Systemic candidiasis due to Candida albicans in a dog

Abstract

In this case resport, we describe pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis due to Candida albicans that progressed to a systemic infection in a 10‐kg, 1‐year‐old spayed female mixed‐breed dog. The dog had bilaterally enlarged submandibular lymph nodes with peripheral oedema. Fine‐needle aspirate of fluid from a lymph node and associated area was collected for fungal culture; a skin biopsy was also performed at the same time. Growth of budding yeast was observed on mycobiotic agar subcultured via inoculation in human serum. The characteristic germ tube of C. albicans was observed. Histopathology revealed chronic pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis with fungal elements. Lymphadenitis due to C. albicans was diagnosed tentatively. The dog was treated initially with itracononazole (30 mg kg−1 orally once daily) without an adequate response; treatment was changed to fluconazole (150 mg every other day). Leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphataes (ALKP) were observed to wane and wax during 4 months of therapy. The skin lesions did not respond to fluconazole therapy and progressed to involve the subcutaneous scapular and ocular regions, and the dog developed generalized lymphadenopathy. Finally, the dog appeared to seizure and the owner requested euthanasia. At necropsy, gross lesions showed disseminated white spots on the cerebrum, pancreas, liver, kidney, lung, heart and all the lymph nodes, especially the abdominal lymph system. Candida albicans was also cultured from the spinal fluid. No obvious invasion site was noted and the dog did not have a previous history of long‐term usage of corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. This study was supported by The Association of Veterinary Dermatology, Taipei.