SYSTEMIC ASPERGILLOSIS IN A DOG AND TREATMENT WITH HAMYCIN

A four-year-old, female German shepherd dog was evaluated for a one-mo nth history of bilateral hind limb discomfort and weakness. Survey spi nal radiographs revealed lesions consistent with diskospondylitis. Asp ergillus terreus, the causative agent of canine systemic aspergillosis , was isolated on urine culture and visualized on urine sediment analy sis. Treatment with hamycin, an investigational polyene antibiotic, wa s instituted. Improvement was noted, however, the dog was euthanized d ue to fungal dissemination to the central nervous system.