First Reports of Canine Coccidioidomycosis in the Paso del Norte Region, Mexico–USA: A 10-Case Series

Abstract

Objectives: Present a series of cases of dogs with coccidioidomycosis residing in Juarez, city in northwest Mexico and part of the binational Mexico–USA metropolitan area ‘Paso del Norte’ which connects with El Paso, TX, and Donna Ana, NM, highlighting the variations observed in the clinical manifestations. Materials and Methods: Data on coccidioidomycosis cases in dogs were collected from the University Veterinary Hospital of the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez and a private pathology laboratory. The study spanned from January 2020 to September 2022, examining ten cases in total. Results: All 10 dogs in this case series showed systemic signs of coccidioidomycosis, with 80% (n = 8) displaying bone involvement and 30% (n = 3) exhibiting respiratory signs. Neurological symptoms, skin lesions, blindness, epistaxis, and orchidomegaly were also observed. Clinical Significance: This manuscript reveals the primary scientific evidence of canine coccidioidomycosis in Juarez and the Paso del Norte metropolitan region, emphasising dogs as crucial disease sentinels in accessible areas prone to transmission. Most cases showed bone involvement, possibly attributed to veterinarians associating radiographic signs with coccidioidomycosis. Despite respiratory manifestation being prevalent in research, the study emphasises the need for veterinarians to consider the disease in dogs with respiratory symptoms. The overall prognosis of this disease is poor, with the recurrence of signs leading to euthanasia. This emphasises the clinical challenges associated with canine coccidioidomycosis.