Canine nasal aspergillosis: Results of treatment using clotrimazole as a topical agent

This case series describes the response of canine nasal aspergillosis to topical clotrimazole treatment in 11 dogs. The antifungal agent was administered to affected dogs by one of three methods: A) twice daily administration for 10 days via surgically implanted, indwelling catheters into the frontal sinuses and nasal cavity (three dogs); B) a single treatment consisting of one-hour contact-time with the drug immediately following catheter placement (three dogs); and C) non-invasive intranasal single infusion via the nostrils with a one-hour contact time (five dogs). All dogs were assessed for recurrence of the disease (follow-up time range two to 24 months). In one of the three dogs and two of the three dogs treated by method A and B respectively, clinical signs of aspergillosis recurred. However, four of the five dogs treated by method C were free of disease at the fourth week post-treatment assessment. The remaining dog required one further intranasal infusion before complete resolution occurred. From this small case series, it appears that non-invasive intranasal infusion of topical clotrimazole appears to be an effective treatment for canine nasal Aspergillus infections. This simple non-surgical treatment can be easily performed by veterinarians in general practice.