Cryptococcosis in nervous system of dogs - report of three cases

Abstract

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis caused by yeast-like organism Cryptococcus neoformans. The infection in dogs occurs commonly by inhalation of the airborne or yeast. The neurological signs in dogs are similar to other inflammatory and infectious diseases of the central nervous system. The aim of the present paper is to report three cases of cryptococcosis in the nervous system of dogs, and reinforce the importance of this disease in differential diagnosis of progressive or multifocal alterations in the nervous system whether linked or not to systemic alterations. The diagnosis can only be confirmed through fungal culture and/or the visualization of the agent after adequate staining of the cerebral spinal fluid, or antibody titer when it is available.