Blastomycosis in an Intact Boerboel with Dr. Patterson
Carly Patterson, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), Texas A&M University
In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, is joined by Carly Patterson, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), to talk about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Limb Swelling in an Intact Boerboel.” Dr. Patterson reviews her suspicions when initially taking on this case of highly localized symptoms only affecting the left hind leg and paw with a history of multiple failed treatments and walks us through where the diagnostic process eventually took her. The destination: Blastomycosis.
Key Takeaways
Mycotic infections can present with a wide range of symptoms, though certain organisms do tend to affect certain body systems.
When available, urine antigen tests can be useful to screen for fungal infections, but be aware of cross-reactivity (e.g., Histoplasma spp and Blastomyces spp).
Azole antifungals are the typical first-line treatment.
Duration of therapy is at least months, if not years, and may be indefinite.
Urine antigen tests can also be used to monitor response to therapy with the goal of being completely negative.
About the Guest
Carly Patterson, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), is a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University, where she also completed an internship and small animal internal medicine residency. Dr. Patterson earned her DVM from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her interests are in veterinary pharmacology, controlled substances and drug diversion education, and collaborative educational research.
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The Team:
Alyssa Watson, DVM - Host
Alexis Ussery - Producer & Digital Content Coordinator
Randall Stupka - Podcast Production & Sound Editing