Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blastomycosis joint infection in dogs may not show on fluid tests
By Finn, Amanda et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2026·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Intra-articular organisms are not always cytologically detectable in dogs with blastomycosis-associated inflammatory arthritis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 12 dogs, including several Labrador Retrievers around 5 years old, were brought in for lameness and joint swelling due to a fungal infection called blastomycosis. While most dogs showed signs of inflammation in their joints, not all had detectable fungal organisms in their joint fluid. The dogs were treated with oral antifungal medications, and while three dogs sadly passed away within a month, the remaining dogs showed improvement, with two needing surgery to stabilize their joints. Overall, six dogs achieved remission from the blastomycosis.
People also search for: dog lameness treatment · blastomycosis in dogs · joint swelling in Labrador Retrievers · antifungal treatment for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, cytologic, and radiographic features of inflammatory arthritis associated with blastomycosis in dogs. METHODS: This study included 12 dogs with blastomycosis and cytologic evidence of inflammation in at least 1 joint identified at a tertiary referral center over a 25-year period. Median age of presentation was 5.0 (1.1 to 9.0) years, and 4 of 12 cases were Labrador Retrievers. Musculoskeletal signs were the primary complaint for 10 dogs, while the other 2 presented for respiratory concerns. All dogs were lame upon evaluation, and 10 of 12 had palpable joint swelling. All dogs had evidence of blastomycosis in at least 1 other body system. RESULTS: Of 25 joint fluid cytologies, interpretations consisted of inflammatory arthritis in 21 joints (12 dogs), degenerative joint disease in 1 joint (1 dog), and unremarkable in 3 joints (2 dogs). The inflammation was categorized as suppurative (17 joints, 11 dogs) or pyogranulomatous (4 joints, 1 dog). Intra-articular Blastomyces organisms were observed in 10 joints (6 dogs). Eight of 9 joints (7 of 8 dogs) imaged had at least 1 radiographic abnormality, including 5 joints with osteolytic lesions. All bony lesions were periarticular. Ten dogs received oral antifungal drugs. Three dogs died within 1 month of evaluation; all 6 dogs with long-term follow-up achieved blastomycosis remission, but 2 required surgical arthrodesis of affected joints. CONCLUSIONS: Not all dogs with blastomycosis-associated arthritis have cytologically detectable organisms in their joint fluid. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unlike other sampling sites where pyogranulomatous inflammation predominates, suppurative inflammation is most common in the joints.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41344025/