What are the symptoms of blastomycosis in dogs?
Signs of Blastomycosis in Dogs
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Poor appetite.
- Cough.
- Lymph node swelling.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Limping.
- Skin lesions (pimples/pustules, sometimes with draining tracts, and rash-like lesions)
Can a dog survive blastomycosis?
Prognosis is good for many cases of blastomycosis infection with recovery rates between 50-75%. “…a dog in poor condition or with advanced disease is less likely to survive.”
How long does dog blastomycosis last?
Treatment of blastomycosis requires long-term antifungal medications (i.e. average 2-6 months of therapy). Itraconazole or fluconazole are most commonly used. Some dogs may need to be hospitalized initially to help control some of their more severe symptoms.
How do dogs get blastomycosis in dogs?
Blastomycosis typically occurs when the dog inhales the airborne fungal spores of the genus Blastomyces dermatitidis after the contaminated soil has been disturbed. This can be from an activity as benign as digging in the dirt or following a scent trail. The spores can also enter through the skin.
How does blastomycosis start?
Transmission. Blastomycosis is usually caused by inhaling airborne spores from contaminated soil into the lungs. Spores are more likely to be airborne after contaminated soil is disturbed by activities such as excavation, construction, digging, or wood clearing.
What do you feed a dog with blastomycosis?
Avoid excessive time in the woods, especially near water (since blastomycosis is in the soil near water) Feed your dog foods containing no yeast. Give Vitamin C, E, A, and B as a supplement if your veterinarian recommends.
How do I get rid of blastomycosis in my yard?
Treatment. Blastomycosis can be treated with anti-fungal medications, which are usually continued for at least 6 months. Antibiotics designed for bacteria do not work against blastomycosis.
How do I stop my dog from getting Blasto?
The best way to prevent blastomycosis is to avoid bringing your pet to places where exposure is the greatest, such as streams and lakes. If you do reside near places where exposure is high, it is recommended to avoid dark, dense areas where the fungus will thrive.
Is blastomycosis contagious in dogs?
Pets, particularly dogs, can get blastomycosis, but it is not contagious between animals and people. The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans.
How do you prevent Blasto in dogs?
There is no way to prevent blastomycosis, aside from avoiding high-risk areas where the fungus may be present. The prognosis for most dogs is positive, if treatment is provided as soon as symptoms start and medication is given correctly.
Can dogs give blastomycosis to humans?
Zoonotic (Human Infection) Alert: Blastomycosis cannot be spread to people from dogs through the air, such as breathing or coughing. However, blood transmission (e.g. from dog bites, used needles) can occur.