Page 1581 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Pneumocystosis 793.e3

Treatment options include one of the following: infections are expected due to underlying SUGGESTED READING
• Drug of choice: trimethoprim-sulfonamide immunologic defects. Lobetti RG: Pneumocystosis. In Greene CE, editor:
VetBooks.ir with folic acid if anemia or leukopenia are Prevention Louis, 2012, Saunders, p 689. Diseases and Disorders
15 mg/kg PO q 8h for 3 weeks; supplement
Infectious diseases of the dog and cat, ed 4, St.
present
Affected animals should not be bred (probable
• Atovaquone 15 mg/kg PO q 24h for 3 weeks
READINGS
• Pentamidine isethionate 4 mg/kg IM q 24h genetic basis for immunocompromise). ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED
for 2 weeks Technician Tips Lobetti RG: Common variable immunodeficiency in
• Clindamycin and primaquine 3-13 mg/kg • When preparing for respiratory washes, be miniature dachshunds affected with Pneumocystis
PO q 8h for 3 weeks sure to use solutions that do not contain carinii pneumonia. J Vet Diagn Invest 12:39, 2000.
• Carbutamide 50 mg/kg IM q 12h for 3 weeks bacteriostatic additives. Prewarm solutions Lobetti RG: Review of Pneumocystis carinii infection
• Drug combinations: dapsone 1 mg/kg PO q for respiratory lavage in a 37°C incubator in miniature dachshunds. Compend Contin Educ
8h and pyrimethamine 1 mg/kg PO q 24h or suitable alternative. Pract Vet 23:320, 2001.
• Needle aspiration of the lung is commonly
Possible Complications performed with 23-gauge needles and a 6- RELATED CLIENT EDUCATION
Respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or 12-mL syringe in the dorsal lung fields, SHEETS
defined by rib spaces 6-8. (p. 1113)
Recommended Monitoring • Educate the owners about the importance of Consent to Perform Bronchoalveolar Lavage
• Thoracic radiographs ensuring good nutrition and warmth, short (BAL)
• ABG analysis leash-controlled walks, and avoiding close Immunosuppressed Pet Owners: Risk Mini-
contact with animal’s face. mization Strategies
PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME How to Count Respirations and Monitor
Client Education Respiratory Effort
Depends on severity of infection and degree • Affected animals have an underlying Pneumonia
of respiratory compromise immunologic defect and are predisposed
to developing infections. AUTHOR: Remo Lobetti, BVSc, MMedVet, PhD,
PEARLS & CONSIDERATIONS • Possible zoonotic risk for people who are DECVIM
EDITOR: Megan Grobman, DVM, MS, DACVIM
immunocompromised.
Comments
Infection with P. carinii is associated with
immunologic defects. Frequent/recurrent

www.ExpertConsult.com