NASOPHARYNGEAL CRYPTOCOCCOSIS

Naturally occurring cryptococcosis in five cats, a dog and a koala is described. Involvement of the nasopharynx was documented in all patien ts, and nasopharyngeal mass lesions accounted for the major presenting complaints in four. Signs referable to nasopharyngeal disease include d snoring, stertor, inspiratory dyspnoea and aerophagia. Diagnoses wer e made by caudal rhinoscopy using a retroverted flexible endoscope, vi gorous orthograde flushing with saline, or at necropsy. Concurrent cry ptococcal rhinitis was present in all cases, although involvement appe ared limited to the caudal nasal cavity in most cases. Typical signs o f nasal cavity disease, such as sneezing and nasal discharge, were oft en absent. Treatment of nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis should include p hysical dislodgement or debulking of lesion(s) to provide immediate al leviation of upper airway obstruction, followed by systemic antifungal therapy to eliminate residual infection from the nasal cavity. Infect ions caused by Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii accounted for a disp roportionately large number of these cases.