Like humans, dogs can get fungal infections of the skin, but they can also affect the internal organs. Fungal infections of the skin are quite common in dogs.
They may be known as diseases that do not have to be completely cured and managed for the rest of their lives, regardless of the fact that the treatment is quite easy and available at any time. What causes fungal infections in dogs?
Fungal infections in dogs are caused by fungi. These are organisms that are normally found on our skin, but when the immune system is weakened or after a disease is recovered, they can become active and cause infection.
There are also those that through inhalation or direct contact can enter the body and cause the above condition.Fungal infections are divided into systemic, affecting the internal organs, and localized, affecting the mucous membranes and skin of dogs.
Systemic fungal infections
The most common systemic fungal infections that affect dogs are:
Nasal aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is most commonly caused by mold found in mowed grass, hay, and dust. It is an infection that most commonly affects older and already sick dogs. Symptoms are:
– Sneezing
– Bleeding from the nose
– Swollen nasal mucosa
– Decreased appetite
– Nasal discharge
Therapy consists of giving antifungal drugs that are administered directly into the nose, but there is an option to expand it systemically and in that case, antifungal therapy should be prescribed.
Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by a fungus that is most commonly found in moist environments (soils with increased humidity, rotting trees, etc.). It is present in hunting dogs that usually run through wetlands and inhale fungal spores.
Symptoms of the disease:
– Coughing
– Elevated temperature
– Weight loss
– Inflammation of the eyes
– Skin lesions
Treatment of the disease consists of antifungal drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.
Cryptococcosis
The disease is most commonly transmitted through bird droppings, which contain the fungus. In healthy animals it is harmless, but in immunocompromised dogs, it can cause a serious infection of the respiratory and nervous systems.
Symptoms of the disease:
– Decreased appetite and weight loss
– Lethargy
– Irritation, sneezing, shortness of breath
– Eye problems
– Neurological symptoms
Treatment consists of oral antifungal medication. Unfortunately, the prognosis of the disease is poor and the treatment has an effect if the disease itself is detected early.
Localized fungal infections
These are the most common fungal infections that occur in our pets. They are most commonly recognized by having clear limited edges with cutaneous scales in the middle, and some of them may even extend above the level of the skin.
The most common symptom is itching and discomfort.
Treatment consists of a combination of topical and systemic therapy depending on the involvement of the skin. Fungi are highly contagious and spread rapidly, so people can get sick, so sanitary measures should be taken.
Fungal dermatitis
Malassezia patchy dermatitis is the most common fungal dermatitis in practice. This fungus is part of the normal flora of the skin and ear canal in dogs. It occurs as secondary dermatitis as a result of a decline in immunity or in allergies such as a secondary infection. The lesions are very symptomatic in the form of red and inflamed skin, itching, and dandruff.
Symptoms of the disease
– Unpleasant odor (if the ears are affected)
– Pigmented skin
Ру Scrubbing and scabs on the skin
– Itching and redness
The treatment of the disease is usually local (medical shampoos).
A fungal infection of the ear can also be treated topically or systemically. In dogs suffering from chronic fungal infection, treatment is intensified by using special medical food and regular antifungal baths.
How to prevent a fungal infection
– Bathing the dog after swimming in open water and getting dirty in wet environments
– Beautiful drying of the fur after bathing, including the outer part of the ears
– Use of high-quality food
If you suspect that your pet has a fungal infection, you can contact us at our clinic every working day.
