Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Two young, large-breed female dogs were presented with an acute onset of sneezing and nasal discharge. One patient had concurrent epistaxis and facial deformity.
CLINICAL FINDINGS: Decreased airflow was noted through the left nostril in Case 1, while Case 2 showed facial deformity. Nasal radiographs from Case 1 showed a soft tissue opacity in the left nasal cavity and frontal sinus. Rhinoscopy revealed roughened, erythematous nasal turbinates in both patients, and a mass in the left caudal nasal cavity of Case 1. Cryptococcus spp. were demonstrated histopathologically on a nasal biopsy. Tissue culture and serum antigen titres were positive for Cryptococcus spp.
DIAGNOSIS: Chronic rhinitis secondary to Cryptococcus gattii infection in Case 1, and Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Case 2.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These are the first reported cases of Cryptococcus spp. rhinitis in dogs in New Zealand.
KEY WORDS:
Acknowledgements
Histopathology, LCAT titres and fungal culture were performed by Dr Cathy Harvey and Kerri Sawyer, respectively, at Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, Auckland, New Zealand. Disc sensitivities and Sensititre MIC tests were performed at LabPlus, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. Radiographs were analysed by Dr Chris Warman, Veterinary Radiologist, Veterinary Specialist Group, Auckland, New Zealand. The authors wish to thank Dr Keith McSporran for the images presented in this paper.