Journal article
Protothecosis in 17 Australian dogs and a review of the canine literature
Medical Mycology, Vol.45(3), pp.249-266
05/2007
Abstract
Systemic protothecosis was diagnosed in 17 Australian dogs between 1988 and 2005. There was a preponderance of young-adult (median 4 years), medium- to large-breed dogs. Females (12/17 cases) and Boxer dogs (7 cases, including 6 purebreds and one Boxer cross) were over-represented. Sixteen of 17 dogs died, with a median survival of four months. A disproportionate number of cases were from coastal Queensland. In most patients, first signs were referable to colitis (11/17 cases), which varied in severity, and was often present for many months before other symptoms developed. Subsequent to dissemination, signs were mostly ocular (12 cases) and/or neurologic (8 cases). Two dogs had signs due to bony lesions. Once dissemination was evident, death or euthanasia transpired quickly. Prototheca organisms had a tropism for the eye, central nervous system (CNS), bone, kidneys and myocardium, tissues with a good blood supply. Microscopic examination and culture of urine (5 cases), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF;1 case), rectal scrapings (4 cases), aspirates or biopsies of eyes (5 cases) and histology of colonic biopsies (6 cases) as well as skin and lymph nodes (2 cases) helped secure a diagnosis. Of the cases where culture was successful, P wickerhamii was isolated from two patients, while P zopfii was isolated from five. P zopfii infections had a more aggressive course. Treatment was not attempted in most cases. Combination therapy with amphotericin B and itraconazole proved effective in two cases, although in one of these treatment should have been for a longer duration. One surviving dog is currently still receiving itraconazole. Protothecosis should be considered in all dogs with refractory colitis, especially in female Boxers.
Details
- Title
- Protothecosis in 17 Australian dogs and a review of the canine literature
- Authors/Creators
- V.J. Stenner (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandB. MacKay (Author/Creator) - Veterinary Specialist Services, Animal Referral Centre, Southpark, UnderwoodT. King (Author/Creator) - Veterinary Specialist Services, Animal Referral Centre, Southpark, UnderwoodV.R.D. Barrs (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyP. Irwin (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityL. Abraham (Author/Creator) - The University of MelbourneN. Swift (Author/Creator) - The Animal Referral Hospital, South Strathfield, New South Wales, AustraliaN. Langer (Author/Creator) - Veterinary Specialist Services, Animal Referral Centre, Southpark, UnderwoodM. Bernays (Author/Creator) - MacGregor (Germany)E. Hampson (Author/Creator) - MacGregor (Germany)P. Martin (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyM.B. Krockenberger (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyK. Bosward (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyM. Latter (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandR. Malik (Author/Creator) - UNSW Sydney
- Publication Details
- Medical Mycology, Vol.45(3), pp.249-266
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- 991005542052707891
- Copyright
- © 2007, Informa Healthcare
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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