Pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosed by PCR performed from an oropharyngeal swab in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Case report

Abstract

Abstract A 16‐month‐old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel presented to a private referral practice with a history of progressive tachypnoea, acute syncopal episode, increased respiratory effort and weight loss that failed to respond to empirical antimicrobial management and traditional antifungal therapy. The dog was diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia by polymerase chain reaction performed from an oropharyngeal swab and secondary pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed with echocardiography. Clinical signs resolved with trimethoprim‐sulfonamide, an anti‐inflammatory prednisone tapering course, and sildenafil with tapering course for pulmonary hypertension. This is the first case report documenting Pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosed via oropharyngeal swab, with complete resolution of clinical signs and eventual cessation of all medications.