Diagnosis and treatment of blastomycosis affecting the nose and nasopharynx of a dog.
METHODS
A 2-year-old 38.9-kg (85.58-lb) sexually intact male German Shepherd Dog was examined because of a 4-month history of severe nasal swelling and nasal mucosa congestion. The signs were slowly progressive.


RESULTS
Physical examination revealed that the dorsal aspect of the dog's nose was swollen and hard. Mucous membranes in both nostrils were hyperemic and edematous. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe nasal osteolysis and pyogranulomatous rhinitis and nasopharyngitis attributable to blastomycosis.


RESULTS
Oral administration of itraconazole was initiated (5 mg/kg [2.27 mg/lb], q 12 h for 5 days and then q 24 h). After a treatment period of 3 months, the nose had regained its normal appearance. After 5 months of treatment, the Blastomyces infection was eliminated as confirmed by results of rhinoscopy and biopsy specimen examination. No relapse was evident within 1 year after discontinuation of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
In dogs, nasal and nasopharyngeal blastomycosis can result in severe osteolysis of the nasal bone. Resolution of disease can be achieved with oral administration of itraconazole for a period of at least 5 months.
Wehner
Astrid
A
Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Crochik
Sonia
S
Howerth
Elizabeth W
EW
Koenig
Amie
A
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001759:Blastomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole