Blastomycosis
Our 1 1/2
year old dog was diagnosed with blastomycosis in September. After nearly
three months of being on the drug, Sporanox, it appears that he may be
relapsing. Our vet has told us that here is no definitive test to show
whether or not the disease is returning. We are supposed to give the dog
two more weeks of the medicine and feel very frustrated as the lack of
answers we are getting. Any suggestions?
Blastomycosis is a fungal
disease common to the East Coast of the United States. It is extremely
rare to find a case in California. A dog becomes infected by inhaling
the fungal spores, which set up the infection in the lungs. A fungus is
like a plant that produces spores, which are like it's seeds. When
the fungus dies, the spores may live for many months before growing
more fungus. The disease is difficult to treat because the spores are
highly resistant to medications, and almost impossible to detect. Once
the fungus is eliminated, a single viable spore can start the whole
infection all over again. Blood tests and x-rays are often beneficial
in keeping track of an active fungal infection. However, a single
dormant spore deep in the lungs is not detectable by these tests, so it
may appear as though the fungus is gone, when spores remain. A typical
treatment regimen is similar to cancer therapy. Initial long term
aggressive treatment, with several years of surveillance tests and
treatments as necessary.
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