Nasal aspergillosis in a dog

Abstract

A 10 year old, male castrated mixed breed dog was referred to the Medicine Service at Cornell University for chronic unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge, elevated liver enzymes, and gastrointestinal signs. The dog was being treated by the referring veterinarian with itraconazole for presumptive nasal aspergillosis. The itraconazole was discontinued after liver enzymes were found to be elevated and when the patient started showing decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. At Cornell University, a computed tomography (CT) scan performed previously by the referring veterinarian was reviewed and rhinoscopy was performed which revealed moderate to severe turbinate loss in the right nasal cavity and many plaques in the right frontal sinus. Culture and histopathology of samples taken during rhinoscopy were diagnostic for nasal aspergillosis. Noninvasive intranasal infusion of clotrimazole was performed which resulted in the resolution of clinical signs.