Is Your Dog At Risk for Death by Fungus?
Lurking in your yard, in your mulch no less could be a naturally occurring fungus that readily infects dogs, cats as well as people and can be deadly for dogs and cats if not caught early. Blastomycosis is a yeast like fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.
This organism is commonly found in decaying wood and soil, usually near bodies of fresh water.
The infection usually starts out in the lungs but can invade many tissues throughout the body even causing blindness via optic lesions.
My neighbor’s dog sadly passed away from this very infection. My neighbor described the initial symptom her dog exhibited was difficulty breathing. They thought this was because the dog was hot due to her fur being long, as well as her age possibly being a factor. They took the dog to the vet who initially misdiagnosed her as well as gave her antibiotics which unfortunately accelerated the illness. By the time they figured out what was causing her illness it was to late. More common in male dogs but my neighbors dog was female.
The symptoms of Blastomycosis which can be vague or misdiagnosed include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Weight loss
- Eye discharge
- Eye inflammation, specifically the iris
- Difficulty breathing (e.g., coughing, wheezing and other unusual breathing sounds)
- Skin lesions, which are frequently filled with pus
This infection is quickly hitting epidemic proportions in many states. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms ask your veterinarian to test for fungal infection. Blastomycosis is commonly mistaken for cancer and mistreated which can lead to permanent not to mention fatal damage as in the case of my neighbor’s dog.
For more information on this topic http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_multi_blastomycosis
Most cases are diagnosed in late summer to early fall.
Don’t let your dog fall victim to this horrific infection. Pay attention and if your dog doesn’t seem like themselves, take action!
Terie Hansen Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care
May be reached at 404-422-9832 info@gooddogcoaching.com
