Case of the month

"Babalooey"

“Babalooey” is a five year old Shepherd who initially came to Dominion for a checkup and vaccines.  During the examination, his owner mentioned that he had been eating less but this was not uncommon for him in the past when he had been separated from his owner.  The owner had recently been away and “Babalooey” had been staying with his parents in the Deep South.  “Babalooey”’s exam was normal but he was noted to be a little thin.  He was discharged and recommended to bring a stool sample for parasite check and to return for bloodwork if his appetite did not pick up over the next week.  A stool specimen brought later that day showed no parasite ova (eggs).  “Babalooey” returned three days later with his appetite further decreased and with labored breathing.  His temperature was high normal at 102.4 degrees and his respiratory rate was high.  X-rays were ordered and taken.  They showed diffuse congestion throughout his lung fields highly suggestive of a fungal infection.  He was started on antibiotics and antifungal medications pending bloodwork and fungal titres which were scheduled for the next day after he could be fasted.  Bloodwork was drawn the next day and revealed a very high white blood cell count.  The fungal titre levels were negative but further testing was recommended by the laboratory as often the fungus can be found only in the sputum of the affected patient.  It was decided to observe “Babalooey”s response to therapy.  He returned for repeat x-rays three weeks later and his chest x-ray was greatly improved as was his attitude and appetite.  His medications were extended with orders for a repeat x-ray in 1 month.  To date, he continues to recover well and it is hoped that his x-rays will reveal that treatment is no longer necessary.  Fungal infections are contracted by dogs breathing in the spores from the environment, usually the soil.  While these exposures and infections may occur in our area, it is more common to see these infections in the Deep South.  Look for further updates on “Babalooey” in the coming months.