Fungal Infection In Dogs

Fungal infections are among the worst infections that dogs can get, since they are fatal. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to these infections, due to controlled breeding. Most often, the breeds that are most predisposed to get fungal infections are large breed, adult dogs. If you feel that your pet has a fungal infection, it is important to get it diagnosed and treated at the earliest. Prevention is, of course, better than cure. Fungal infections spread primarily due to animals frolicking in places where soil is enriched with bird droppings or organic manure. Therefore, it is best to keep your dog away from such places. If, however, your dog still gets infected, quick treatment will be most beneficial. Read on to find out more about the symptoms of different type of fungal infections in dogs and the treatment available for the same.

 

It is also known as a systemic fungal infection, due to the fact that it involves most of the body systems of the dog. The fungal organism that causes this disease is Blastomyces dermatitidis. This organism resides in moist soil, which has bird or bat droppings. It spreads when the dog inhales the fungal spores.

 

Medication is available for this fungal infection. However, the cure is a lengthy one and the drugs have side effects. In addition, the chances of infection occurring again are high, if it has already spread to the eyes or the nervous system. 

 

Coccidiodes immites organisms are responsible for this type of fungal infection, which starts in the lungs and rapidly spreads to the rest of the body.

 

This type of fungal infection is treated by means of fungicidal antimicrobial medications. Treatment is long-term and there could be side effects of these drugs.

 

While cats are more predisposed to being infected with Cryptococcosis, dogs too get affected. This infection is caused by the Cryptococcosis neoformans, a fungus that resembles yeast. It is found in soil that has been contaminated by bird droppings and spreads by inhaling the spores.

 

Drug therapy is available to treat this fungal infection and recovery takes several months. However, diagnosis should be done in the earlier stages of infection, for it to be effective.

 

This is another systemic fungal infection, which spreads by means of inhalation of contaminated dust. The fungal organism responsible for this infection is Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in organically enriched soil or in bird manure.

 

If detected early, treatment is effective. However, you should be prepared for long-term (maybe a year), expensive treatment for your dog.