Cryptococcus
As with humans, dogs can get fungal infections. They are fairly common and can be caused by several different types of fungi–one being a yeast-like fungus called Cryptococcus. This fungus, which is often inhaled through the nose, is present in soil and often spread by birds, especially pigeons.
Symptoms
Infected dogs often have vague and nonspecific symptoms, such as weight loss and lethargy. In some cases, a dog may exhibit neurological signs, such as a head tilt or in coordination. You may also see sneezing and discharge from your pet’s nose and eyes. Other possible symptoms include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis/Treatment
In order to identify if this yeast-like fungus is the cause of your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend the following:
If your veterinarian determines your pooch has this fungal infection, he or she may suggest the following based on your dog’s individual case:
If an oral antifungal medication is prescribed, your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests to monitor your dog’s organ function and follow-up tests to identify response to treatment.
Prevention
Keep your dog away from areas with large volumes of pigeon droppings is one way to avoid cryptococcosis. If you suspect your dog is showing symptoms of this condition, contact your veterinarian right away!
As with humans, dogs can get fungal infections. They are fairly common and can be caused by several different types of fungi–one being a yeast-like fungus called Cryptococcus. This fungus, which is often inhaled through the nose, is present in soil and often spread by birds, especially pigeons.
Symptoms
Infected dogs often have vague and nonspecific symptoms, such as weight loss and lethargy. In some cases, a dog may exhibit neurological signs, such as a head tilt or in coordination. You may also see sneezing and discharge from your pet’s nose and eyes. Other possible symptoms include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, and swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosis/Treatment
In order to identify if this yeast-like fungus is the cause of your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend the following:
- A complete physical exam and medical history
- Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
- Serologic tests to identify if your pet has been exposed to any infectious diseases
- A complete blood count to rule out certain blood-related conditions
- Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
- Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease
- Radiographs (x-rays)
- A culture of eye/nose discharge
- A biopsy of nasal tissue to identify causative organisms
If your veterinarian determines your pooch has this fungal infection, he or she may suggest the following based on your dog’s individual case:
- Inpatient supportive care, if your dog is showing neurological signs
- Surgery, if nodules in the nose are present as a result of the infection
- Oral antifungal medication
If an oral antifungal medication is prescribed, your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests to monitor your dog’s organ function and follow-up tests to identify response to treatment.
Prevention
Keep your dog away from areas with large volumes of pigeon droppings is one way to avoid cryptococcosis. If you suspect your dog is showing symptoms of this condition, contact your veterinarian right away!
