Extended Survival in a Dog With Disseminated Protothecosis.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Mycology

Background:

• Protothecosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by achloric algae.
• Disseminated protothecosis is uncommon and carries a poor prognosis in dogs.

Observation:

• A 5-year-old Basenji Mix presented with ocular signs suggestive of protothecosis.
• Disseminated disease was confirmed, involving multiple organs including the eyes, colon, and brain.
• Initial treatment with itraconazole and amphotericin B (AmB) achieved remission.

Findings:

• Recurrence was noted four years later, necessitating an extended AmB protocol and addition of isavuconazole.
• The dog survived for 4 years and 8 months post-diagnosis, demonstrating extended survival.
• Necropsy confirmed widespread dissemination of protothecosis.

Implications:

• Prolonged amphotericin B administration can lead to extended survival in dogs with disseminated protothecosis.
• This case underscores the importance of aggressive and prolonged treatment strategies for rare, severe infections.
• Further research into optimal treatment protocols for canine protothecosis is warranted.