![]() Keratin is the food that fuels ringworm being found on the outer layers of skin, hair and nails. Although some of the strains are species specific, they will only infect one species of mammal, other are zoonotic, meaning they will spread between species and to humans as well. There are several distinct forms of dermatophytes. Ringworm gets its name from the appearance of a round red raised “ring”, making the boundary of inflamed lesions on humans infected by the fungus. This infection can occur in humans and all domestic animals. The common name “Ringworm” is given to a fungal infection of the epidermis (outer non-vascular layer of skin), nails and hair. This can lead to hair loss on dogs and can spread to other pets in the home and people too. It is caused by fungus and is a highly contagious infection. It occurs more common in younger animals and less often in older.Īlthough it is called ringworm, it is not a parasitic worm at all. These diseases can occur in dogs, cats and other warm blooded animals. There are three common forms of Dermatophytosis - Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum and Microsporum Canis (most often called ringworm). Signs of brain involvement include a wobbly gait, head pressing against the wall or hard surface, seizures, circling, blindness, and dementia.The medical term for the parasitic fungal infection that affects the hair, skin, and/or claws/nails is called Dermatophytosis. In dogs, cryptococcus involves the brain, eyes, lymph nodes, and skin.Īpproximately one half of the dogs with this fungus show respiratory signs, including nasal discharge and sometimes coughing. ![]() This fungal disease is caused by a yeast-like fungus cryptococcus neoformans, and is acquired by inhaling spores found in soil contaminated by bird droppings. Prognosis is usually good for reduction of symptoms, especially when treatment is started early in the course of infection. Treatment options for blastomycosis include Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole. Almost one half of the cases involve the skin and eyes, where nodules may be produced in the skin that may drain pus. Most cases of acute blastomycosis involve the respiratory system, and cause signs of coughing and often pneumonia. The disease is typically acquired by a dog inhaling infected spores The fungus is associated with moist rotting organic debris, often contaminated by bird droppings. This systemic fungal disease occurs along the Eastern seaboard, in the Great Lakes region, and the Mississippi River valleys. The disseminated form is more difficult to treat and only rarely cured. ![]() In the nasal form of this disease, antifungals are commonly administered directly into the nose. The imitazole class of antifungal drugs is most commonly used in fungal diseases including Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole. The disseminated form of this disease may develop suddenly or more gradually over many months, and may include signs of spinal pain or lameness, as well as non-specific signs of illness including fever, weight loss, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Symptoms of nasal aspergillosis may include sneezing, nasal pain, bleeding from the nose, decreased appetite, swollen nose, and long-term nasal discharge. In the more disseminated form of this disease occurring in other organs, it is not known how transmission occurs. In the local nasal form of this disease, aspergillosis is transmitted through direct contact with the fungus through your dog's nose and sinuses. This fungi may infect dogs usually after the immune system is compromised by stress, disease, and/or drug therapies. AspergillosisĪspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by the aspergillus, a species of common mold found throughout the environment. Many of these diseases can be effectively controlled, but a cure is often difficult. While hygiene is important in managing and handling dogs with fungal infections, treatment involves the use of specific antifungal drugs. Fungi may either involve the skin or mucous membranes, or in some cases become widespread and involve multiple organs, including the lungs, liver, and brain. Fungi are widely spread throughout the environment, and many types of fungi are spread via airborne spores, which can potentially gain entrance to the body through the respiratory tract or skin.
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