Eye Fungus in Dogs

Aspergillosis

• Aspergillosis is caused by the Aspergillus fungus, which grows on dead leaves, compost piles or in other decaying vegetation. It is a fungal infection primarily occurring in young, long-nose breeds. This fungal infection chiefly affects a dog's nasal chambers, though often causes lesions on several organs, including the eye. Symptoms include nasal discharge, pain, sneezing and lethargy. Left undiagnosed or untreated, Aspergillosis grows into the cranium and the soft tissue around the eye.

Blastomycosis

• The Blasomyces dermatitidis fungus survives as a mold in the sandy, acidic soils near river valleys and waterways. Blastomycosis poses the greatest risk in 2- to 4-year-old intact hunting or sporting breed males, mostly affecting the 50 to 75 lb. range during late summer and autumn. If blastomycosis spreads to the eyes, growths develop on the eyeballs, causing glaucoma, retinal detachment and possibly blindness.

Valley Fever

• Many warm-blooded animals can contract Valley Fever, though dogs are most susceptible. This fungal disease flourishes in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Infection occurs when the dog inhales spores from the soil. If the immune system does not kill the fungus, fungal organisms travel to various body parts, primarily bone and eye tissue. Hunting breeds seem most vulnerable, though indoor dogs risk exposure following dust storms. Symptoms include cough, breathing trouble, depression, fever, decreased appetite, lethargy, weight loss and blindness.

Histoplasmosis

• Histoplasma capsulatum causes the fungal infection histoplasmosis. Living in the soil of 31 states in the U.S., this fungus enters the body through the lungs. Histoplasmosis infections typically begin in the lung, forming respiratory problems represented as coughing or labored breathing. Less frequent occurrences appear as either eye infection or ocular histoplasmosis syndrome. Histoplasmosis often produces no apparent symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often similar to those from a common cold.

Cryptococcosis

• Cryptococcus neoformans fungus causes cryptococcosis. While widespread, this fungus infects a relatively small number of dogs. Those at greatest risk are dogs with deficient or suppressed immunities. Cryptococcosis remains isolated from things such as soil and fruit, but appears closely associated with pigeon feces. Dogs contract cryptococcus infections by inhaling fungal particles, which take up residence inside nasal cavities. Young dogs of any breed may become infected, however the cocker spaniel appears to have a slightly higher incidence than other breeds. Cryptococcus presents a wide variety of symptoms with a high percentage of infected animals displaying eye or vision problems.