Canine cryptococcosis associated with prolonged corticosteroid therapy.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Canine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cryptococcosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by encapsulated yeasts, primarily Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii.
• Canine cryptococcosis is relatively uncommon but can present with diverse clinical signs, often affecting the respiratory tract, central nervous system, and skin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first confirmed case of canine cryptococcosis in Alberta.
• To contribute to the understanding of cryptococcosis epidemiology in domestic animals within the region.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic confirmation of cryptococcosis through laboratory analysis (details not provided in abstract).
• Review of veterinary diagnostic records from Alberta Veterinary Services Division (1961-1980).

Main Results:

• A single case of cryptococcosis was identified in a five and one half-year-old female Irish Setter.
• This represents the sole laboratory-confirmed case of canine cryptococcosis in Alberta between 1961 and 1980.
• The source of infection for the described case could not be determined.

Conclusions:

• Canine cryptococcosis is a rare but significant diagnosis in veterinary practice.
• This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of canine diseases in Alberta.
• Further surveillance and case reporting are valuable for understanding the prevalence and distribution of such infections.