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Cryptococcal Maxillary Osteomyelitis and Osteonecrosis in a 18-Month-Old Dog
Katherine Block1, Jean Battig1
11 Animal Dental Clinic NW, Lake Oswego, OR, USA.
Journal of Veterinary Dentistry
|June 21, 2017
Summary
A dog with oral cryptococcosis, a fungal infection, was successfully treated with surgery and fluconazole. This case highlights primary oral Cryptococcus subspecies infection, distinct from typical systemic illness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus subspecies.
- Infections in dogs are often systemic and associated with specific risk factors, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
- Oral manifestations are less commonly reported, especially those resulting from primary inoculation.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old male labradoodle presented with maxillary osteomyelitis and sequestrum formation.
- Histopathology revealed necrotic bone consistent with Cryptococcus subspecies.
- Latex agglutination serum titer testing confirmed the diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient received surgical debridement and a combination of fluconazole therapy.
- The dog showed a positive response to treatment, achieving a titer-negative status after 8 months.
- Notably, the patient did not exhibit signs of systemic illness, which is unusual for cryptococcosis.
Implications:
- This case represents the first published instance of oral cryptococcosis resulting from primary inoculation in a dog.
- It underscores the importance of considering localized oral fungal infections in differential diagnoses.
- The findings contribute to understanding the varied clinical presentations of Cryptococcus subspecies in canine populations, especially during regional outbreaks.
