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Questions and Answers

Which clinical sign is least commonly associated with gastrointestinal tract conditions in dogs?

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Enlarged lymph nodes (correct)

Progressive weight loss

What abnormality is frequently observed in hematological tests of affected animals?

Thrombocytosis

Subclinical thrombocytopenia (correct)

Neutrophilic leukopenia

Normocytic, normochromic regenerative anemia

Which imaging finding is not indicative of this condition?

Thickened intestinal walls

Calcified pulmonary interstitial nodules

Enlarged kidneys (correct)

Splenomegaly

Which serum chemistry finding might indicate liver involvement in the condition described?

Hypoalbuminemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason serology may be unreliable in diagnosing this condition?

It fails to identify the specific organism Signup and view all the answers

What organism causes tularemia?

Francisella tularensis Signup and view all the answers

Which animal is least likely to be a primary reservoir for tularemia?

Deer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is least associated with tularemia in animals?

Bubonic swelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common diagnosis method for feline plague?

Finding gram-negative coccobacilli in lymph node exudates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs is the drug of choice for treating feline plague?

Parenteral gentamicin Signup and view all the answers

Which region in the United States is most associated with histoplasmosis?

Mississippi River regions Signup and view all the answers

What route is NOT a common transmission method for tularemia?

Vector-borne through fleas Signup and view all the answers

What type of plague is most common in cats?

Bubonic plague Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the treatment of blastomycosis?

Fluconazole is used for ocular and neurologic infections. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of blastomycosis in both humans and dogs?

Exposure to Blastomyces dermatitidis in sandy, acidic soil. Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is most prevalent in pulmonary infections caused by blastomycosis?

Pleural effusion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagnostic methods is considered the most reliable for identifying blastomycosis?

AGID serology test. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the yeast bodies associated with blastomycosis diagnosis?

They are thick-walled and exhibit broad-based budding. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is most recommended for severe fungal infections?

Itraconazole + Amphotericin B Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of transmission for Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever)?

Inhalation of airborne spores Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fungi is characterized by small yeast with a large capsule?

Crypto Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with the use of Amphotericin B?

Increased risk of kidney damage Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the effectiveness of treatment options is accurate based on the information provided?

Itraconazole has a 70-75% success rate for small animal cases. Signup and view all the answers

What transmission method is primarily associated with Bartonella vinsonii (ssp. berkhoffii)?

Ticks from coyotes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following clinical signs is NOT commonly associated with canine bartonellosis?

Hypernatremia Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method of preventing bartonellosis in cats?

Flea control Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic tool is least successful for confirming a diagnosis of canine bartonellosis?

Blood culture Signup and view all the answers

In untreated cases of bartonellosis, which condition might develop in immunocompromised individuals?

Severe granuloma formation Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic combination is indicated for the treatment of chronic canine bartonellosis?

Azithromycin and enrofloxacin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about eosinophilia in canine bartonellosis is accurate?

It is present in approximately one-third of cases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of using dogs with Bartonella for blood donations?

Risk of disease transmission to humans Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterium is known for causing persistent infection leading to granulomatous inflammation in animals?

M tuberculosis Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is least likely to be involved in disseminated infection of cryptococcosis?

Gallbladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome if the capsular antigen test returns a false negative result in a localized case of cryptococcosis?

An inaccurate assumption of non-infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Cryptococcus that aids in its identification during cytology or biopsy?

Prominent unstained capsule and budding Signup and view all the answers

What duration of treatment is typically required for managing cryptococcosis?

6 to 12 months Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment for cryptococcosis is considered less effective?

Ketoconazole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of infection for coccidioidomycosis?

Inhalation of airborne spores Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is commonly observed in patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis?

Bone lesions Signup and view all the answers

What serological test is most reliable for detecting the IgG response in coccidioidomycosis?

ELISA test Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended duration for antifungal treatment with itraconazole for coccidioidomycosis?

8 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following imaging findings is typically associated with coccidioidomycosis pneumonia?

Nodular pulmonary interstitial pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome for infants infected with Toxoplasmosis in utero?

Chorioretinitis and later retardation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions may be associated with Toxoplasmosis in infants?

Cognitive impairment and hydrocephalus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly observed in infants affected by Toxoplasmosis?

Cognitive fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is frequently associated with Toxoplasmosis?

Chorioretinitis Signup and view all the answers

Which group is primarily at risk for complications from Toxoplasmosis?

Newborns infected in utero Signup and view all the answers

What is a common transmission method of Hepatozoon americanum to dogs?

By ingestion of an infected tick Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is most characteristic of Hepatozoon americanum infection?

Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary vessel for the transmission of Leishmania infantum?

Sand flies Signup and view all the answers

What treatment approach is recommended for Hepatozoon canis infection?

Imidocarb therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings is least likely associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?

Weight gain Signup and view all the answers

In which geographical areas is Hepatozoon canis primarily found?

Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic method is primarily used for identifying Hepatozoon americanum?

Skeletal muscle biopsies Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory finding is commonly associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?

Increased ALP Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of transmission for Neospora caninum infection in dogs?

Ingestion of infected meat or transplacental transmission Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following clinical signs is most characteristic of Neospora infection in dogs?

Neuromuscular signs such as ascending paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory finding is indicative of muscle involvement in Neospora infection?

Increased CK and AST levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a positive IgM titer for diagnosing Neospora?

Suggests an active infection in the host Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is less frequently recognized in cats as compared to dogs in Neospora infections?

Ascending paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the role of Neospora cysts in their host?

They can remain dormant for the life of the carrier Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the treatment of Neospora infections is accurate?

Clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine are commonly used Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason for the low percentage of cats shedding Neospora oocysts?

Cats are not definitive hosts for Neospora Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bartonellosis

Serology indicates exposure, PCR or blood culture can confirm active infection
Fleas are the primary transmission vector, control is key for prevention
Macrolides and fluoroquinolones are used to treat clinical signs
Granuloma formation is common in humans, appearing 7-12 days after a cat scratch, resolving within 2-3 months
Granulomas can be more severe in immunocompromised individuals

Canine Bartonellosis

Bartonella henselae and B. vinsonii are the primary causes of infection
B. vinsonii is more commonly associated with clinical signs
Ticks, especially Rhipicephalus sanguineus, are primary transmission vectors
Coyotes are major reservoirs, B. vinsonii is found worldwide
Fleas also transmit Bartonella species, contributing to high seroprevalence in the Southeast US
Clinical signs include transient fever, persistent bacteremia, and immunosuppression
Secondary conditions: Aortic valve endocarditis, unexplained granulomatous disease, unexplained epistaxis, and immune-mediated disease
Diagnostic tools include serum antibody titers and PCR, blood culture rarely successful
Aminoglycosides and penicillin derivatives are used for severe disease
Azithromycin, fluoroquinolones, and amoxicillin are used to manage chronic cases

Additional Considerations

Thrombocytopenia present in about half of dogs with clinical bartonellosis
Eosinophilia occurs in about one-third of cases
Positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) tests can be seen in cases of bartonellosis

Mycobacteriosis

Acid-fast, gram-positive bacteria, like M. tuberculosis, cause persistent infections
Granulomatous inflammation is a characteristic of the infection
M. tuberculosis transmission occurs through inhalation from humans to pets
Pulmonary infection is common in M. tuberculosis infection
M. bovis is transmitted through unpasteurized milk

Tularemia

Caused by Francisella tularensis, a gram-negative coccobacillus
Most cases occur in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota in the US
Transmission occurs through various routes, including tick and deerfly bites, bites from infected animals, inhalation, or ingestion
Ticks, rodents, and rabbits are primary reservoirs
Cats, dogs, livestock, and humans can also be infected
Cats are more commonly affected than dogs
Symptoms include anorexia, depression, fever, oral ulcers, pneumonia, and hepatic necrosis
Diagnosis can be achieved through serological testing or by culturing bone marrow, lymph nodes, or blood
Gentamicin, enrofloxacin, or doxycycline are used for treatment

Feline Plague

Caused by Yersinia pestis, a gram-negative coccobacillus
Rodents are the primary reservoirs, fleas transmit the disease to pets and humans
Most cases occur in western states in the US
Cats are more commonly affected than dogs
Clinical signs progress rapidly with an incubation period of 1-4 days
Types of plague:
- Bubonic plague - Most common in cats, affecting submandibular lymph nodes
- Pneumonic plague - Causes pneumonia and lung abscessation, posing a serious public health risk due to potential dissemination
- Septicemic plague - Widespread dissemination to organs, a significant risk
Diagnosis relies on identifying gram-negative coccobacilli in lymph node exudates
Serology, antigen detection, or culture can confirm diagnosis
Gentamicin is the preferred treatment, doxycycline can be used as an alternative

Histoplasmosis

Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, found in soil
Most prevalent in Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River regions in the US
Most cases are sporadic

Histoplasmosis - Clinical Signs

Commonly affects dogs, affecting part or all of the intestines
Granulomatous thickening of the bowel wall is a characteristic
Symptoms include diarrhea, progressive weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, fever, anemia, and vomiting
Disseminated infection can spread to multiple organs
Common symptoms include anorexia, depression, fever, and weight loss
Affected organs include bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, peritoneum, eyes, central nervous system, skin, bone, or oral cavity

Histoplasmosis - Diagnosis

Hematology:
- Normocytic, normochromic nonregenerative anemia is common
- Subclinical thrombocytopenia frequently occurs
- Neutrophilic leukocytosis or neutropenia may be present
- Pancytopenia is seen in some cats
Serum Chemistry:
- Hypercalcemia, hypoalbuminemia indicate liver involvement
- Elevated liver enzymes may also be present
Imaging (Radiographs):
- Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy
- Diffuse or nodular interstitial pulmonary infiltrates
- Calcified pulmonary interstitial nodules (inactive infection)
- Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, abdominal effusion, bone lesions, and intestinal wall thickening depending on the organs involved
Serology:
- Often unreliable
- Urine and serum antigens are more reliable for guiding therapy

Blastomycosis - Cause

Caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis fungus found in soil
Common in the Great Lakes region of US, especially around Mississippi and St. Lawrence rivers
Sandy, acidic soil near water is a favorable environment
Infection occurs through inhalation of spores and direct contact
Large breed dogs, sporting breeds, and hounds are highly susceptible, cats are rarely affected

Blastomycosis - Clinical Signs

Pulmonary Infection (85% of cases):
- Pyogranulomatous pneumonia
- Alveolar consolidation
- Solitary lung masses
- Pleural effusion
Disseminated Infection:
- Common in lymph nodes, skin, eyes, and bone
- CNS, male genitalia, oral or nasal cavities, and abdomen are also affected

Blastomycosis - Diagnosis

Hematology and Serum Chemistries:
- Neutrophilic leukocytosis and monocytosis
- Lymphopenia and mild regenerative anemia
- Hypercalcemia may be present
- Mild Hypoalbuminemia (lower than normal albumin)
Imaging:
- Diffuse interstitial infiltrate or nodular patterns in lung X-rays are often observed
Serology:
- AGID test is the most reliable
Cytology:
- Provides a valuable tool for diagnosis
- Thick-walled extracellular yeast bodies (5–20 µm) with broad-based budding are indicative
Culture:
- Growth is usually observed within 1-4 weeks after sample collection
- Easily identified in biopsy specimens

Blastomycosis - Treatment

Itraconazole:
- Treatment of choice, for at least 2 to 3 months
- 70-75% effective for treating small animal cases
- Less successful if more than 2 or 3 organs are affected
Itraconazole + Amphotericin B:
- Combination therapy used for severe infections
Amphotericin B:
- Can be used alone but has a higher risk of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
Fluconazole:
- Less effective than itraconazole, but used for infections affecting the eyes, central nervous system (CNS), or prostate
Ketoconazole:
- Less effective than other options, but more affordable
Treatment success rate:
- 75% effective, but blindness can occur in ocular infections
- Relapses can occur in about 20% of recovered cases

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) - Causes

Coccidioides immitis fungus is found in soil
Dry, desert-like areas of southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America are endemic regions
Fungi grow during rainy periods and become airborne when the soil dries
Infection occurs through the inhalation of spores
Incubation period is up to 3 weeks

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) - Clinical Signs

Subclinical pulmonary infection is the most common form of natural infection
Pulmonary infection is characterized by chronic granulomatous pneumonia
Disseminated infection can affect bones, joints, skin, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, CNS, or eyes
Common symptoms include: fever, anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss
Skin lesions are more common in cats, bone lesions in dogs

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) - Diagnosis

Hematology and Serum Chemistries:
- Leukocytosis, monocytosis, and mild nonregenerative anemia may be present
- Hyperglobulinemia and hypoalbuminemia can occur, especially in chronic cases
Imaging:
- Diffuse or nodular pulmonary interstitial pattern observed on radiographs
- Pericardial effusion can be present
- Dissemination to bone is less common
Serology:
- Tube precipitin test detects the early IgM response
- Complement fixation test detects later IgG response
- Newer immunodiffusion and ELISA tests for detecting Coccidioides-specific IgM and IgG are more reliable
Cytology or Biopsy:
- Coccidioides spherules, large (20 to 200 µm), are difficult to find and may be infrequent
Culture:
- Can be cultured on routine fungal media

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) - Treatment

Itraconazole or ketoconazole for at least 8 months
Amphotericin B is an effective alternative treatment

Cryptococcosis - Causes

Cryptococcus neoformans is the causative agent of the infection
High concentrations are found where pigeons roost
Infection occurs through inhalation

Cryptococcosis - Clinical Signs

Nasal Infection:
- Chronic upper respiratory signs are common, including sneezing, sniffling, or mucopurulent nasal discharge
- Fever is rare
- Obstructing masses may occur in the nostrils
Disseminated Infection:
- Organs involved include skin, CNS, eyes, lungs, peripheral lymph nodes, bone marrow, kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and skeletal muscle
- Skin, eyes, and CNS are the most commonly infected organs

Cryptococcosis - Diagnosis

Hematology is usually normal
Imaging may show increased density in the nasal cavity and sinuses
Serology:
- Capsular antigen test detects the presence of the organism
- False negatives may occur if the disease is localized
Cytology or Biopsy:
- Best method for diagnosis
- Cryptococcus is easily identified due to its prominent unstained capsule and budding
Culture:
- Cryptococcus will grow but may take up to 6 weeks

Cryptococcosis - Treatment

Treatment lasts for 6 to 12 months
Fluconazole:
- Treatment of choice due to its good penetration of the eyes and the nervous system
Itraconazole:
- Effective in many cases
Ketoconazole:
- Not as effective as other options

Toxoplasmosis

Infants infected in-utero can develop chorioretinitis and later retardation
Hydrocephalus, microencephaly, blindness, and seizures can occur
Women who are infected should consult with a doctor

Neospora - Bradyzoite stage

The bradyzoite stage forms large tissue cysts in muscle, brain, and organs
These cysts remain dormant for the life of the carrier
Cysts rupture if host immunity decreases, reactivating infection to an active stage

Neospora - Cause

Neospora caninum, a coccidia, is the causative agent
Dogs and wild canids are definitive hosts; other animals, like cattle or deer, are intermediate hosts
Infection occurs through ingestion of infected meat or transplacentally
Dogs shed oocysts in their feces, which can infect cattle and cause abortion

Neospora - Clinical Signs

Neuromuscular signs are most common, including paresis, ataxia, ascending paralysis, muscle atrophy, and contracture
Other signs can include myocarditis, pneumonia, dermatitis, chorioretinitis, and abdominal dissemination
Females can pass Neospora in-utero to puppies, often causing fetal or neonatal death

Neospora - Laboratory and Radiographic Findings

Increased levels of muscle enzymes (CK, AST) are observed due to muscle involvement
Cerebrospinal fluid may show increased protein and leukocytes
Alveolar or interstitial infiltrates may be present

Neospora - Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and a positive titer for Neospora

Neospora - Treatment

Treatment is similar to that for toxoplasmosis, using clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, and other drugs

Neospora - Dx: IFA

IgM titer of 1:64 or greater indicates active infection
Cats at risk may be shedding oocysts
Fecal exams are the best way to detect oocysts, but only 1% of cats shed oocysts at any given time

Toxoplasmosis - Clinical Signs

More frequently recognized in cats, clinical signs are similar in dogs
Clinical signs vary depending on the organs affected
Commonly affected organs include lungs, eyes, liver, pancreas, CNS, and skeletal muscle
Uveitis, blindness, and chorioretinitis can occur in the eye
Pneumonia is common if the lungs are affected
Encephalomyelitis or myositis can cause neuromuscular signs
Hepatic and digestive tract signs occur
Myocarditis can develop
Stillborn kittens or neonatal death can occur

Toxoplasmosis - Laboratory and Radiographic Findings

Variable and dependent on the organs involved

Toxoplasmosis - Diagnosis

Serum IgM titer elevates a few weeks after exposure and coincides with clinical signs, making it the best diagnostic test for active infection

Hepatozoonosis - Causes

Tick-borne disease caused by Hepatozoon americanum and Hepatozoon canis
H. americanum infection is typically in the Gulf Coast region, transmitted by the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum
H. canis is found in Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and is transmitted by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Infection occurs when a dog ingests an infected tick

Hepatozoonosis - Pathogenesis

After ingestion, H. americanum disseminates and forms numerous tissue cysts, particularly in muscle tissue
H. canis causes mild clinical signs and does not disseminate to muscle or bone

Hepatozoonosis - Clinical Signs

Clinical signs begin within 4 weeks of ingesting an infected tick
Signs can include fluctuating fever, muscle pain, stiffness, lameness, hyperesthesia, weight loss, weakness, muscle atrophy, mucopurulent ocular discharge, transient diarrhea, and protein-losing glomerulopathy

Hepatozoonosis - Laboratory and Radiographic Findings

Extreme neutrophilic leukocytosis is characteristic
Muscle wasting and gait issues are common
Increased ALP, hypoglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia are frequent findings
Most infected with H. americanum have periosteal bony proliferations, especially on the pelvis, long bones, and vertebrae

Hepatozoonosis - Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by identifying H. americanum organisms in skeletal muscle biopsies
H. canis can be found on blood smears
Serologic testing is also available

Hepatozoonosis - Treatment

Treatment does not eliminate H. americanum from tissues
For H. americanum:
- Combinations of clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, and pyrimethamine are used
- Followed by decoquinate for at least 2 years, possibly lifelong
- Corticosteroids should be avoided
For H. canis:
- Imidocarb is highly effective

Leishmaniasis - Causes

Flagellated protozoal parasites
Rodents and dogs are reservoir hosts, the sand fly is a vector
Endemic in the Mediterranean region
Leishmania infantum is the most frequent cause of visceral leishmaniasis in dogs

Additional Notes

Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine have synergistic effects
Azithromycin can be used if clindamycin is unsuitable
Monensin can be used to reduce shedding of T. gondii
Toltrazuril can reduce shedding and is given to treat infected pregnant women to reduce the risk of fetal malformations
Remember*: This information is for informational purposes only. Consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

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Test your knowledge on various infectious diseases affecting animals, with a focus on tularemia and feline plague. This quiz covers clinical signs, hematological findings, imaging results, and treatment options. Ideal for veterinary students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of these conditions.