Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blastomycosis urine test levels and lung X-rays linked to dog survival
By Motschenbacher, Laura O et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2021·Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective analysis of the effects of Blastomyces antigen concentration in urine and radiographic findings on survival in dogs with blastomycosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 52 dogs diagnosed with blastomycosis, a serious fungal infection, were studied to see how urine test results and lung X-ray findings affected their survival. The results showed that dogs with lower levels of Blastomyces antigen in their urine and less severe lung damage had a better chance of surviving beyond two months. Specifically, all dogs with low antigen levels (below 5 ng/mL) or mild lung damage were alive at the last check-up, while overall survival rates dropped over time. This suggests that monitoring these factors can help predict outcomes in dogs with this condition.
People also search for: dog blastomycosis survival rate · blastomycosis treatment in dogs · dog lung infection prognosis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Blastomyces antigen concentration in urine (BACU) test is used to diagnose blastomycosis and monitor treatment in dogs. It is unknown if a higher BACU is associated with shorter survival. OBJECTIVES: To determine if the magnitude of BACU before treatment is associated with survival in dogs with blastomycosis. ANIMALS: Fifty-two dogs with blastomycosis. METHODS: Retrospective case review. BACU, radiographic lung severity (RLS) score (0-4 scale), and survival time up to 1 year after diagnosis were obtained through medical record review of dogs with Blastomyces dermatitidis. RESULTS: The overall survival was: discharge, 87%; 1 week, 85%; 2 months, 74%; and 6 months, 69%. BACU correlated with RLS score (r= 0.33, P = .02). BACU and RLS scores were lower in survivors to 2 months than nonsurvivors (average BACU difference of 2.5 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2-4.8 ng/mL, P = .04; median RLS difference of 2; range, 0-4, P = .02). Dogs with BACU <5 ng/mL and dogs with mild (0-1) RLS scores had a greater proportion surviving than those with BACU >5 ng/mL (P = .03) and dogs with severe (3-4) RLS scores (P = .04). All dogs with a BACU <5 ng/mL or mild RLS score were alive at last follow-up (median, 365 days; range, 44-365 days). In all, 68.1% of other dogs survived to 2 months (95% CI, 54.8%-84.8%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with lower BACU and RLS scores have improved survival; however, it is unclear what specific cutoffs should be used for prognosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33604957/