Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Histoplasmosis fungal infection signs in dogs and cats
By Brömel, Catharina & Sykes, Jane E·Published in Clinical techniques in small animal practice·2005·Department of Population Health and Reproduction, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Histoplasmosis in dogs and cats.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A cat or dog with histoplasmosis may show symptoms like weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, and even breathing problems. This fungal infection, which is more common in certain areas of the U.S., can affect various organs, including the liver and gastrointestinal tract, leading to issues like diarrhea. To diagnose histoplasmosis, vets look for the yeast in tissue samples. The recommended treatment is a medication called itraconazole, which helps manage the infection.
People also search for: dog weight loss and diarrhea · cat fever treatment · histoplasmosis in pets · itraconazole for dogs · respiratory problems in cats
Abstract
Histoplasma capsulatum is endemic throughout most of the United States with a high prevalence of infections in the Midwest and South. Histoplasmosis is the second most common systemic fungal disease in cats that may be more susceptible than dogs. Infection occurs by inhalation of conidia from the mycelial phase, which subsequently convert to the yeast form. Histoplasma capsulatum is phagocytized and harbored by cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Infection may be subclinical or cause clinical pulmonary granulomatous disease or dissemination. Disseminated disease predominantly affects the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, bone and bone marrow, integument, and eyes. Primary gastrointestinal histoplasmosis also occurs. Clinical signs of histoplasmosis often are nonspecific, including chronic wasting, fever, anorexia, respiratory signs, and lameness. Gastrointestinal signs (eg, diarrhea with hematochezia or melena) are common in dogs. The definitive diagnosis is made by identification of the yeast in tissue samples. Itraconazole is the treatment of choice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16317912/