Blastomycosis is a disease caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus lives in the soil of certain locations, including the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio River valleys and the mid-Atlantic part of the United States and areas of Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario in Canada. Because dogs get blastomycosis from inhaling fungus spores from soil, dogs that spend a lot of time outside, particularly hunting dogs, are most susceptible.
The symptoms of blastomycosis in dogs can come and go, and some dogs may have the infection for a long time before noticeable signs appear. However, dogs who do not receive treatment for blastomycosis can become seriously ill, including developing kidney, eye, brain or bone infection, or even die.
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General Symptoms
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The general symptoms of blastomycosis in dogs include lack of appetite, fever, depression and weight loss.
Skin Problems
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According to Pet Education, 20 to 40 percent of dogs with blastomycosis have skin lesions, which are often open and draining.
Lung Problems
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Pet Education also reports that as many as 85 percent of dogs with blastomycosis have lung lesions and dry, harsh lung sounds or coughing.
Eye Problems
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Also, according to Pet Education, 40 percent of dogs with blastomycosis have eye problems, including uveitis (inflammation of a part of the eye called the uvea), detached retina or bleeding into the eye.
Lameness
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Bone problems can also develop, causing lameness in about 30 percent of infected dogs, according to Pet Education.
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