ABSTRACT
Management/treatment If dermal lesions only, it may be possible for total excision, but one should consider systemic antifungal treatment as well. Itraconazole at 10 mg/kg PO q12h and amphotericin B at 0.25 mg/kg diluted in 5% dextrose IV q24h. Amphotericin B has also been given SC, which slows its absorption but may be less nephrotoxic. Prognosis is poor for the respiratory signs or for disseminated cryptococcosis. Direct transmission between animals and humans has not been documented; however, infected animals in the household can shed the organism into the environment, potentiating its spread. Owners of affected pets should be advised that the pets can act as sentinel animals for the detection of Cryptococcus spp. that are pathogenic to humans in their immediate environment.
