Sled Dog Society of Wales
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Picture
Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a chronic, non-contagious fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.  Histoplasma capsulatum is found globally and may infect both humans and animals.  However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats.

The fungus thrives in warm moist environments and is commonly found in soil that contains bird or bat manure.  In the United States, histoplasmosis is most prevalent along the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio River valleys, while in Canada it is found along the southern Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

How does a person or an animal get this disease?
Humans and animals most commonly get this infection by inhaling fungal spores, which then reach the lower airways where they multiply and set up a localized infection.  The organism may also enter the body through the mouth, and from there set up an infection in the intestines.   The fungal infection may remain localized in the lungs or the intestines, or it may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, causing a generalized orsystemic infection.  With a generalized infection, the fungus may become established in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, skin, or eyes.

In dogs, evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to high levels of Histoplasma organisms increase the risk of contracting the disease.  Most dogs that develop this disease are young, large breed dogs.  In one large study, there appeared to be an increased risk of this disease occurring in pointers, Weimaraners and Brittany Spaniels, but this is likely the result of greater environmental exposure in hunting breeds of dogs rather than an actual breed predisposition.

What are the signs of histoplasmosis?
The symptoms and clinical signs of histoplasmosis are variable and are often non-specific. Non-specific signs typically include mild fever, depression, weight loss, loss of appetite.  If the lungs are the primary site of infection, the dog may have labored breathing or a chronic cough.  If the intestinal tract is involved, symptoms may include persistent diarrhea, tarry or bloody stools or straining when passing a bowel movement. 

 If the disease has become more generalized, your veterinarian may detect enlargements in the liver, spleen and/or lymph nodes, evidence of ulceration in the throat or intestinal tract, draining skin lesions, infection in the eyes, or joint involvement.

How is histoplasmosis diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may be suspicious that this disease is the cause of your dog's illness if the pet was in an area where this disease is prevalent a month or two prior to becoming ill.  Since the symptoms of histoplasmosis are often vague and non-specific, your veterinarian will recommend a series of screening tests, including x-rays, urinalysis and blood tests.  Results of these tests help support a tentative diagnosis of histoplasmosis.
Cytology and/or histopathology are required to diagnose histoplasmosis conclusively. Cytology, the microscopic examination of cells, may be performed in the veterinarian's office using fluid that is draining from an open wound or is aspirated from a nodule or lymph node.  If the results of cytology are inconclusive, it may be necessary to collect biopsy samples for histopathologic analysis.  Histopathology is the microscopic examination of cells within a tissue sample.  A tissue sample is obtained and sent to a veterinary pathologist for this diagnostic test.

Can the disease be treated? 
Yes, although not all pets will survive.  Fortunately, newer anti-fungal agents such as fluconazole and itraconazole are well tolerated by most dogs and have relatively few side effects when compared to the agents being used several years ago.  Dogs may require several months (at least six months in most cases) of therapy to successfully treat this disease.  To minimize the chance of toxic side effects and to monitor your dog's response to treatment, it will be necessary to selectively repeat the blood tests and x-rays at regular intervals.

What is the prognosis for my dog?
There is no way to determine this before starting treatment, although the results of x-rays and blood tests help to determine the extent of disease.  A dog in poor condition or with advanced disease is less likely to survive.  Dogs with disease limited to the lungs tend to respond better to treatment than those with disease of the intestinal tract or other body systems.  If the fungus has invaded the eyes or nervous system, it will be much harder to eliminate the infection because of the natural defensive barriers present in these tissues.
In all cases, treatment is prolonged.  Patients that are in poor condition usually need to be hospitalized for intensive treatment until they stabilize, and it may be necessary to use a combination of medications to successfully get the infection under control.

Since each case is different, your veterinarian will advise you on your dog's individual prognosis based on the clinical signs and the results of diagnostic testing.

Am I at risk of infection from my dog?
Studies with this fungus have shown that once an animal is infected, the organism enters a different form or phase that does not appear to be infectious to other animals or to humans.  However, common sense dictates that strict hygiene should be followed when handling any draining lesions.  Handlers should wear protective gloves and wash their hands thoroughly after contact with an infected animal.

In most cases, the infected pet does not need to be segregated from the owner or from other household pets.  The true risk of infection to others probably comes from sharing the same environment where the original infection occurred (i.e.: soil, etc.).  Because the Histoplasma capsulatum organisms may be present near your home, you should advise your family physician of your pet's diagnosis.

If anyone in your family falls into one of the following categories, we would recommend that you consult with your physician:
•    Infants or small children
•    Organ transplant patients
•    Chemotherapy patients
•    HIV/AIDS patients
•    Elderly family members
•    Anyone with a known immune system disease

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  • SDSW THERAPY DOGS HOME
    • NEW VOLUNTEERS >
      • NEW VOLUNTEERS PAPERWORK
    • ESTABLISHMENTS >
      • HOSPITAL REGISTRATION FORMS
      • SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORMS
      • CARE HOME REGISTRATION FORMS
      • OTHER BUSINESS REGISTRATION FORMS
    • CORPORATE PARTNERS
    • REGISTERED VOLUNTEERS >
      • VOLUNTEERS SDSWTD Merchandise
  • About
    • Club Ethos
    • Club Code of Ethics
    • Club Photos
    • Club Membership
    • Club Merchandise >
      • Pyrography
      • Car Decals
      • Clothing
      • Custom Embroidery Designs
      • Dog Accessories
      • Miscellaneous
    • Meet the Pack & Club Event Photos
    • Rainbow Bridge
  • Education & Public Speaking
  • Contact
  • Ain't Nothing But A Hound Day
    • Gleblands Park - Newport
    • Victoria Park - Cardiff
    • Romilly Park - Barry
    • Roath Recreation Ground - Cardiff
  • Club Sponsors 2024
  • Canine Care - First Aid & Health & Wellbeing
    • Canine First Aid Kit Contents
    • CANINE CARE >
      • Anal Glands/Sacks
      • Burns
      • Coconut Oil
      • Dental Care
      • Dry Dog Food
      • Grooming and maintenance
      • Heat Stroke
      • How To Trim Your Dogs Claws
      • Nutrition
      • Raw Feeding
      • Spaying & Neutering
      • Toxic Food - Fruits, vegtables & Fish
      • Turmeric Powder
      • Vaccinations, Worming, Microchipping >
        • HOMEOPATHIC VACCINES - NOSODES & TITRE TESTING
        • Kennel Cough
        • Microchipping
        • Worming, Flea & Tick Prevention & Parasites
        • Vaccinaions
      • Veterinary Clinical Examination
      • Vitaimin E
      • Zinc Deficency
    • Bandaging & Wound Cleaning
    • Emergency First Aid A-Z >
      • Abscesses
      • Adder Snake Bite
      • Bee Stings & Insect Bites
      • Bleeding (external)
      • Bleeding (internal)
      • Bloat
      • Chemical Burns
      • Choking
      • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resusitation
      • Dehydration
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Difficult Births
      • Drowning
      • Eye Injuries
      • Electrocution
      • Fainting - "Syncope"
      • False Widow Spider Bite
      • Fever
      • Fox Bites
      • Fractures
      • Heatstroke
      • Hot Spots - Canine Acute Moist Dermatitis
      • Hypothermia
      • Nose Bleed
      • Paralysis
      • Poisoning and Exposure to Toxins
      • Penetrating Injuries
      • Rat Bites
      • Seizures
      • Shock
      • Straining & Constipation
      • Transporting Injurerd Dogs
  • Health & Wellbeing
    • Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs
    • Alaskan Husky Encephalopathy (Sub acute Necrotizing Encephalomyelopathy)
    • B12 Deficiency or Cobalamin Malabsorption
    • Breathing Difficulties
    • Canine Athletes Heart Syndrome
    • Congenital Heart Disease in Dogs
    • Epilepsy
    • Hip dysplasia
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
    • Joint Luxation
    • Ligament and Tendon Tears
    • Metabolic Myopathy
    • Paw Pad Problems
    • Portal Systemic Shunts
    • Pyometra & Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
    • Snow Nose
    • Stomach Ulcers
    • Tendonitis
    • Urinary Tract Health
    • Infectious diseases >
      • Alabama Rot
      • Cryptococcosis
      • Distemper
      • Erlichiosis
      • Hepatitis
      • Histoplasmosis
      • Parvovirus
      • Rabies
  • Controlling Your Dog In Public
    • Banned Breeds
    • Dangerous Dog Act 2017
    • Dog fouling
    • Public Spaces Protection Orders
    • XL Bully Law 2024
  • Donation & Fundraising
    • Easy Fundraising
  • Evolution Of Dogs
    • Breeds >
      • Alaskan Husky
      • Aalaskan Klee Kai
      • Alaskan Malamute
      • Chow Chow
      • Crossd Breed - Huskamute
      • Greenland Dogs
      • Japanese Akita Inu & American Akita
      • Samoyed
      • Siberian Husky
      • Tamaskan
      • Czechoslovakian wolf dog
      • Saarlooswolfhond
      • Timberwolfdog
  • Equipment
    • Collars
    • Cooling Coats & Mats
    • Scooters, Dry Land Rig and Sleds
    • Walking Belt
    • Dog Weather Shelter
    • Head Collar
    • Leads
    • Harnesses
    • Stake out lines
  • Puppy and dog walking tips
  • Training
    • Agility Training
    • Canicross
    • Crate Training
    • FLYBALL TRAINING
    • Heelwork to Music Training
    • Obedience training >
      • Bite Inhibition
      • Leave it Training
      • Recall Training
      • Sit Training
      • Sit & Stay Training
      • Walking to Heel Training
      • Working In Racing Harness Sled/Dry Land Rig or Scooter
    • RING CRAFT TRAINING
    • Scent Training
    • Temperature Guide to Safely Work Your Dog
    • Toilet Training
    • Vocal Commands
    • Weight Pull Training