Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chronic skin ulcers and nodules from pythiosis in 15 dogs
By Dykstra, M J et al.·Published in Medical mycology·1999·Pathology and Parasitology Department, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A description of cutaneous-subcutaneous pythiosis in fifteen dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 15 young dogs, mostly larger breeds, developed chronic, ulcerated skin lesions with draining tracts, often after swimming. These lesions lasted from two weeks to six months, and most dogs showed signs of a specific type of infection called pythiosis. Despite various treatments, including antifungal medications, none were successful, and the only dog that survived had to have its affected limb amputated. Unfortunately, the overall outlook for dogs with this condition is not good.
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Abstract
Information regarding signalment, duration of clinical signs, history of swimming, results of CBC and serum biochemical analyses, biopsy findings and mycological results, together with treatments and outcome, was retrieved from the medical records of 15 dogs with a diagnosis of pythiosis made between 1985 and 1995 at the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University and the University of Florida. Most of the dogs were young (median age 22 months) and represented larger breeds (> 20 kg). Lesions were characteristically chronic, ulcerated, and nodular with multiple draining tracts on the limbs, thoracic wall or perineal regions. The median duration of these lesions was 3 months with a range of 2 weeks-6 months. Seven dogs had a history of swimming. Peripheral eosinophilia was observed in 14 of the dogs. Cytological evaluation of discharge, aspirates, or impression smears made from biopsy specimens revealed hyphae in five of 11 dogs (45%). Histopathological evaluation using the Gomori Methenamine-Silver (GMS) stain was the most useful test for providing presumptive evidence of cutaneous pythiosis. Immunotherapy or antifungal therapy using either amphotericin B, liposomal nystatin, itraconazole, or ketoconazole were all unsuccessful. The only dog to survive underwent amputation of the affected limb; thus, the prognosis for cutaneous pythiosis in the dog is poor.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10647124/