Ocular blastomycosis in a dog

Abstract

Blastomycosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Blastomycosis affects both dogs and humans and is endemic in the Missisiippi, Missouri, and Ohio River valleys. A 5 year old female spayed mixed breed dog residing in Illinois presented with absent menace response and PLR, blepharospasm, mucopurulent discharge, corneal edema, and scleral injection of the right eye (OD). She also had a fever and a 2 month history of inappetance, lethargy, coughing, and sneezing. Panopthalmitis OD was diagnosed on ophthalmologic examination. Ocular ultrasound showed hyperechogenicity of the vitreous and retinal detachment OD. A vitreocentesis was performed, and demonstrated fungal organisms consistent with Blastomyces. The dog was treated supportively for panophthalmitis and was discharged with recommendations for long-term treatment with Itraconazole. The dog's appetite and activity level have returned to normal on Itraconazole therapy. She is not visual from the right eye, but the eye appears comfortable.