Clinical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic findings in dogs with coccidioidomycosis: 24 cases (1995-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical, clinicopathologic, and radiographic abnormalities in dogs with coccidioidomycosis.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
24 dogs.


METHODS
Clinical information and results of clinicopathologic testing were obtained from medical records. Thoracic radiographs were reviewed to characterize abnormalities.


RESULTS
Dogs ranged from 1 to 10 years old at the time of diagnosis, with 12 dogs being between 1 and 3 years old. Historical complaints included cough, lameness, signs of head or neck pain, and difficulty breathing. Mild anemia, neutrophilia, and monocytosis were common. All dogs had hypoalbuminemia, and 8 of 15 had hyperglobulinemia. Thoracic radiographs of 19 dogs were reviewed. Pulmonary infiltrates were seen in 13 dogs, with an interstitial pattern of infiltration being most common. Hilar lymphadenopathy was seen radiographically in 10 dogs. Serum from 20 dogs was tested for antibodies against Coccidioides immitis. One dog was positive for IgM antibodies, 5 were positive for IgM and IgG antibodies, and 14 were positive for IgG antibodies. Quantitative IgG titers measured in 14 dogs ranged from 1:2 to 1:128 (median and mode, 1:32). In 6 dogs, histologic examination of biopsy samples revealed fungal spherules ranging from 8 to 70 microm in diameter.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that in dogs, coccidioidomycosis may be associated with a wide spectrum of nonspecific respiratory and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The chronic nature of the disease makes diagnosis difficult, even in regions in which the organism is endemic.
Johnson
Lynelle R
LR
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Herrgesell
Eric J
EJ
Davidson
Autumn P
AP
Pappagianis
Demosthenes
D
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000097:blood*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003045:Coccidioides / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003047:Coccidioidomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D005779:Immunodiffusion / Q000662:veterinary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M