Case Report: Pyogranulomatous Panophthalmitis with Yeast-like Organism (Most Likely Exophiala spp.) Infection in a Dog

Mycotic uveitis is a fairly common cause of infections blindness in dogs and cats. A 8-year-old, intact female miniature Schnauzer dog presented with red and blind right eye (OD). Thorough ophthalmology examination showed severe endophthalmitis, blindness, and buphthalmia of the OD. No abnormal signs of general body health or systemic infection were noted on physical examination. Blood examination was also normal. The affected eye was scheduled to be enucleated. Topical ophthalmic drugs with Timolol Maleate 0.5% (Tirnolol((superscript tm))) TID, Diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Naclof((superscript tm))) TID and chloramphenicol 1% ophthalmic ointment QID were given from the attending day to the scheduled operating day. Enucleation was performed by trans-conjunctival approach and parts of inflammatory tissues were found to fill with pus. The enucleated eye submitted for pathological analysis revealed mycotic infection, most likely Exophiala spp, related to wood and soil saprophytes opportunistic fungal infection with characteristics of releasing brown-black pigments in tissues. The positive result of Grocott's methenamine silver stain also proved the microorganisms. The general health of patient was always good during follow-up examinations and the surgical wound was healed well. It is a rare ophthalmology case in which the eye is severely inflammed with fungal pyogranulomatous lesions whereas no signs of systemic infection were shown throughout the entire duration.