WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Best Friends Animal Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba wants to get the word out to pet owners that blastomycosis, a fungal condition that can be lethal to pets, is coming up from the U.S. and into Ontario. Blastomycosis is a condition that traditionally infects dogs and people, though it isn't unheard of for cats, horses or even ferrets to become infected. Dogs are especially susceptible to the condition with a ten times greater infection rate than even humans have.
Dr. Sheri Gould, Best Friends Animal Hospital veterinarian, warns that "while the condition is highly treatable when caught early, it is notoriously difficult to diagnose. That's why it's important for pet owners to educate themselves – so that they're aware of the signs, symptoms, and potential causes of this condition."
One of the most common ways for dogs to become infected with blastomycosis is by digging in the dirt. The fungus grows on trees that decay in dark forests and near riverbeds. Dogs dig in the dirt stirring up the fungus that gets into the air and then breathe it in, becoming infected. Blastomycosis can penetrate through the pup's skin.
Symptoms of the fungus vary to some degree and may include weight loss, eye discharge, difficulty breathing, pus-filled skin lesions, eye inflammation, loss of appetite and fever. Lung lesions often accompany blastomycosis leading to dry, harsh sounds in the lungs. In some cases retinal detachment will occur. What makes things even more confusing for pet owners and veterinarians alike is that the symptoms of this condition will wax and wane over time making it difficult to pin down.
"Part of the reason blastomycosis is so lethal is that it is difficult to diagnose," says Dr. Gould. "The symptoms match other diseases, such as cancer, lung infections or bacterial infections. The resulting delay in treatment can place pets at greater risk from the disease since early diagnosis is so critical."
This difficulty in early diagnosis is why Best Friends Animal Hospital is so interested in getting the word out to area pet owners who have never had concerns over this condition in the past – so they can be aware of the condition and watchful of situations in which their pets may be exposed.
Blastomycosis can be found close to home – in the Whiteshell, Manitoba, area as well as cottage country – Lake of the Woods, Kenora, Ontario. Densely wooded areas, particularly those located in proximity to rivers are also especially welcoming areas for this particular fungus. Pet owners who have dogs with the symptoms above after being exposed to one of these areas is strongly encouraged to request the test for Blastomycosis from their veterinarian or call Best Friends Animal Hospital at 204-269-4451 for an examination and test.
About Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital, located on McGillivray Boulevard in Winnipeg, Manitoba offers a wide range of animal health services including vaccinations, dental services, laser therapy, surgical procedures, and pain management treatment to pets throughout the area.