Systemic Blastomycosis in a Labrador Retriever Presenting as an Eyelid Mass
Rachel L. Davis1 | RL Ball2 | J Birchard3 | SL Owens4 | KA Wirth5
Abstract
Purpose
To report a case of systemic blastomycosis presenting as a large, right, dorsal eyelid mass in a dog.
Methods
A 7-year-old spayed female Labrador Retriever presented to a private specialty referral hospital for evaluation of ptosis OD.
Results
On full ophthalmic examination, a large, intrapalpebral, poorly-demarcated mass was present affecting the entire right dorsal eyelid causing moderate ptosis and extending just ventral to the dorsal orbital rim. The mass was non-painful and not adherent to the dorsal orbital rim. The right globe position and motility were normal. The remainder of the ophthalmic examination was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed popliteal lymphadenomegaly bilaterally with mild diffuse pitting edema of the left rear leg distal to the stifle. Ultrasonography of the right eyelid revealed a homogenous, anechoic, poorly demarcated mass affecting the entire dorsal eyelid with no orbital involvement. Systemic bloodwork, urinalysis, thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound were unremarkable. A biopsy of the eyelid mass revealed severe pyogranulomatous conjunctivitis with intralesional fungal organisms. Fine needle aspirate of the left popliteal lymph node revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation. Urine Blastomyces dermatidis antigen test was positive. Oral therapy with fluconazole resulted in complete resolution of the eyelid mass and lymphadenomegaly. The patient was placed on long term fluconazole therapy with duration based on periodic urine antigen testing.
Conclusions
To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of canine systemic blastomycosis presenting as an eyelid mass. The eyelid mass resolved with systemic antifungal therapy and has not recurred 2 months after institution of fluconazole therapy. None.
Keywords: canine, systemic blastomycosis in dogs, eyelid mass in Labrador Retriever, canine blastomycosis case report, fungal eyelid infection in dogs, Blastomyces dermatitidis in dogs, ocular manifestations of blastomycosis in dogs, antifungal therapy with fluconazole in dogs, eyelid swelling and ptosis in dogs. pyogranulomatous conjunctivitis in dogs, urine antigen testing for blastomycosis in dogs, resolution of eyelid mass with fluconazole therapy
1Animal Eye Clinic, Westfield, Indiana, USA, Department of Ophthalmology, Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, Carmel, IN, USA;
2,3Department of Surgery, Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, Carmel, IN, USA;
4Department of Internal Medicine, Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, Carmel, IN, USA; 5Department of Oncology, Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, Carmel, IN, USA
Correspondence:
Rachel L. Davis, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVO – Ophthalmologist
Animal Eye Clinic
4750 Killarney Drive
Carmel, IN 46033
Email: info@indyaec.com