Canine Sinonasal Aspergillosis (CSA) affects between 12% and 34% of dogs presented for chronic nasal discharge and causes severe destruction of the frontal-nasal cavities in dogs.

Aim of the Work

Retrospective study to assess effectiveness of 1 hour infusion of 1% clotrimazole solution for treatment of CSA in dogs.

Material and Methods

66 records of dogs with clinical, radiological and endoscopical diagnosis of CSA were reviewed. Dogs treated with 1 hour infusion of 1% clotrimazole solution extemporary made and submitted for endoscopical control between 30 and 60 days after treatment were encountered. 47 dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. The lavage was always performed with a modified technique after meticulous debridement of the fungal plaques. The long term follow-up was obtained through clinical exam or telephonic interview.

Results

15 dogs were German shepherd, 11 Rottweiler, 4 Doberman, 2 Labrador Retriever, 8 other breeds and 7 cross breed dogs. Twenty-nine dogs were males and eighteen females, mean age was 5.4 years (10 months-13 years). All dogs showed nasal discharge, 38 dogs sneezing, 34 dogs nasal planum alteration, 15 dogs epistaxis, 14 dogs reverse sneeze, 8 dogs stertorous breathing and 1 dog snorting; mean duration of clinical signs was 3.7 months (15 days-18 months). Thirty-six dogs were cured at first treatment, 11 at second treatment; 5 dogs developed recurrence/new infection months to years later successfully retreated topically. One dog was euthanized because of epistaxis three days after treatment. Three dogs developed sinonasal tumor at 13, 20 and 22 months after treatment.

Cumulative success rate was 97.87% (46/47). Only seven dogs were free of any clinical signs whilst the others showed mild signs of chronic rhinosinusitis (occasional sneezing and/or nasal discharge). Average clinical follow-up was 11.6 months (1-81 months) and telephone interview 50.6 months (1.5-108 months).

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge this case series represents the largest reported in literature about the use of one hour infusion of 1% clotrimazole solution. This technique proved to be effective for treatment of CSA and the results favorably compare to those previously reported in literature for both topical enilconazole and clotrimazole infusion. Endoscopical follow-up between 30 and 60 days after treatment is mandatory to assess therapy effectiveness or to decide for a second treatment. The causes of subsequent sinonasal tumor development are still under investigation.