Veterinarian: Dr Lisa Reiter, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
Exeland suffers from both blastomycosis and canine atopic dermatitis
Presentation and history
Exeland had suffered all his life from chronic year-round canine atopic dermatitis, with severe seasonal exacerbations. Antihistamines, glucocorticoids (oral and injectable), cyclosporine, allergen-specific immunotherapy and a strict elimination diet had failed to control his disease.
Exeland’s clinical picture became more complicated when he was diagnosed with blastomycosis with severe pulmonary and ocular infiltration and secondary bacterial pneumonia. He was prescribed various antifungals, including itraconazole, parenteral amphotericin B and voriconazole.
When Exeland presented to Dr Reiter, he had generalized superficial bacterial folliculitis and bilateral Malassezia otitis. He was receiving 10 mg prednisone every other day; despite this, Dr Reiter rated his pruritus 10/10.
Owner's perspective
Exeland’s owner has a debilitating condition that affects his manual dexterity and makes regular pilling challenging, and Exeland’s treatments and illness were becoming both mentally and physically overwhelming for him. For both owner and dog, Exeland’s refractory itch was having a severe negative impact on quality of life.
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