CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN DOG: A CASE REPORT

The present work is a case of cryptococcosis in a dog emphasizing the importance of this disease and the risk of infection to humans due to its zoonotic nature. Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a leaven capable of infecting humans and animals (mammals and birds). It is a cosmopolitan pathogen present in the environment, with pigeon faeces being important reservoirs and sources of transmission in the urban environment. The infection usually occurs by inhalation, mainly affecting the upper airways and occasionally the eyes, lungs and nervous system. It was admitted in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital a dog, female, mixed breed and six years old, presenting an intermittent unilateral (left) epistaxis; ocular and nasal secretions (left), sneezing, inspiratory dyspnea and a mass (4 x 4 cm) in the left paranasal and left frontal sinus, during two months of progression. The mass had a soft consistency, was adherent and had elevated local temperature. Due to the suspicion of neoplasia, abscess or fungal granuloma, the exames performed were: skull radiographs, hemogram, serum biochemistry, cytology of the mass and bacterial and fungal culture (Sabouraud Agar Dextrose) from the material obtained. The relevant results were: nasal septal bone lysis, leukocytosis (49,600 / μL) with neutrophilia (47,616 / μL), and positive culture for Cryptococcus neoformans (compatible encapsulated yeasts). Therefore, treatment with itraconazole (10 mg/kg every 24 hours) was prescribed. However, the owner did not treat the animal correctely, resulting in lesion progression and mass growth. Therefore, despite of a inadequate treatment, the animal survives for aproximately 18 months, and finally died from inspiratory dyspnea. People who have had contact with the dog did not develope any clinical signs until now. The clinical signs presented were compatible with those described in the literature for cryptococcosis. The upper respiratory tract affection occurs in 50% to 60% of cases of the disease and ocular signs in 33%. The lack of commitment of the patient's owners to the treatment has contributed to the disease's fatal outcome. Due to the clinical aspect similar to neoplasias, it is fundamental to perform fungal culture for cryptococcosis, in cases of masses in dogs and cats, especially when it affects airways. As cryptococcosis is a zoonosis, the diagnosis implies risks of human contamination and the need to identify environmental sources.