Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pneumocystis lung infection in young dogs with breathing problems
By Weissenbacher-Lang, Christiane et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc·2018·Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pneumocystosis in dogs: meta-analysis of 43 published cases including clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was diagnosed with Pneumocystis infection after showing chronic breathing problems, including rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. This infection is more common in certain breeds with weakened immune systems. To confirm the diagnosis, the vet used a special test on lung fluid samples. Treatment options were explored, and timely detection is crucial for improving the chances of recovery. With the right approach, dogs can have better outcomes when treated for this condition.
People also search for: dog breathing problems Cavalier King Charles Spaniel · Pneumocystis infection treatment in dogs · why is my dog coughing and breathing fast
Abstract
We evaluated 43 published cases of dogs with confirmed Pneumocystis infection regarding the value of clinical parameters indicating the presence of the disease as well as tools for the detection of the pathogen. The assessed parameters included clinical signs, laboratory findings, results of thoracic radiography, autopsy, histopathology, methods for the detection of Pneumocystis, as well as medical therapy. Pneumocystosis was diagnosed most often in certain breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Dachshund) with a predisposition for impaired immunity. The median age of the dogs was 1 y. Chronic therapy-resistant respiratory signs, such as tachypnea, dyspnea, and cough, along with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and hypogammaglobulinemia, were the most frequently described clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities. Pneumocystosis can be masked by coinfections with other respiratory pathogens, and the successful detection of Pneumocystis organisms is of major relevance. Several detection methods have been used in the past, but only a few provide reliable results. In 2017, the cytologic evaluation of Giemsa-stained bronchoalveolar lavage samples is generally used, even if sensitivity is only moderate. More reliable results can be achieved using special stains or sensitive molecular techniques. Fast and reliable detection of Pneumocystis is the essential basis for appropriate treatment and higher survival chances for dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145787/