Blastomyces dermatitidis prostatic and testicular infection in eight dogs (1992-2005).

This was a retrospective case study of eight dogs diagnosed with prostatic or testicular B. dermatitidis infection. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options were evaluated. Review of medical records of dogs diagnosed with blastomycosis at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1992 to 2005 yielded four dogs with prostatic blastomycosis (PB) and four dogs with testicular blastomycosis (TB). Three of the four dogs with PB and all four dogs with TB had evidence of urogenital disease. Three dogs with PB had an elevated body temperature and all had systemic disease. All dogs with TB had a normal body temperature, and three had systemic disease and one had clinical signs limited to testicular disease. Cytology or histopathology was used to diagnose PB or TB. Treatment included itraconazole or fluconazole with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. PB and TB are infrequently recognized and may be under diagnosed due to failure to specifically evaluate these tissues. PB or TB should be considered in the evaluation and staging of male dogs with blastomycosis. Male dogs with urogenital signs should be evaluated via prostatic or testicular cytology or histopathology since proper identification and management of PB or TB may improve overall treatment success.

Clinical signs and treatment of chronic uterine torsion in two mares.

Two mares were evaluated because of chronic uterine torsions of 2 and 4 weeks' duration; both were pyrectic, anemic, tachycardic, and anorectic, had signs of depression, and had an abnormal uterus and contents on transrectal examination. Both mares underwent cesarean section for lysis of adhesions from the uterus to the peritoneum, correction of the torsion, and ovariohysterectomy Both mares recovered with only minor complications and returned to be used as riding horses. Chronic uterine torsion should be considered in mares in late stages of gestation that have vague clinical signs and transrectal palpation findings that are unlike those described in typical cases of uterine torsion. Prognosis for life can be good after treatment by ventral midline celiotomy, cesarean section, correction of the torsion, and ovariohysterectomy.