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==Description==
==Description==
Apergillosis is a disease of the respiratory system caused by several ''[[Aspergillus spp.]]''. ''Aspergillus fumigatus'' is the most frequently reported species in domestic animals but ''[[Aspergillus tereus]]'' has also been implicated. ''Aspergillus'' is a ubiquitous saprophyte and is found worldwide. Commonly affected species include birds, dogs, cats, horses and cattle but the disease has been reported in many other wild and domestic species. The pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown but is thought to be related to the formation of haemorrhagic lesions and enzymatic breakdown of tissue by elastase.
Apergillosis is a disease of the respiratory system caused by several ''[[Aspergillus spp.]]''. ''Aspergillus fumigatus'' is the most frequently reported species in domestic animals but ''[[Aspergillus tereus]]'' has also been implicated. ''Aspergillus'' is a ubiquitous saprophyte and is found world wide. It is also a component of normal hair, skin and mucosal flora in both humans and animals. Commonly affected species include birds, dogs, cats, horses and cattle but the disease has been reported in many other wild and domestic species. The pathogenesis of the disease remains largely unknown but is thought to be due to opportunistic infetion of mucosal or cutaneous surfaces by the enzymatic breakdown of tissue by elastase.
==Clinical signs and features==
==Clinical signs and features==
===Dogs===
===Dogs===
Aspergillosis is a common cause of nasal disease in dogs. Cases occur most commonly in young to middle aged male dogs, but animals of all age and of both sexes may be affected. Doliocephalic breeds are thought to be overrepresented. Clinical signs are those seens with any chronic nasal disease and include sneezing, unilateral or bilateral serosanguinous nasal discharge, ulceration of the nares, nasal pain and epistaxis.
Aspergillosis is a common cause of nasal disease in dogs. Cases occur most commonly in young to middle aged male dogs, but there is no apparent age or sex predilection. Doliocephalic breeds are thought to be overrepresented. Clinical signs are those seens with any chronic nasal disease and include sneezing, unilateral or bilateral serosanguinous nasal discharge, ulceration of the nares, nasal pain and epistaxis.
The disease is usually localised to the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity but a disseminated form with granulomas and infarcts has been reported in dogs, particularly German Shephards. The disseminated form of disease often involves multiple organ systems including the spleen and kidneys. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, haematuria, urinary incontinence and haematuria. The vertebrae are frequently affected and osteomyelitis and discospondlylitis are common features.
The disease is usually localised to the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity but a disseminated form with granulomas and infarcts has been reported in dogs, particularly German Shephards. The disseminated form of disease often involves multiple organ systems including the spleen and kidneys. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, haematuria, urinary incontinence and haematuria. The vertebrae are frequently affected and osteomyelitis and discospondlylitis are common features. Dermatological signs of disseminated Aspergillosis include abscesses, draining tracts, oral ulcers and cutaneous nodules.
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* Carter, G. R., Wise, D. J. (2004) '''Essentials of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
* Carter, G. R., Wise, D. J. (2004) '''Essentials of Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''
* Ettinger, S. J. (2000) '''Pocket Companion to Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
* Ettinger, S. J. (2000) '''Pocket Companion to Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''
* Muller, G. H., Scott, D. W., Kirk, R. W., Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E. (2001) '''Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''