Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
German shepherd dog with fungal kidney infection treated successfully
By Tappin, S W et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2012·Dick White Referrals, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Successful treatment of bilateral Paecilomyces pyelonephritis in a German shepherd dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old female German shepherd was brought in for excessive urination, increased thirst, and lethargy. Tests showed kidney issues and an ultrasound revealed a serious fungal infection in her kidneys caused by Paecilomyces variotii. The initial treatment with oral itraconazole didn’t work, so the veterinarians performed surgery to remove the fungal material, but the infection continued. They then switched to a stronger medication called amphotericin B, which successfully resolved her symptoms.
People also search for: German shepherd kidney infection treatment · dog excessive urination causes · Paecilomyces infection in dogs
Abstract
A six-year-old female entire German shepherd dog was investigated for polyuria, polydipsia and lethargy. Investigations revealed a mild azotaemia and abdominal ultrasound revealed marked bilateral dilation of the renal pelves with echogenic material and proximal left hydroureter. Urine cytological examination and aspirates from the right renal pelvis revealed mats of fungal hyphae consistent with fungal bezoar formation. Fungal cultures revealed a profuse growth of Paecilomyces variotii. Initial treatment with oral itraconazole was unsuccessful, leading to bilateral nephrotomies to remove the fungal material. Postoperatively the Paecilomyces infection persisted despite continued itraconazole therapy. Treatment was commenced with amphotericin B, leading to resolution of the dog's clinical signs. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of canine Paecilomyces pyelonephritis, without disseminated systemic disease, which documents its successful treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23898907/