Gastrointestinal colonization by Diutina (Candida) rugosa in a 6-year-old Siberian Husky.

A 6-year-old 21.5 kg castrated male Siberian Husky was presented for acute onset of lethargy, vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and inappetence. Physical examination revealed marked discomfort upon abdominal palpation and 5%-7% dehydration. The CBC and biochemical profile revealed changes consistent with mild to moderate inflammation, dehydration, and gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Despite aggressive gastrointestinal support, anorexia persisted, and an upper GI endoscopy was performed in conjunction with esophagostomy tube placement. Endoscopy revealed abnormal gastric mucosa characterized by moderately well-demarcated areas of blue-black discoloration. Impression smears of a gastric biopsy revealed abundant extracellular yeasts with morphology most consistent with Candida spp. and frequent extracellular cocci. Similar yeast and bacteria, in lower numbers, were observed on cytologic analysis of a direct smear of the rectal mucosa. A rectal swab submitted for fungal culture yielded pure growth of fungal yeasts identified as Diutina (formerly Candida) rugosa by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The dog's clinical signs improved with fluconazole, and he was discharged. Follow-up fungal culture of a rectal swab showed no growth of D. rugosa. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report that describes the clinical, hematologic, cytologic, and gross findings of enteric colonization by D. rugosa in a dog.

Nasal colonization by Entamoeba gingivalis in a 13-year-old Italian Greyhound.

A 13-year-old 4.6 kg castrated male Italian Greyhound was presented for evaluation of sneezing, bilateral epistaxis and mucoid nasal discharge of approximately 3 months duration. Severe periodontal disease was noted on physical exam. The patient's CBC was unremarkable. His biochemical profile revealed mild azotemia as well as mild electrolyte abnormalities. Rhinoscopy revealed a tan plaque present in the left dorsal meatus of the nasal cavity. Vigorous flushing yielded granular white particulates suspended in the saline, which were cytologically examined. Marked neutrophilic inflammation, a diverse bacterial population, and organisms consistent with amoebic trophozoites were identified. The remaining fluid was analyzed by PCR and sequencing, and Entamoeba gingivalis was identified. The dog's clinical signs improved dramatically after initiating treatment with clindamycin. Six weeks after diagnosis, a dental cleaning with multiple extractions was performed. Four weeks after the dental procedure, the dog was clinically normal. This report describes the clinical, hematologic, cytologic, and gross findings in a case of Entamoeba gingivalis infection in a dog.