Blastomycosis
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There is a great book out there: Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, 4th edition. Here is what it states on Blastomycosis:
This systemic fungal disease occurs along the eastern seaboard, in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River valleys. The fungus is associated with moist, rotting organic debris protected from sunlight and enriched with bird droppings, particularly those of pigeons. The disease is acquired by inhaling infected spores. Dogs are considerably more susceptible than are humans. Most cases of acute canine blastomycosis involve the respiratory system and cause bronchopneumonia. About 40% of cases involve the eyes and skin, producing signs similar to those of cryptococcosis. Weight loss and lamenuess may also be noted. Microscopic identification of organisms in transtracheal washings or in fluid aspirated from infected tissues is the most efficient way to make the diagnosis. In difficult cases, biopsy and culture may be needed. Serologic tests also are available. Treatment: A combination of amphotericin B and one of the imidazoles appears to offer the best chance of successful treatment. Months of treatment are required and some dogs may relapse months to years later. Hope this is helpful! -
As I type this I was reminded that Griffin was suppose to go back to the Vet to have his lungs x-rayed this week and I have not heard from my daughter how that went or if it happened. He visited for Thanksgiving and except for some places on his skin that haven't totally healed he looked like a picture of health. Strange how a Nashville subburb just doesn't seem to fit where blastomycosis would reside and even the Vet thinking he got it through a cut which is more rare than the infection itself. We will pray that the relapse doesn't ever occur.
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Strange how a Nashville subburb just doesn't seem to fit where blastomycosis would reside and even the Vet thinking he got it through a cut which is more rare than the infection itself. We will pray that the relapse doesn't ever occur.
Is there a lot of construction in the area? Blasto is often associated with areas of high construction activity or areas of excavation.
-Nicole
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Wow maybe Christa's Vet really was on the ball. You have validated his theory on how Griffin got it. Christa lives in a condo and they had half of their driveways torn out and replaced. So whether it was from a cut in Griffin's paw or inhalation that really must have been how. Recently the other half of the driveways were replaced so Christa sent both Griffin and Phoenix over to stay at her boyfriends house. Thanks for your post.:)
