Blastomycosis: A deadly disease for dogs

In the summer time a lot of us go up north to the cabin and bring our dogs. Sometimes our dogs can pick up a deadly disease called Blastomycosis while playing at the lake. Blastomycosis is a fungus that lives in the soil. Dogs can inhale the fungus, which then gets into the lungs and can spread to the skin causing open wounds. It takes several weeks after contracting the disease for the symptoms to show up. Westgate Pet Clinic saw a dog this summer that was diagnosed with Blastomycosis. She had been to a cabin up north. Her owners noticed that she was coughing and lethargic. Her owners were very observant and knew to bring her into the clinic to be examined. Blastomycosis can be diagnosed with a chest x-ray and blood tests that show exposure to the fungus. The treatment of this disease is antifungal medications. Although this dog was diagnosed in the summer, September is actually the most common month for the diagnosis. Also, be extra cautious if there has been construction by your lake cabin. Digging in the soil can turn up the fungus. Read more at Westgate Pet Clinic’s website westgatepetclinicmn.com