First Description of Atypical Aspergillus floccosus as Cause of Canine Systemic Aspergillosis With Discospondylitis

Disseminated aspergillosis is uncommon in dogs and typically caused by Aspergillus terreus. This report describes a systemic aspergillosis linked to discospondylitis in an 8-year-old spayed female German Shepherd presented with a 2-week history of neck pain, progressive proprioceptive ataxia and ambulatory paraparesis and lameness of the left front limb. For the first time, an atypical strain of Aspergillus floccosus, section Terrei, was identified by culture and molecular methods. This finding emphasises the importance of molecular biology in fungal species identification, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our report further highlights that fungal infections should always be considered in German Shepherds with neurological signs, and the importance of maintaining antifungal therapy even in patients with few or no clinical or laboratory signs of active infection to prevent deterioration and death.