Blastomycosis in Dogs: An Examination by Dr. Catherine Barnette, DVM, Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT on July 31, 2025, First Published on July 27, 2022. Sharing Options: Facebook, Twitter, Email, Print.
Dogs living in outdoor environments, particularly near water sources, may be at risk of contracting Blastomycosis, a potentially serious fungal infection. This disease, caused by the Blastomyces fungus, can lead to various health issues if left untreated.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Blastomycosis in dogs include coughing, skin lumps, eye lesions, and weight loss. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
Risk Factors
Dogs with outdoor exposure, especially in areas contaminated by soil or water, are at a higher risk of infection.
Treatment
The primary treatment for Blastomycosis involves prolonged antifungal therapy. The drug of choice is often itraconazole, which is effective in targeting the Blastomyces fungus. Treatment duration typically spans several months, requiring strict adherence to veterinary guidance. Other azole antifungals such as fluconazole may be alternatives, but itraconazole is preferred for this infection.
In severe cases, a short course of amphotericin B may be prescribed, followed by itraconazole or fluconazole. Additionally, supportive care may be necessary, depending on the severity and affected organs.
Prognosis
Early diagnosis and veterinary intervention improve the prognosis by preventing severe systemic disease. With prompt and aggressive treatment, approximately 75 percent of dogs will survive Blastomycosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Blastomycosis involves various tests, including antigen tests, antibody tests, and PCR tests. If signs of lung disease are present, chest radiographs (X-rays) may be recommended.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there is no effective way to prevent Blastomycosis in dogs. However, limiting exposure by keeping them out of wooded areas near creeks and streams may offer minimal protection.
Side Effects and Additional Care
A small percentage of dogs may experience liver effects with itraconazole treatment. In severe cases, steroids (such as prednisone) or oxygen therapy may be necessary. Eye drops may be required for blastomycosis affecting the eye, and antibiotics may be necessary for skin infections.
The cost to treat Blastomycosis can range from $500-$1,500 for initial testing and stabilization, and an additional $300-$500 per month for antifungal medication and monitoring.
In summary, Blastomycosis is a serious fungal infection that can affect dogs living in outdoor environments. Familiarising yourself with the signs of the disease and seeking prompt veterinary care if symptoms develop is crucial. With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for affected dogs is significantly improved.
- Science has highlighted the potential risks of Blastomycosis, a fungal infection, in dogs living near water sources.
- This disease, caused by the Blastomyces fungus, can lead to various health issues such as coughing, skin lumps, eye lesions, and weight loss.
- Dogs with outdoor exposure, especially in contaminated areas, are at a higher risk of contracting Blastomycosis.
- The primary treatment for Blastomycosis involves prolonged antifungal therapy, with itraconazole being the drug of choice.
- Treatment duration typically spans several months and requires strict adherence to veterinary guidance.
- In severe cases, a short course of amphotericin B may be prescribed, followed by itraconazole or fluconazole.
- Early diagnosis and veterinary intervention improve the prognosis by preventing severe systemic disease.
- Approximately 75 percent of dogs will survive Blastomycosis with prompt and aggressive treatment.
- Diagnosis of Blastomycosis involves various tests, such as antigen tests, antibody tests, PCR tests, and chest radiographs (X-rays).
- Unfortunately, there is no effective way to prevent Blastomycosis in dogs.
- A small percentage of dogs may experience liver effects with itraconazole treatment, requiring steroids or oxygen therapy in severe cases.
- Eye drops may be required for blastomycosis affecting the eye, and antibiotics may be necessary for skin infections.
- The cost to treat Blastomycosis can range from $500-$1,500 for initial testing and stabilization, and an additional $300-$500 per month for antifungal medication and monitoring.
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