WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital is working to highlight the dangers of blastomycosis for pets, which can lead to fever, skin lesions and severe respiratory problems. Pet owners should be aware of this condition in order to ensure their pets don’t become a victim of blastomycosis.
Blastomycosis is a yeast-like fungal infection that affects the entire pet’s system. Most pets contract blastomycosis when they breathe in spores of Blastomyces dermatitidis from contaminated soil. The spores are often found in wet areas, such as lakes, rivers, swamps, forests and farms.
Typical symptoms of blastomycosis include fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, eye inflammation and loss of appetite. One of the most common indications are skin lesions, which ooze pus.
For pet owners who suspect their pet is suffering from blastomycosis, Dr. Pushpinder Mander DVM and his team at Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital are there to help. In such cases, the Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital team will conduct a fungal test, an analysis of cells in lymph nodes and an analysis of skin lesion fluid. In addition, X-rays of the lungs may be taken and a urinalysis conducted to make a proper diagnosis.
In general, most pets who are diagnosed with blastomycosis will receive an anti-fungal medication for approximately 60 days. In some extreme cases, surgery may also be necessary when the medication doesn’t work.
“We’ve seen some pretty unfortunate cases of blastomycosis in our practice, but we have had success in both properly diagnosing and treating pets to bring them back to health,” said Dr. Mander DVM. “It’s a tricky condition, but we’re confident in our abilities to combat it.”
One of the best ways to prevent your pet from suffering from blastomycosis is to limit their access to areas where this fungus is widespread. For cats, the best strategy is to keep them indoors. For dogs, consider avoiding walking in marshy areas, near rivers or forested areas if it can be avoided.
Fort Garry Veterinary Hospital, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, provides full service to pets, including emergency surgery, checkups, pet dentistry and microchipping. Those who would like to schedule an appointment may do so by calling (204) 452-9010; more information about their services can be found on their website at http://fortgarryvethospital.ca/.