Fungal infections in canines may be present on the skin or may affect the dog’s internal organs. The most common fungi causing infections in canines include the yeast fungi, the Blastomyces dermatitidis, the Histoplasma capsulatum and the Coccidioides immitis. According to the cause of the infection, the dog will present various symptoms.
Dog Yeast Infection Symptoms
Most commonly, dogs will be affected by yeast infections. The yeast cells are present in the dog’s organism, but when these grow in excess, this will lead to an infection in the mouth, ears, stomach, rectal or vaginal area.
The signs of yeast infection will be the followings:
- Fervent scratching, which will indicate where the infection is located
- Increased sebum production, causing greasy skin and coat
- Foul odor skin, mouth or there area with an overgrowth of yeast cells
- Thick creamy or yellow discharges from the mouth, nose, ears, rectum or vagina
- Skin rashes
Symptoms of Blastomycosis in Dogs
Blastomycosis is caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis fungi. The fungi may be contracted through air, as the spores may travel through air; however, the spores may also infest the soil and the dog may get the infection by ingesting or touching the soil.
The symptoms of blastomycosis will include:
- Elevated fever
- Coughing
- Breathing difficulties and panting
- Refusal to eat and weight loss
- Eye lesions
- Seizures, in rare cases
- Lameness, in advanced cases
If the blastomycosis is not treated, it may affect the lungs causing pneumonia. Blastomycosis is a zoonotic disease, so it may be transmitted to humans as well.
Histoplasmosis Symptoms
Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum and may be contracted through infected soil or dust. This fungal infection will be latent for the fist 10 days after contracting the disease. After this latent period the dog will display symptoms such as:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lameness
- Ocular and nasal discharges (transparent or with a pink hue)
- Sneezing or coughing
- Breathing problems
- Lack of appetite
Typically, the infection originates in the lungs, as the spores of the fungi are inhaled. If left untreated the infection will spread in other areas of the body also.
Coccidiomycosis Symptoms in Dogs
Coccidiomycosis is a fungal infection. The fungi causing the infection are the Coccidiodes immites, which infect the lungs first. The symptoms will be similar to histoplasmosis; the dog will be lethargic, cough, sneeze and pant excessively.
The infection can spread from the lungs to other organs.
Symptoms of Cryptococcosis
Dogs affected by cryptococcosis will display symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Panting
- Eye and nasal discharges
- Vision problems and blindness in advanced cases
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Skin rashes (if the infection affects the skin)
- Granulomas
The spores of the fungi are spread by birds and may also be found in contaminated soil.
If left untreated, this condition can be fatal, as it attacks the central nervous system.