Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
Which clinical sign is least commonly associated with gastrointestinal tract conditions in dogs?
What abnormality is frequently observed in hematological tests of affected animals?
Which imaging finding is not indicative of this condition?
Which serum chemistry finding might indicate liver involvement in the condition described?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary reason serology may be unreliable in diagnosing this condition?
Signup and view all the answers
What organism causes tularemia?
Signup and view all the answers
Which animal is least likely to be a primary reservoir for tularemia?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is least associated with tularemia in animals?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common diagnosis method for feline plague?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following drugs is the drug of choice for treating feline plague?
Signup and view all the answers
Which region in the United States is most associated with histoplasmosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What route is NOT a common transmission method for tularemia?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of plague is most common in cats?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements accurately describes the treatment of blastomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary cause of blastomycosis in both humans and dogs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which clinical sign is most prevalent in pulmonary infections caused by blastomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following diagnostic methods is considered the most reliable for identifying blastomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a notable characteristic of the yeast bodies associated with blastomycosis diagnosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment option is most recommended for severe fungal infections?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mode of transmission for Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following fungi is characterized by small yeast with a large capsule?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential risk associated with the use of Amphotericin B?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement about the effectiveness of treatment options is accurate based on the information provided?
Signup and view all the answers
What transmission method is primarily associated with Bartonella vinsonii (ssp. berkhoffii)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following clinical signs is NOT commonly associated with canine bartonellosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most effective method of preventing bartonellosis in cats?
Signup and view all the answers
Which diagnostic tool is least successful for confirming a diagnosis of canine bartonellosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In untreated cases of bartonellosis, which condition might develop in immunocompromised individuals?
Signup and view all the answers
Which antibiotic combination is indicated for the treatment of chronic canine bartonellosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about eosinophilia in canine bartonellosis is accurate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the consequence of using dogs with Bartonella for blood donations?
Signup and view all the answers
Which bacterium is known for causing persistent infection leading to granulomatous inflammation in animals?
Signup and view all the answers
Which organ is least likely to be involved in disseminated infection of cryptococcosis?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key characteristic of Cryptococcus that aids in its identification during cytology or biopsy?
Signup and view all the answers
What duration of treatment is typically required for managing cryptococcosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment for cryptococcosis is considered less effective?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mode of infection for coccidioidomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which clinical sign is commonly observed in patients with disseminated coccidioidomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What serological test is most reliable for detecting the IgG response in coccidioidomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended duration for antifungal treatment with itraconazole for coccidioidomycosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following imaging findings is typically associated with coccidioidomycosis pneumonia?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential outcome for infants infected with Toxoplasmosis in utero?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions may be associated with Toxoplasmosis in infants?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms is NOT commonly observed in infants affected by Toxoplasmosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following complications is frequently associated with Toxoplasmosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which group is primarily at risk for complications from Toxoplasmosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common transmission method of Hepatozoon americanum to dogs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which clinical sign is most characteristic of Hepatozoon americanum infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary vessel for the transmission of Leishmania infantum?
Signup and view all the answers
What treatment approach is recommended for Hepatozoon canis infection?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following findings is least likely associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?
Signup and view all the answers
In which geographical areas is Hepatozoon canis primarily found?
Signup and view all the answers
What diagnostic method is primarily used for identifying Hepatozoon americanum?
Signup and view all the answers
Which laboratory finding is commonly associated with Hepatozoon americanum infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary method of transmission for Neospora caninum infection in dogs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following clinical signs is most characteristic of Neospora infection in dogs?
Signup and view all the answers
What laboratory finding is indicative of muscle involvement in Neospora infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of a positive IgM titer for diagnosing Neospora?
Signup and view all the answers
Which clinical sign is less frequently recognized in cats as compared to dogs in Neospora infections?
Signup and view all the answers
What best describes the role of Neospora cysts in their host?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement about the treatment of Neospora infections is accurate?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant reason for the low percentage of cats shedding Neospora oocysts?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
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.
