Blastomycosis is caused by a fungus called Blastomyces dermatitidis. The disease is most common in dogs and humans. It is not transmitted from animal to animal.
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How Infected
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The fungus usually thrives in rich soil along water such as rivers and streams. The spores are inhaled by dogs or sometimes they are introduced into the body through small puncture wounds.
Infection Sites
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Blastomycosis most commonly infects the lungs, skin or eyes, although other body organs can harbor the disease.
Culture
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To diagnose a case of blastomycosis a culture will need to be performed. Secretions from a draining wound, a specimen of sputum or stool from an infected dog is placed onto a small, round plate with culture medium designed to grow fungus.
Identification
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The fungus can take up to two months to develop on this plate. Once formed, it grows in a typical pattern which is then examined to determine if it is blastomycosis fungus.
Treatment
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Once the fungus is identified, the dog will need to be treated with itraconazole (an antifungal medication) for at least two months.
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