Canine sporotrichosis: report of 15 advanced cases

Abstract

Sporotrichosis is a chronic, granulomatous and usually lymphocutaneous infection of animals and humans, caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii complex. The disease in dogs is considered rare, however, in the last years a crescent registration of cases was observed in Brazil, especially in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Fifteen dogs with ulcerated cutaneous lesions were seen at the Dermatology Service in the Small Animal’s Hospital at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, between January 2014 and October 2015. Most lesions were located on the head, mainly the nose. Lesions were even seen on the chest, disseminated on the body and on the limbs. Three dogs (20%) exhibited the cutaneous-lymphatic form, with lesions initially on the distal aspect of one leg and ascending via lymphatics up the leg to the trunk and head. It was not ruled out the disseminated form in at least 3 dogs (20%). They had consistent signs of generalized or disseminated disease exhibiting respiratory symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, stertorous breathing), anorexia and weight loss. Draining tracts and cellulitis were very common. Some had large areas of skin necrosis with exposure of muscle and bone. Definitive diagnosis was obtained by cytological examination of exudates, histological examination, and/or isolation of S. schenckii complex by fungal culture. Because of the severity of the lesions that mimic other disorders like neoplasms or autoimmune skin diseases, and due to the difficulties of getting an accurate diagnosis, this study describes 15 advanced cases of canine sporotrichosis.

First case report of cutaneous sporotrichosis (Sporothrix species) in a cat in the UK

“…3 In contrast to humans, lymphatic involvement is rare in cats, 16 but unusual presentations such as otitis externa have been described in cats and dogs. [17][18][19] This cat's underlying diabetes mellitus is likely to have made it more susceptible to infection. The cat had not been tested for other causes of being immunocompromised (owing to owner's considerable financial constraints), such as feline leukaemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, and these cannot be entirely ruled out.…”

“…3 In contrast to humans, lymphatic involvement is rare in cats, 16 but unusual presentations such as otitis externa have been described in cats and dogs. 17–19…”

Canine sporotrichosis: polyphasic taxonomy and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix species in an endemic area in Brazil

“…Canine sporotrichosis is an uncommon disease, and current knowledge is derived from a few case reports and case series [3]. Some canine cases have been documented in Italy [4], the USA [5], and Brazil [6][7][8], which has the highest number of reports at Rio de Janeiro since the late 1990s [9][10][11][12].…”

An unusual case of feline otitis externa due to sporotrichosis

“…7 The involvement of the external auditory canal of this cat might have been by traumatic inoculation by scratches or even bites from a sick cat. 14 In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this infection has been described with many atypical presentations, 15 as in this case.…”