A retrospective study of anti-inflammatory use in dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis: 139 cases (2002-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of anti-inflammatory medications on 30-day survival of dogs treated for pulmonary blastomycosis.

DESIGN: Retrospective study.

SETTING: University teaching hospital.

ANIMALS: One hundred thirty nine client-owned dogs with confirmed pulmonary blastomycosis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The medical records of dogs diagnosed with pulmonary blastomycosis between May 2002 and October 2012 were identified. Of 139 dogs, 85 (61%) survived to 30 days, 38 (27%) were euthanized due to progressive clinical disease, 13 (10%) died secondary to respiratory or cardiac arrest, and 3 (2%) did not survive to 30 days but had an unknown cause of death. Cases were classified based on the anti-inflammatory therapy that was used: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), corticosteroids, both, or none. Controlling for the effects of itraconazole dose, sex, age, and pretreatment with anti-inflammatory medication, the odds for survival to 30 days was not statistically different between dogs who received no anti-inflammatory medication and the dogs who received NSAIDs (P = 0.86), corticosteroids (P = 0.65), or both (P = 0.27). The need for supplemental oxygen was associated with decreased survival (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: In this population of dogs with pulmonary blastomycosis, the use of anti-inflammatory medications during therapy did not impact 30-day survival; however, the need for oxygen supplementation was associated with significantly lower survival.