Small Animal Dermatology, 3rd edition

CHAPTER 35 MYCOSES, DEEP 527

Most dogs will improve following oral therapy; relapses may be seen, especially

if therapy is shortened

Overall recovery rate estimated at 60%; some report a 90% response to flucona-

zole therapy

Prognosis for cats is not well documented; rapid dissemination requiring long-

term therapy should be anticipated

Serologic testing every 3–4 months after completion of therapy is recommended

to monitor for possibility of relapse

Spontaneous recovery from disseminated coccidioidomycosis without treatment

is extremely rare

Zoonosis:

Spherule form of the fungus, as found in animal tissues, is not directly trans-

missible to people or other animals

In rare circumstances, reversion to growth of the infective mold form of the

fungus may occur on or within bandages placed over a draining lesion or

in contaminated bedding

Draining lesions can lead to contamination of the environment with

arthrospores

Care should be exercised whenever handling an infected draining lesion

Special precautions should be recommended with immunocompromised

humans in the household.

 Blastomycosis:
25% of dogs worsen or die within the first week of therapy due to inflammatory

response to organism death

Recurrence may occur in>20% of cases, necessitating retreatment

Severity of lung and CNS involvement affects prognosis

Thoracic radiographs are often the best monitor of therapeutic duration; con-

tinue treatment for at least 30 days after clinical/radiographic resolution

Not considered a zoonotic threat unless transmitted via a bite wound

Zoonosis:

Acquired from an environmental source

Human exposure at the same time as the dog/cat possible

Dogs may act as sentinels for exposure

Common source exposure has been documented in hunters

Incidence 10 times greater in dogs than in humans.