Use of corticosteroids for treating dogs with airway obstruction secondary to hilar lymphadenopathy caused by chronic histoplasmosis: 16 cases (1979-1997)

Rhonda L. Schulman From the Departments of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Schulman, McKiernan) and Veterinary Biosciences (Schaeffer), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802.

Search for other papers by Rhonda L. Schulman in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
,
Brendan C. McKiernan From the Departments of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Schulman, McKiernan) and Veterinary Biosciences (Schaeffer), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802.

Search for other papers by Brendan C. McKiernan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
, and
David J. Schaeffer From the Departments of Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Schulman, McKiernan) and Veterinary Biosciences (Schaeffer), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802.

Search for other papers by David J. Schaeffer in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 PhD

Objective

To examine use of corticosteroids in treating dogs with airway obstruction secondary to hilar lymphadenopathy caused by chronic histoplasmosis.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

16 dogs.

Procedure

Records for dogs with airway obstruction examined from January 1979 through December 1997 were reviewed. Dogs were included in the study if they had hilar lymphadenopathy documented radiographically and bronchoscopically, had serum antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, and did not have organisms in any cytologic or histologic samples. Dogs were assigned to groups on the basis of treatment given (5 dogs, corticosteroids only; 5 dogs, corticosteroids and antifungal medication; 6 dogs, antifungal medication only).

Results

Clinical signs resolved in < 1 week in dogs treated only with corticosteroids. In dogs treated with corticosteroids and an antifungal medication, improvement was evident in a mean of 2.6 weeks. In 5 of 6 dogs treated with only an antifungal medication, clinical signs resolved in a mean of 8.8 weeks. Dogs receiving corticosteroids did not develop active or disseminated histoplasmosis.

Clinical Implications

Corticosteroids can be used successfully in the treatment of dogs with hilar lymphadenopathy secondary to histoplasmosis. Affected dogs must be carefully evaluated for active infection. Specimens obtained by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal washing, or other methods should be examined to exclude the possibility of an active infection, which could result in corticosteroid-induced dissemination of disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;214–1345-1348)

Objective

To examine use of corticosteroids in treating dogs with airway obstruction secondary to hilar lymphadenopathy caused by chronic histoplasmosis.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

16 dogs.

Procedure

Records for dogs with airway obstruction examined from January 1979 through December 1997 were reviewed. Dogs were included in the study if they had hilar lymphadenopathy documented radiographically and bronchoscopically, had serum antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum, and did not have organisms in any cytologic or histologic samples. Dogs were assigned to groups on the basis of treatment given (5 dogs, corticosteroids only; 5 dogs, corticosteroids and antifungal medication; 6 dogs, antifungal medication only).

Results

Clinical signs resolved in < 1 week in dogs treated only with corticosteroids. In dogs treated with corticosteroids and an antifungal medication, improvement was evident in a mean of 2.6 weeks. In 5 of 6 dogs treated with only an antifungal medication, clinical signs resolved in a mean of 8.8 weeks. Dogs receiving corticosteroids did not develop active or disseminated histoplasmosis.

Clinical Implications

Corticosteroids can be used successfully in the treatment of dogs with hilar lymphadenopathy secondary to histoplasmosis. Affected dogs must be carefully evaluated for active infection. Specimens obtained by means of bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal washing, or other methods should be examined to exclude the possibility of an active infection, which could result in corticosteroid-induced dissemination of disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;214–1345-1348)

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 550 549 13
PDF Downloads 65 65 6
Advertisement