Nasal cryptococcosis in two dogs in New Zealand

Authors: Fry DR, Bowles DB
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 57, Issue 1, pp 53-57, Feb 2009
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Biosecurity, Protozoa, Zoonosis, Infectious disease, Ear/nose/throat, Head/neck, Disease/defect, New hosts/new diseases, Parasites - internal, Respiratory system, Skeletal/bone/cartilage, Public health
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: CASE HISTORY: Two young, large-breed female dogs were presented with an acute onset of sneezing and nasal discharge. One patient had concurrent epistaxis and facial deformity.
CLINICAL FINDINGS: Decreased airflow was noted through the left nostril in Case 1, while Case 2 showed facial deformity. Nasal radiographs from Case 1 showed a soft tissue opacity in the left nasal cavity and frontal sinus. Rhinoscopy revealed roughened, erythematous nasal turbinates in both patients, and a mass in the left caudal nasal cavity of Case 1. Cryptococcus spp. were demonstrated histopathologically on a nasal biopsy. Tissue culture and serum antigen titres were positive for Cryptococcus spp.
DIAGNOSIS: Chronic rhinitis secondary to Cryptococcus gattii infection in Case 1, and Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Case 2.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These are the first reported cases of Cryptococcus spp. rhinitis in dogs in New Zealand.
KEY WORDS: Rhinitis, Cryptococcus, canine

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