Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

522 DISEASES/DISORDERS

 Dogs:
Young adult, large-breed dogs
Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Great Dane, boxer, American cocker

spaniel predisposed

Rhinosinusitis, neurologic signs, and ocular signs most common; occasional

lungs and abdominal organs.

 Cats:
Young adult cats
Possible increased incidence in male cats and Siamese cats
Upper respiratory signs and sinusitis most common (Figures 35.3, 35.4)
Subcutaneous lesions present in 40% of cases consisting of papules and nodules

as well as abscesses, ulcers, and draining tracts (Figures 35.5–35.7)

Nasal lesions extremely common; present as a firm to boggy swelling of the

bridge of the nose causing facial asymmetry (Figure 35.8).

Coccidioidomycosis

 Most dogs living in endemic areas have been infected; majority of cases are subclinical

or present with mild respiratory symptoms.

 Dogs more susceptible than cats: rare disease in both species.

 Young adults; Boxer and doberman pinscher predisposed.

 Inhalation of infective arthroconidia is the primary route of infection: once inhaled,

immature spherules mature and release hundreds of endospores.

 Clinical signs manifest 1–3 weeks post exposure; asymptomatic infections result in

the development of immunity without clinical disease; dissemination, including to

skin, may occur within 10 days.

 Clinical signs dependent on the organ system affected: lethargy, fever, anorexia, pro-

ductive or dry cough/dyspnea, joint pain, seizures, uveitis/keratitis, ataxia, parapare-

sis, neck or back pain, bone swelling, cardiovascular symptoms, renal failure, lym-

phadenopathy.

 Cutaneous lesions characterized by nodules with draining tracts most often over sites

of infected bone.

Blastomycosis

 Young adults; coonhound, walker hound, pointer, weimaraner, doberman pinscher

predisposed; higher risk in males.

 Proximity to water increases risk of exposure.

 Inhalation of infective arthroconidia is the primary route of infection: once inhaled,

yeast form initiates infection (mycotic pneumonia).

 Hematogenous dissemination results in a pyogranulomatous response.

 Clinical signs:
Dogs: 85% develop lung disease (harsh, dry cough); 50% develop fever; 40%

develop cutaneous disease (granulomatous); 40% develop uveitis/glaucoma/

visual impairment; 30% develop lameness (fungal osteomyelitis); additional