Utility of Cytology of Spontaneously Expectorated Sputum Samples in the Diagnosis of Blastomycosis in Dogs.

Sputum cytology identifies Blastomyces in dogs with productive cough, potentially enabling faster diagnosis.

This retrospective study evaluates sputum cytology as a diagnostic tool for canine blastomycosis. Researchers reviewed records from 16 client-owned dogs with spontaneously expectorated sputum samples submitted for cytological examination. Blastomyces yeasts were identified in 6 of 16 dogs (37.5%), and all six positive sputum cytology cases were confirmed to have blastomycosis via Blastomyces enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Seven dogs total received a confirmed blastomycosis diagnosis, while nine had negative EIA results, negative non-sputum cytology, or were diagnosed at necropsy. The study demonstrates that sputum cytology can successfully identify Blastomyces organisms in dogs presenting with productive cough. As a potentially rapid diagnostic method compared to EIA testing which requires several days for result reporting, this technique warrants further investigation to establish its clinical utility, sensitivity, and specificity in diagnosing pulmonary blastomycosis in canine patients.

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