Cryptococcosis in Dogs

Cryptococcosis in Dogs

By: Dr. Rosanna Marsalla

Section: Veterinary Care In-depth


Treatment In-depth

Various anti-fungal drugs can be used for the treatment of cryptococcosis but most affected petsStain and Odor Remover
Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is Guaranteed to remove pet accident stains and odors that other products fail to remove including old uri...
require prolonged therapy, often six months or more depending on the severity and extent of the disease. Treatments include:

  • Ketoconazole. The response with ketoconazole is not as good as with some of the other anti-fungal drugs. Ketoconazole also may result in liver damage which may be identified by monitoring blood tests of liver function.

  • Itraconazole. The solution form of this drug appears to result in better absorption and availability to the tissues than does the capsule form. The adverse effects of itraconazole are similar to those of ketoconazole and include vomiting, diarrhea and liver damage.

  • Fluconazole has the advantage of providing excellent penetration into the brain and eyes (common sites of cryptococcal infection).
    Also, fluconazole has better availability to the tissues than does itraconazole. Also, fluconazole produces fewer adverse effects than does either ketoconazole or itraconazole. Fluconazole is not metabolized in the liver, and thus is safe in when there is concern about liver function. It is eliminated primarily by the kidneys, and its dosage should be adjusted if kidney failure is present.

  • Amphotericin B usually is by intravenous infusion after dilution in 5 percent dextrose in waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
    Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui...
    . It must be given 3 times weekly until an effective cumulative dose has been reached. An alternative protocol involving subcutaneous administration of amphotericin B also has been developed. Amphotericin B is very toxic to the kidneys and kidney function must be monitored closely during treatment with amphotericin B.

  • Flucytosine is an anti-fungal drug that may be administered alone or in combination with amphotericin B. When used alone, the organism usually develops resistance to the drug.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Blastomycosis in Dogs

      Blastomycosis is a serious fungal disease that most often affects the lungs. Hunting dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and live in endemic areas are at risk for inhaling this organism and developing...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Canine Distemper

      Canine distemper is an acute (sudden onset) contagious and often fatal disease with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system manifestations.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

      Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoal organism Toxoplasma gondii. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transferred to humans.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)

      Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is a sporadic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system of dogs and rarely cats. It is most common in middle age dogs, although it can occur from...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs

      Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by abnormal mental status, an altered state of consciousness, and impaired neurologic function that occurs in animals with advanced liver...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1Blastomycosis in Dogs

      Blastomycosis is a serious fungal disease that most often affects the lungs. Hunting dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and live in endemic areas are at risk for inhaling this organism and developing...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Canine Distemper

      Canine distemper is an acute (sudden onset) contagious and often fatal disease with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system manifestations.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

      Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoal organism Toxoplasma gondii. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transferred to humans.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)

      Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is a sporadic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system of dogs and rarely cats. It is most common in middle age dogs, although it can occur from...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs

      Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by abnormal mental status, an altered state of consciousness, and impaired neurologic function that occurs in animals with advanced liver...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1Blastomycosis in Dogs

      Blastomycosis is a serious fungal disease that most often affects the lungs. Hunting dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors and live in endemic areas are at risk for inhaling this organism and developing...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Canine Distemper

      Canine distemper is an acute (sudden onset) contagious and often fatal disease with respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system manifestations.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Toxoplasmosis in Dogs

      Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoal organism Toxoplasma gondii. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transferred to humans.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Granulomatous Meningoencephalomyelitis (GME)

      Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is a sporadic, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system of dogs and rarely cats. It is most common in middle age dogs, although it can occur from...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs

      Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by abnormal mental status, an altered state of consciousness, and impaired neurologic function that occurs in animals with advanced liver...

      Read MoreRead More