 | Pet Care Tips from Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital |
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BLASTOMYCOSIS
Both dogs and people can contract fungal diseases from the soil. There are several of these disease which can cause systemic (all though the body) systemic. The three main ones are blastomycosis (blasto), histoplasmosis (histo) and coccidiodes (mostly found in the southwest). In this area, blasto is the most commonly seen. We see several cases yearly in our practice. Some people may recall the case of Shadow, the Greenbrier County drug dog several years ago, who contracted this disease. A community fundraising effort was organized to treat him successfully and he went on to lead a normal life, although he did lose one eye. HOW MANY DOGS GET BLASTO?The organism is present in the soil in the form of spores. The dog breathes the spores, which then spread throughout the body and proliferate, causing disease. Dogs that root around the ground and use their nose (such as hunting dogs) are most at risk. We also see more cases in areas near water, and we seem to see an upswing after flooding. We have had several cases from the Rainelle area. We also have diagnosed blasto in one cat. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?They vary, depending on what organs are affected. Blasto can cause inflammation in the eyes (uveitis) which can progress to blindness, draining skin lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, lameness due to bone involvement, coughing or difficulty breathing due to fungal pneumonia, and weight loss. The most common symptoms we see on presentation are weight loss, pneumonia and skin lesions. HOW IS THE DISEASE DIAGNOSED?Because other things may cause the symptoms, we start with the basics: a chemistry panel, total blood cell count, and urinalysis. If there are any respiratory symptoms, chest radiographs will be taken. Often blasto will have a characteristic "popcorn" appearance throughout the lungs on x-rays. If blasto is suspected, a blood test will be sent out to detect antibodies to the disease in the animals' bloodstream. If the pet has skin lesions or enlarged lymph nodes, samples taken from these sites often reveal the classic budding yeast form of the organism. We have also detected the organism in urine once. CAN PEOPLE GET BLASTO?Humans can contract blasto, primarily from the same source as dogs, by inhaling the spores. Transmission from dog to humans does not occur readily, although care should be taken to avoid contact with draining skin lesions. HOW IS BLASTO TREATED? Treatment is successful in approximately 65-70% of all cases. The prognosis is better if caught early. The treatment of choice is an anti-fungal medication called Sporanox, which is a human drug (so, of course, is rather expensive). The medication must be administered for at least 2-3 months, sometimes longer. Occasionally, we have a dog that does not respond to the medication. This seems to occur most in smaller dogs and those that present with severe respiratory symptoms. The pet may also require supportive care with fluids, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. CAN YOU PREVENT BLASTO?There is no sure way of knowing where the spores may be found and no way to treat the soil to kill the organism. Keeping your pet in a clean, fenced-in yard away from water may be the best way to try to ensure that he does not pick up this disease. Early treatment is essential for a good outcome, as with most diseases, so monitoring your pet's health and having regular check-ups are important to keep him healthy and happy! The Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital is an accredited hospital member of the American Animal Hospital Association, an international association of more than 16,000 veterinarians who treat companion animals. AAHA hospital members are regularly inspected to ensure they meet AAHA's high standards of pet care. | ||