Changes

==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 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 facilatated by the enzyme 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 facilitated by the enzyme 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 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.

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. A higher prevalence of disease has been reported in doliocephalic breeds and outdoor/farm dogs. 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. Neurological signs may be displayed if there is involvement of the cribiform plate.  

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.   

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.   

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

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. Fungal culture using Sabouraud's dextrose agar can be used 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.  

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.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==