Nocardios organisms appear in your dog if it eats or inhales a portion of soil contaminated with the organism. It also occurs when open cuts are infected with nocardios. In older dogs, different types of Canine Nocardia symptoms are present. Most adult dogs have a localized infection of Canine Nocardia. Puppies commonly have "disseminated nocardiosis," which means Nocardia can affect many body systems, including the respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Symptoms of nocardiosis greatly depend on which part of the body is infected.
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Lung Infection
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If Nocardios organisms invades the the lungs and surrounding membranes, its symptoms are emaciation, fever, raspy and labored breathing. During lung invasion, pus is aspirated from the chest. Veterinarians study the pus, which looks like cream of tomato soup, according to the VetInfo.com. Veterinarians sometimes need to surgically implant a drainage tube into the chest. This requires hospitalization. Internal abscesses also must be drained in the same fashion.
Skin Infection
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If the organisms invade your dog's skin, you will see wounds that do not heal and draining lymph nodes. In disseminated nocardiosis, symptoms include fever, weight loss and lethargy.
Disseminated Nocardiosis
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Disseminated Nocardiosis, the condition in which nocardiosis is spready throughout the body, includes symptoms such as respiratory problems, fever, weight loss, neurological problems and oozing from the mouth and nose.
Long-term Effects
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Because nocardiosis affects the musculoskeletal and central nervous system, it is crucial to monitor your dog for up to one year after treatment. Conditions such as epilepsy, lameness, weight loss, breathing problems and fever can occur up to one year after surgery.
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