Coccidioidomycosis in dogs and cats: a review.
The dimorphic fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are the causative agents of coccidioidomycosis. Dogs and cats residing in and visiting endemic areas are at risk of exposure to infectious arthrospores. The primary infection is pulmonary and frequently results in chronic cough. Disseminated disease is common and causes cutaneous, osseous, cardiac, ocular, nervous system, or other organ disease. Radiographic changes include a variable degree of interstitial pulmonary infiltration, hilar lymphadenopathy, and osseous lesions. Serological titers support the diagnosis, but definitive diagnosis relies on identification of Coccidioides in cytological or tissue samples. Coccidioidomycosis should be considered in any dog or cat that has been potentially exposed during the previous 3 years and is presented with chronic illness, respiratory signs, lameness, lymphadenopathy, nonhealing cutaneous lesions, or neurological, ocular, or cardiac abnormalities.
Graupmann-Kuzma
Angela
A
College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University. Her current address is St. Francis 24-Hr Animal Hospital, Vancouver, Washington 98682, USA.
Valentine
Beth A
BA
Shubitz
Lisa F
LF
Dial
Sharon M
SM
Watrous
Barbara
B
Tornquist
Susan J
SJ