Nasal cryptococcosis in two dogs in New Zealand.

CASE HISTORY

Two young, large-breed female dogs were presented with an acute onset of sneezing and nasal discharge. One patient had concurrent epistaxis and facial deformity.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Decreased airflow was noted through the left nostril in Case 1, while Case 2 showed facial deformity. Nasal radiographs from Case 1 showed a soft tissue opacity in the left nasal cavity and frontal sinus. Rhinoscopy revealed roughened, erythematous nasal turbinates in both patients, and a mass in the left caudal nasal cavity of Case 1. Cryptococcus spp. were demonstrated histopathologically on a nasal biopsy. Tissue culture and serum antigen titres were positive for Cryptococcus spp.

DIAGNOSIS

Chronic rhinitis secondary to Cryptococcus gattii infection in Case 1, and Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Case 2.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These are the first reported cases of Cryptococcus spp. rhinitis in dogs in New Zealand.