Can a dog recover from a fungal infection

Fungal Infections in Dogs

Oomycosis (also called pythiosis) is a disease caused by Pythium insidiosum, which is not a true fungus but a water mold related to algae. It occurs in some tropical and subtropical areas of the world and is seen in warmer to temperate sections of the US. In dogs, pythiosis is most often encountered in Southeast Asia, eastern coastal Australia, South America, and the United States, especially along the Gulf coast. In the US, the disease most often is seen in fall and winter months.

These organisms cause disease when animals come into contact with the infecting zoospores in water, usually by ingestion. Pythiosis most often affects the gastrointestinal tract in young adult dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. The usual site of infection is the stomach and the adjacent intestinal tissues, but any part of the gastrointestinal tract may be infected. Affected dogs often will have a history of upper gastrointestinal tract obstruction and may have an abdominal mass the veterinarian can feel during examination. Common signs include vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite. The weight loss can be severe, but affected dogs usually do not appear generally ill until the infection is well advanced.

Less frequently, dogs will have a pythiosis infection concentrated in the skin and adjacent tissues. A wound has usually allowed the entry of the infective zoospores into the skin tissues. Many of these animals have a history of swimming or being in swampy areas. Non-healing, tumor-like nodules may be present. They often grow rapidly. Some lesions may have a focused area of dead cells and a spongy appearance. Such lesions are usually on the legs, neck, near the place where the tail connects to the body, or on the perineum (the space between the anus and scrotum (male) or vulva (female)). They can, however, be seen anywhere on the body.

Lagenidiosis is a disease involving theskin, the area beneath the skin, and multiple parts of the body, most often the legs, mammary glands, perineum, or trunk. It has been recently reported in dogs from the southern United States. Lagenidiosis also is caused by a water mold (Lagenidium species). There are at least two species of Lagenidium that affect dogs, one of which progresses quickly. The slower developing form of lagenidiosis is very similar to the skin form of pythiosis. The faster developing form can involve multiple, organs across the body. Internal lymph nodes, the lungs, and large blood vessels (such as the aorta or vena cava) may be affected. This can lead to large bulges in the wall of the blood vessels (called aneurysms) that can rupture and cause sudden death.

Dogs exposed to warm, standing fresh water are more likely to be in contact with the infectious zoospores and may have increased risk for both pythiosis and lagenidiosis. Reports of animals being infected with no known history of being near water suggests that animals may be infected by contact with resistant spores that form in wet soil and on grass.

The diagnosis of lagenidiosis and pythiosis is made with laboratory tests including cultures and blood tests. The treatment of choice for pythiosis and lagenidiosis has been aggressive surgery to remove infected tissue, but the disease is often too extensive at the time of diagnosis to allow complete removal. Whenever possible, complete amputation of affected limbs may be curative. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery followed by treatment with antifungal drugs. Approximately 20% of dogs will respond to longterm antifungal treatment. For most infections the outlook is guarded to poor, even though there have been advances in treatment. In some dogs, a therapeutic vaccine (one given to treat a disease rather than prevent it) has helped cure the condition.

Also see professional information regarding oomycosis

Dog Eye Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Although smell is your dogs primary way of experiencing the world, your dogs vision is also important. Maintaining good eye health is essential for your dogs comfort and well-being. If your pet is suffering from a dog eye infection, its a major concern. Eye infections in dogs can quickly become serious and lead to severe complications. Learn to recognize the signs of an eye infection to ensure speedy and targeted treatment for your dog.

What Are the Signs of a Dog Eye Infection?

Just as with people, a dog eye infection occurs when something, such as bacteria, invades the tissues of the eye. Dr. Chantale Pinard, associate professor and veterinary ophthalmologist at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, specializes in dog eye infections. Eye infections can present with many symptoms, especially related to type and duration of infection, Dr. Chantale says. The number of clinical signs will increase with the severity of the infection and possibly the duration.

Recent infections that are less than 24 hours old often exhibit symptoms such as:

• Excess tearing
• Excessive winking or blinking (depending on whether the infection is in one or both eyes)
• Prolapse (popping out of the corner of the eye) of the third eyelid (the membrane that comes from the inner corner of the eye)
• Yellow-green discharge from the eye
• Pawing at the eye or keeping the eye closed

Chronic infections may exhibit signs such as:

• Yellow or green discharge from the eye
• Slight winking/blinking or keeping the eyelids closed
• Prolapse of the third eyelid

In addition, your dog might have red or pink in the whites of their eyes or around their eyelids, light sensitivity, or swollen eyelids. Although not all dogs will exhibit these behaviors, they are clear indicators that something is wrong.

What Causes Dog Eye Infections?

There are many causes of eye infections in dogs. One of the most common is an abrasion (ulcer) or scratch of the cornea, the clear part of the eyeball that the dog sees through. Corneal abrasions are often due to trauma. Trauma can include when the dog rubs at their eye, a grain of sand enters the eye and scratches the surface, or a thorn or stick cuts the cornea as the dog rushes through the bushes, a particular risk in hunting dogs. Another common cause of corneal abrasion is shampoo getting into a dogs eye during a bath. Dr. Pinard advises prompt veterinary care in these cases.

Dr. Pinard states that another common cause of dog eye infection is dry eye syndrome, officially known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Although veterinary care is necessary, its not considered an emergency like corneal abrasion. However, the sooner your dog starts receiving medication, the better their response to treatment will be. This disease can start off slowly with more eye sleep goobers in the morning or can be acute due to a reaction to a medication or if it was missed inadvertently at the beginning of clinical signs, says Dr. Pinard. The signs correspond to a lack of tears and the accumulation of mucus. This mucus usually turns green/yellow due to an overwhelming number of bacteria that were not flushed because of a lack of tears.

Although its not as common, Dr. Pinard explains that infection of the eyelids can also lead to an eye infection in dogs because the eyelids are in close contact with the eyeball. Usually the eyelids will be swollen, red, and may have lumps or bumps that rupture into skin ulcers. These cases should be seen within a week of presenting symptoms.

Differentiating Between Dog Eye Allergies and Infection

If your dog has allergies to pollen or dust mites, for example, it can cause clear discharge from the eyes and redness, which can look like an eye infection. But allergies can also cause conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucus membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the eyeball.

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, outlines a general rule of thumb for telling apart dog eye infections and allergies. If only one eye is affected, the cause is likely infection or inflammation. Because allergic situations are systemic, both eyes could be affected.

Dr. Pinard says allergic conjunctivitis is another common cause of eye infection in dogs, especially after swimming in the dirty water of a pond. The pink tissue around the eyeconjunctivabecomes irritated and red. This can lead to increased tearing and blinking. Veterinary care should be sought in the first 24 hours, as this condition can lead to increased trauma to the eyelids due to rubbing.

Dog Eye Infection Treatment

The treatment for eye infections in dogs depends on the cause. Topical antibiotics are warranted for corneal ulceration, and the choice of antibiotic will depend on the severity, Dr. Pinard explains. For dry eye symptoms, artificial tears will help when given three to four times daily. But what is really needed is a veterinarian-prescribed tear stimulant that will promote natural tearing. For eyelid infections, a veterinarian will prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Thats why taking your dog to a veterinarian is key when you see the first signs of a possible eye infection. Your veterinarian will take a history of symptoms and conduct a comprehensive eye exam for diagnosis and prescription of appropriate treatment. This goes beyond looking at the eye with instruments, Dr. Pinard says. It also includes ocular tests that will confirm a diagnosis. These tests include a measurement of the tear productionSchirmer tear testand fluorescein stain uptake, where a dye is placed on the cornea to detect ulcerations. In some cases, the measurement of eye pressure may also be needed.

Can You Treat Dog Eye Infections at Home?

Dont attempt to treat your dogs eye infection on your own with human medications or with medications previously prescribed to your dog. Dr. Pinard explains they may not be appropriate for the current infection and could even worsen the condition. Should the eye infection not resolve in twenty-hour hours, then veterinary care should be sought out. Unfortunately, the eye can be very unforgiving, and infections can easily get out of control fast, so prompt veterinary care is recommended.

Give your dog the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian, whether that be administering eye drops or oral medication. Dr. Pinard also advises placing an Elizabethan collar or cone on your dog to prevent your dog from rubbing at their eyes, further traumatizing them. Appropriate treatment gives your dog the best chance to recover with minimal complications.

Until you can get to the vet or emergency vet, Dr. Klein advises that you consider flushing the eye using a cotton ball saturated in lukewarm water and gently squeezing water to help rinse the eye.

How to Prevent Eye Infections in Dogs

The best way to prevent dog eye infections is to avoid trauma to the eye and the invasion of foreign particles. Trim bushes around your yard, keep your dogs fur around the eyes trimmed and clean, and prevent your dog from sticking their head out the window of a moving car.

Dr. Pinard also suggests applying artificial tears before and after a walk on windy days to help your dogs eyes flush foreign bodies like sand. Finally, consider commercially available dog goggles to protect your dogs eyes in potentially harmful situations.

Yeast Infections in Dogs: What to Know

Yeast infections in dogs are common, especially in certain breeds or dogs with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems. While they can occur anywhere on the skin, they are often seen in your dogs ears. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications. Heres what to know about yeast infections in dogs to keep your dog healthy.

What Causes a Yeast Infection in Dogs?

Yeast is a live, single-celled microorganism classified as a member of the fungus kingdom. Its normally found on every dogs skin, but in small amounts. A yeast infection occurs when a substantial amount of yeast excessively builds up in one area.

Yeast infections often occur if there is an underlying medical condition, such as food sensitivities, environmental factors, or parasites, such as fleas, which can cause allergies, as well as the dermatological condition seborrhea. Bacterial infections or underlying hormonal problems may also throw the skins defenses off-balance. In the case of yeast infections of the ear, the most common causes are water or debris trapped in the ear or food sensitivities. Yeast infections of the ear could also be caused by underlying mechanical issues such as damage to the eardrum, a polyp, or even a mass or tumor in the ear canal.

Are Some Breeds More Susceptible to Yeast Infections?

Certain dog breeds are thought to be genetically predisposed to developing yeast infections. These breeds include the West Highland White Terrier, Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Australian Terrier, Maltese, Chihuahua, Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog, Lhasa Apso, and Dachshund.

Dogs with floppy ears who swim often, such as Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, are more likely to get yeast infections. Breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu are also more susceptible to infections because the thick hair in their ear canals hampers the airflow necessary to keep ears dry.

Any dog with allergies is also more likely to develop yeast infections.

Types of Yeast Infections in Dogs and How to Recognize Them

Yeast Infections in Ears

The ear canal of a dog is L-shaped, dropping down and toward the head. This dark, warm, moist environment is the perfect setting for a yeast infection to thrive. The two types of yeast most often found in a dogs ears are Candida and Malassezia.

Yeast infections can occur in any part of the dogs ear. A dog with a yeast infection in their ear may exhibit these symptoms:

• Scratching and digging at the ear
• Rubbing the head on the floor, walls, or furniture
• Excessive shaking of the head
• Musty odor
• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
• Crusted skin or fur on the ear flap
• Swelling and redness
• Hair loss around the base of the ear

Early diagnosis and treatment of a yeast infection in the ears are critical before it spreads deeper. If a yeast infection spreads deeper into the ear, it can cause serious pain and complications, such as loss of hearing, vestibular imbalance, or neurological damage.

Yeast Infections on Paws

A dogs paws are susceptible to yeast infections because they encounter wet, dirty ground, which means moisture and dirt are likely to be trapped between the toes and pads. Contact with grass and weeds can also trigger allergies or result in cuts and scratches. Dogs are likely to lick their irritated paws, which doesnt help, instead adding even more moisture.

If your dog has a yeast infection on the paws, you may see the following symptoms:

Excessive licking and chewing of the feet

• Redness and irritated skin
• Brown discharge in nailbeds
• Pink salivary staining on the hair around the paws
• Hair loss

There could be many reasons a dog excessively licks their paws, including anxiety, boredom, injury, parasites, bacteria, or allergies, including food sensitivities. Early examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment by a veterinarian can relieve discomfort and prevent complications. This is made using a combination of their medical history and diagnostic swabs of the debris or accompanying cells.

Yeast Infections on Skin

Yeast dermatitis, a skin inflammation caused by yeast infections, can spread to any area of a dogs skin. But its most likely to occur at the site of a rash or wherever there are skin folds that can trap moisture. Wrinkly breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei, are especially vulnerable.

Symptoms of yeast infections of the skin include:

• Intense itching
• Red, irritated, inflamed skin
• Greasy, crusty, or flaky patches
• Thickening (elephant-like) skin
• Darker skin color
• Hair loss
• Musty smell

Although a yeast infection of the skin may start in a very specific area, if left untreated, it can spread and affect the entire body, including the dogs face and mouth. Often, there may be a secondary bacterial infection accompanying the yeast infection.

How to Treat Yeast Infections in Dogs

Depending on how deep in the ear canal a yeast infection is, the treatment will vary. The veterinarian will prescribe a topical antifungal cream for an infection in the outer ear. An infection of the middle ear may require antifungal drops or oral medication. The vet is likely to recommend a thorough cleaning of the ear and possibly ongoing treatment with ear-drying solutions.

Yeast infections on the paws may require treatment with a disinfectant spray to kill germs, as well as daily application of a topical antifungal lotion or spray. It may also be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to keep the dog from licking the paws so they can stay dry while they heal.

Skin infections may require topical and oral treatment. Cleansing shampoos may clean up the greasy skin. Your vet may recommend using a medicated, antifungal shampoo and leaving it on the dogs skin for about 10 minutes. Bathing may need to be repeated for up to 12 weeks. The veterinarian will also prescribe an antifungal medication, as well as an antibiotic, to treat any bacterial skin infection that may occur along with yeast dermatitis.

How to Prevent Yeast Infections in Dogs

The good news is that yeast infections in dogs are not contagious to other dogs or humans. The most important thing to remember to prevent yeast infections is to keep the area clean and dry.

Too much moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so thoroughly drying your dogs ears after swimming and bathing can prevent moisture build-up. If your dog has a skin rash, musty smell, or is scratching or licking excessively, taking them to the veterinarian can prevent an infection from spreading and becoming more serious.

The prognosis for yeast infections is good when you follow the treatments your veterinarian gives you. Its important to understand that unless an underlying problem such as allergies, hypothyroidism, or seborrhea is controlled, a yeast infection is likely to come back.