Blastomycosis in Dogs

Blastomycosis in Dogs

By: Dr. Rosanna Marsalla

Section: Information In-depth

Other medical problems can cause symptoms similar to those encountered in pets with blastomycosis. Your vet will exclude these conditions as necessary before establishing a diagnosis of blastomycosis:

  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Brucellosis
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Coccidioidomycosis
  • Cryptococcosis
  • Nocardiosis
  • Actinomcyosis
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Neoplasia (cancer)
  • Lymphosarcoma
  • Primary lung tumor
  • Tumor elsewhere in the body that has spread (metastasized) to the lungs
  • Heart failure
  • Heartworm disease
  • Systemic immune-mediated disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Nodular panniculitis
  • Lymphomatoid granulomatosis
  • Eosinophilic lung disease

    Blastomycosis is a systemic disease caused by a fungus (Blastomyces dermatidis) present in the soil of certain geographic regions like Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio River Valley).
    Dogs and people are most commonly infected.

    Infection occurs by inhalation of spores from the "mycelial" form of the organism found in the environment, especially moist soil. After the organism becomes established in the lung, dissemination throughout the body occurs. Blastomycosis is endemic in the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio River valleys.

    Young male dogs, especially hunting dogs, are at increased risk presumably because of increased contact with contaminated soil. The yeast form of the organism found in infected body tissues is not contagious, and thus the disease is not readily transmissible between animals or from animals to people.

    The prognosis depends on the extent and severity of lung involvement. In dogs, blastomycosis affects the lungs (80 percent of cases), eyes (40 percent of cases), skin (20 to 40 percent of cases), and bones (30 percent of cases).

    Most affected animals have systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Lung involvement leads to respiratory symptoms such as exercise intolerance, cough, and difficulty breathing. The animal's peripheral lymph nodes often are enlarged. These are found under the neck, in the shoulder region and behind the knee. Bone involvement may occur and result in lameness.

    Infection of the urogenital tract, for example the prostate gland in male dogs, occasionally may occur and cause clinical symptoms like blood in the urine or difficult urinations. Nervous system involvement may cause seizures, uncoordination, head tilt, and other symptoms.

    Eye involvement can lead to squinting due to pain and light sensitivity. Involvement of the retina may lead to blindness. Involvement of the iris of the eye may be complicated by glaucoma, which is high pressure within the eye. Draining nodules may be found in the skin, and microscopic examination of this material often discloses the organism and yields a diagnosis.

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Cryptococcosis in Dogs

      Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease contracted by inhalation of spores, which may affect dogs, cats and people. The excrement of birds, especially pigeons, is the main environmental reservoir for the spores,...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Chronic Coughing in Dogs

      Coughing, a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, windpipe or airways, and protects the lungs from aspiration, affects the respiratory system by...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1 Cryptococcosis in Dogs

      Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease contracted by inhalation of spores, which may affect dogs, cats and people. The excrement of birds, especially pigeons, is the main environmental reservoir for the spores,...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Chronic Coughing in Dogs

      Coughing, a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, windpipe or airways, and protects the lungs from aspiration, affects the respiratory system by...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1 Cryptococcosis in Dogs

      Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease contracted by inhalation of spores, which may affect dogs, cats and people. The excrement of birds, especially pigeons, is the main environmental reservoir for the spores,...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Chronic Coughing in Dogs

      Coughing, a common protective reflex that clears secretions or foreign matter from the throat, voice box, windpipe or airways, and protects the lungs from aspiration, affects the respiratory system by...

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement