Case Report

Idiopathic eosinophilic bronchopneumonia in a Cavalier King Charles spaniel: case report and differential diagnosis with Pneumocystis carinii infection

---

Abstract

The present case describes a dog with eosinophilic bronchopneumonia. The dog was presented with a history of coughing and dyspnea at the Department of Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University. A presumptive diagnosis of Pneumocystic carinii was made based on signalment, history, clinical examination, blood work and medical imaging, and the dog was treated with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. Because of lack of improvement, a bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and the serum IgG and IgM concentrations were determined. Cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage showed an excessive amount of eosinophils. The IgG was within normal limits and the IgM was increased. These findings excluded pneumocystosis as a possible cause, and the definitive diagnosis of eosinophilic bronchopneumonia was made. Prednisolone was added to the treatment. The dog was sent home with a treatment of trimethoprim-sulfadiazine and prednisolone gradually diminished. On control, six weeks later, the dog only coughed occasionally, and another three months later it was free of coughing.

How to Cite:

Opdenakker, S. & Van der Vekens, E. & Jennes, M. & Bavegems, V., (2012) “Idiopathic eosinophilic bronchopneumonia in a Cavalier King Charles spaniel: case report and differential diagnosis with Pneumocystis carinii infection”, Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift 81(4), 216-223. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/vdt.v81i4.18335