Bronchopulmonary and disseminated granulomatous disease associated with Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida species infection in a golden retriever

Abstract

A seven-year-old, female golden retriever was referred for a paroxysmal, chronic cough and dyspnea, dysphagia, facial pruritus, anterior uveitis, and deteriorating general condition. A severe, mixed interstitial and alveolar pattern, with poorly defined amorphous lesions, was seen on thoracic radiographs. Multiple, whitish nodules disseminated on the hyperemic respiratory mucosa were noted on bronchoscopy. Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus were cultured from the bronchoalveolar lavage. Granulomatous lesions in numerous organs were identified during necropsy, and Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp. were cultured from lung and kidney tissues. Microscopic granulomatous lesions were compatible with mycotic infection; however fungal organisms were not observed.