Owners guide to blastomycosis in dogs

Owner’s>Blastomycosis in dogs is a fungal disease. It usually originates in the lungs then spreads to other parts of the body. This condition can easily be misdiagnosed because it causes symptoms similar to a viral infection or cancer. You may be wondering how your dog can be affected by this fungus.

Cause

The fungus responsible for this disease grows in moist soil or decaying vegetation. When the soil or vegetation is disturbed, fungus spores are released into the air. Your dog can inhale these spores into their lungs. You should also watch out because these spores can also infect humans.

Symptoms

As stated already, blastomycosis in dogs is commonly mistaken for other diseases such as valley fever, lyme disease, cancer, or a viral infection. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy. Your dog may also develop lesions on his nose or paws.

One of the more serious signs of this disease is sudden blindness. If your dog loses his vision because of this illness, he may never regain it. Since the fungus usually infects the lungs initially, dogs also commonly develop respiratory problems as the disease progresses. All of these symptoms can advance rapidly and may be fatal if not diagnosed and treated soon enough.

Diagnosis

This fungal disease has to be detected by analyzing tissue or fluid samples. A sample can be taken from a lesion, coughed up fluid, or a swollen lymph node. After the fluid or tissue sample has been taken, the veterinarian will have to analyze them under a microscope.

Treatment

If your dog has been diagnosed with blastomycosis, he will have to start taking anti-fungal medication. This medication will be given orally for at least three months. Most dogs can usually stop taking anti-fungal drugs after six months, but some have to continue treatment for a longer period of time.