Fungal pericarditis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in a dog

A 4-year-old, male, entire, crossbreed dog presented with a history of acute abdominal distension. Pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and diffuse nodular changes to the epicardial surface was noted on echocardiography. Cytology of the pericardial effusion was consistent with neutrophilic inflammation with no evidence of neoplastic cells or bacteria. Therefore, a pericardiectomy was elected for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Marked fibrous and fibrinous adhesions were noted between the parietal layer of the serous pericardium and the epicardium. Histological examination [including Grocott methenamine silver (GMS) stain] identified numerous fungal hyphae compatible with fungal pericarditis due to Aspergillus fumigatus. Systemic aspergillosis has been previously reported in dogs; however, a primary fungal pericarditis has not been described in the available veterinary literature.