Changes

===Horses===

===Horses===

In the horse, Aspergillus most commonly affects the guttural pouches but infection may also lead to abortion, keratomycosis and rarely pulmonary aspergillosis. Guttural pouch mycosis is characterised by epistaxis as a result of fungal erosion of the internal carotid artery. Other clinical signs include nasal discharge and dysphagia. Mycotic plaques are usually located on the caudodorsal aspect of the medial guttural pouch.

In the horse, Aspergillus most commonly affects the guttural pouches but infection may also lead to abortion, keratomycosis and rarely pulmonary aspergillosis. Guttural pouch mycosis is characterised by spontaneous epistaxis (often in a resting horse) as a result of fungal erosion of the internal carotid artery. Other clinical signs include nasal discharge and dysphagia. Mycotic plaques are usually located on the caudodorsal aspect of the medial guttural pouch.

===Dogs===

===Dogs===

In dogs, radiology is often peformed in the diagnostic work up of an animal with suspected Aspergillosis. Open-mouth ventro-dorsal views often reveal generalised radiolucency and lysis of the turbinate bones. Additionally, cytological examination of aspirates often reveals presence of fungal hyphae with granulomatous to suppurative inflammation and necrosis. Rhinoscopy may also be used to directly visualise the lesions, revealing characteristic white-green fungal plaques and destruction of the nasal turbinates. It also allows collection of material for fungal culture. This may be achieved using Sabouraud's dextrose agar in order to demonstrate the organism but should not be used as the sole means of diagnosis due to the ubiquitous nature of ''Aspergillus'' in the environment. White colonies form intitially which turn dark green, flat and velvet-like in appearance. Serological findings such as immunoelectophoresis, ELISA and agar gel diffusion may provide additional diagnostic information.

In dogs, radiology is often peformed in the diagnostic work up of an animal with suspected Aspergillosis. Open-mouth ventro-dorsal views often reveal generalised radiolucency and lysis of the turbinate bones. Additionally, cytological examination of aspirates often reveals presence of fungal hyphae with granulomatous to suppurative inflammation and necrosis. Rhinoscopy may also be used to directly visualise the lesions, revealing characteristic white-green fungal plaques and destruction of the nasal turbinates. It also allows collection of material for fungal culture. This may be achieved using Sabouraud's dextrose agar in order to demonstrate the organism but should not be used as the sole means of diagnosis due to the ubiquitous nature of ''Aspergillus'' in the environment. White colonies form intitially which turn dark green, flat and velvet-like in appearance. Serological findings such as immunoelectophoresis, ELISA and agar gel diffusion may provide additional diagnostic information.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

In dogs, the treatment of choice is topical application of the anti-fungal agent Clotrimazole. It is admnistered for one hour under general anaesthetic via indwelling catheters placed in the frontal sinus. Several treatments may be required. For cases that are non-responsive to Clotrimazole, treatment with Enilconazole may be attempted but this is associated with a higher complication rate.

In dogs, the treatment of choice is topical application of the anti-fungal agent Clotrimazole. It is admnistered for one hour under general anaesthetic via indwelling catheters placed in the frontal sinus. Several treatments may be required. For cases that are non-responsive to Clotrimazole, treatment with Enilconazole may be attempted but this is associated with a higher complication rate.

In cattle, antifungal agents are currently unlicensed and management of the disease usually relies on prevention.  

In cattle, antifungal agents are currently unlicensed and management of the disease usually relies on prevention.  

 

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

In dogs treated with topical Clotrimazole the success rate is approximately 90%.  

In dogs treated with topical Clotrimazole the success rate is approximately 90%.