Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with constrictive pericarditis from Coccidioides immitis infection
By Shubitz, L F et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2001·Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Constrictive pericarditis secondary to Coccidioides immitis infection in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old mixed-breed dog was brought in because he had fluid buildup in his abdomen and chest, likely due to a fungal infection called coccidioidomycosis. Tests showed that he had constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the heart's outer layer becomes thick and stiff, making it hard for the heart to function properly. Despite starting aggressive treatment for the infection, the dog's health continued to decline, and he was ultimately euthanized. A post-mortem examination confirmed the diagnosis and revealed significant changes to the heart's outer layer due to the infection.
People also search for: dog abdominal fluid buildup · coccidioidomycosis in dogs · constrictive pericarditis treatment · dog heart problems symptoms
Abstract
A 4-year-old castrated male mixed-breed dog with a history of coccidioidomycosis was referred for evaluation of abdominal and pleural effusion. Results of radiography, ultrasonography, cytologic evaluation of thoracic fluid, and serologic testing supported a diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis secondary to infection with Coccidioides immitis. Aggressive treatment for presumptive coccidioidomycosis was begun, but the dog's condition continued to deteriorate, and the dog was euthanatized. At necropsy, the pericardium was thicker than normal and fibrotic and adhered to the epicardium. Microscopically, the pericardium and 1 section of epicardium contained lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with a few macrophages and neutrophils. Coccidioides immitis was cultured from pericardial fluid. A search of records from the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for 1988 through 1998 revealed that of 46 dogs in which a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis was confirmed at necropsy, 13 had involvement of the heart or pericardium.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11229504/