Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye inflammation from blastomycosis in treated and untreated dogs
By Hendrix, Diane V H et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of histologic lesions of endophthalmitis induced by Blastomyces dermatitidis in untreated and treated dogs: 36 cases (1986-2001).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 36 dogs with severe eye problems caused by a fungal infection called blastomycosis were examined to see how treatment with the antifungal medication itraconazole affected their condition. All the dogs were blind and showed signs of serious inflammation in their eyes, but the study found no significant difference in the level of inflammation or the presence of the fungus between dogs that received treatment and those that did not. Unfortunately, many of the dogs had lens ruptures, which could lead to cataracts and ongoing inflammation. This suggests that the infection may persist despite treatment, and further care may be needed for these dogs.
People also search for: dog eye problems blastomycosis · dog blindness treatment · itraconazole for dogs eye infection
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare prevalence of organisms and histologic changes in eyes from dogs with blastomycosis that were either untreated or undergoing treatment with itraconazole. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 36 dogs with endophthalmitis associated with blastomycosis. PROCEDURE: Signalment, results of ophthalmic examination, and duration of treatment with itraconazole were extracted from medical records. Histologic sections from eyes were examined for prevalence and viability (ie, budding) of fungal organisms. A scoring system was devised to assess the degree of inflammation. RESULTS: Clinically, all eyes were blind and had signs of severe endophthalmitis. Histologically, the type and degree of inflammation and prevalence of Blastomyces dermatitidis were not significantly different between dogs treated with itraconazole and untreated dogs or among groups of dogs treated for different time periods (4 to 14, 15 to 28, or 29 to 72 days). Replication of the organisms in vascular tissues as well as avascular spaces in the eyes was similar in treated and untreated dogs. Lens rupture was seen in 12 of 29 (41%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Persistence of inflammation in eyes of dogs with naturally occurring blastomycosis is likely attributable to the continued presence of B. dermatitidis, regardless of the duration of treatment with itraconazole. Lens capsule rupture, a common and previously unreported histologic finding, may contribute to cataract formation and continued inflammation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15112782/