Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with fluid buildup in chest and belly from Histoplasma infection
By Kowalewich, N et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1993·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum organisms in the pleural and peritoneal effusions of a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male Cocker Spaniel was brought in for not eating and being unusually tired. Tests revealed a serious fungal infection called histoplasmosis, which was causing fluid buildup in his chest and abdomen. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, the dog suffered respiratory failure and sadly passed away. A necropsy showed significant damage to his lungs and liver due to the infection. This case highlights how identifying the fungus in body fluids can help diagnose this condition early, even though the outcome was tragic.
People also search for: dog not eating lethargy · Cocker Spaniel histoplasmosis treatment · antifungal medication for dogs
Abstract
Histoplasma capsulatum organisms were identified by cytologic evaluation in the thoracic and abdominal effusions of a 5-year-old sexually intact male Cocker Spaniel that was referred because of anorexia and lethargy. Treatment with amphotericin B and ketoconazole was instituted. The dog developed respiratory arrest, a complication of the disseminated disease, and died. Necropsy findings included pleural effusion, hepatomegaly, and enlarged tracheobronchial, hilar, mediastinal, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Granulomas containing periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive yeast-like organisms identified as H capsulatum were seen in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. The lymphatic vessels were dilated, and fibrosis of the portal and periportal regions of the liver was noticed. Identification of Histoplasma organisms by cytologic examination of pleural and abdominal effusions is a rare laboratory finding and can provide a minimally invasive and inexpensive definitive diagnosis of histoplasmosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8440637/