominant clinical findings in 12 dogs with disseminated histoplasmosis. Young dogs were affected most commonly, with 6 dogs being 1 to 3 years old. A diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis was established on the basis of histologic or cytologic detection of Histoplasma organisms in intestinal or rectal mucosa in 7 dogs, in circulating leukocytes in 5 dogs, in bone marrow in 3 dogs, and in multiple tissues at necropsy in 1 dog (4 dogs had Histoplasma organisms detected in greater than 1 site). Anemia was detected in 10 dogs (PCV less than 20% in 3 dogs), and the anemia was inadequately regenerative or nonregenerative in 7. Hypoalbuminemia was detected in 9 dogs, and serum albumin concentrations were low (less than 1.0 g/dl) in 4 of the 9 dogs. Of 5 dogs treated with ketoconazole, 2 were in remission for greater than or equal to 1 year. Corticosteroid therapy may have exacerbated the disease in 4 dogs. Histoplasma infection of multiple organs was detected in 5 necropsied dogs.
Clinkenbeard
K D
KD
Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078.
Cowell
R L
RL
Tyler
R D
RD
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006660:Histoplasmosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies