Cavitary pulmonary lesion associated with Aspergillus fumigatus infection in a German shepherd dog.

Abstract

A two-year-old female German shepherd dog was presented with chronic cough and haemoptysis. Thoracic radiographs revealed a thin-walled cavitary lesion within a consolidated left cranial lung lobe. Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed a concurrent bacterial infection; however, despite antibiotic and anthelmintic therapy the clinical signs failed to resolve. A left cranial lung lobectomy was performed. Histopathology and fungal culture confirmed the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus. The necrotic cavity had features compatible with a bronchial origin, possibly a form of cystic bronchiectasis, arising either as a congenital anomaly or acquired secondary to infection. Surgery provided resolution of clinical signs for just over a year before the dog deteriorated again and was subsequently euthanised. Necropsy was declined by the owners. This case report presents a unique presentation in which the predominant clinical sign was coughing due to pulmonary involvement. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the left cranial lung lobe.