title: Diagnosis and treatment of blastomycosis affecting the nose and nasopharynx of a dog.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wehner
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crochik
authors.forename: Elizabeth W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Howerth
authors.forename: Amie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koenig
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole