Fungal Infection (Aspergillosis) in Dogs
Key takeaways
Aspergillosis is infection with the fungal organism Aspergillus spp. in dogs.
- Aspergillus is found world-wide in soil, and does not usually cause disease
- In some dogs, especially immunocompromised individuals, eating or inhaling the fungal spores of Aspergillus causes infection
- Symptoms depend on the form of infection and may include thick yellowish to red nasal discharge, sneezing, nosebleeds, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness
- Diagnosis of aspergillosis is difficult and typically includes bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, urinalysis, tissue biopsy, and fungal cultures
- Treatment is with antifungal drugs
- In the sinonasal form, recurrence is rare and prognosis is good
- In the systemic form, prognosis is guarded
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A closer look: Fungal Infection (Aspergillosis) in Dogs
Aspergillus spp. are commonly found worldwide in soil, but infection in dogs is uncommon. When infections occur, they are categorized as either sinonasal or disseminated.
The sinonasal form of aspergillosis is common in dogs and generally has a good prognosis with treatment. The disseminated form is rare, and prognosis is guarded even with treatment.
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Risk factors
Symptoms of the sinonasal form are similar to those of many other nasal diseases. The presence of smelly, bloody, or thick yellowish nasal discharge suggests a serious infection and warrants veterinary attention.
Middle-aged female German Shepherds are markedly overrepresented in incidence reporting of disseminated aspergillosis. Dogs with underlying immunosuppression are at greater risk of infection and complications.
Possible causes
Aspergillosis is caused by an infection with the fungal organism Aspergillus spp. This organism is found in the soil and normally does not cause disease in healthy dogs. It is generally believed that some immune system defect is responsible for certain dogs’ susceptibility to infection with Aspergillus spp.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of the disseminated form depend on which organs are affected.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of sinonasal aspergillosis is challenging since the symptoms are similar to other nasal diseases. Diagnostic tools include:
- Physical exam
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Diagnostic imaging
- Rhinoscopy
- Tissue biopsy
- Fungal cultures
Referral to a specialist may be recommended to access specialized diagnostic equipment. Investigation for underlying immunosuppression may be required for cases of the disseminated form.
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of aspergillosis is challenging, and may need to be repeated. The most effective course of treatment involves administration of topical antifungals into the nasal and sinus cavities while under anesthesia. Oral administration of antifungals is less effective on the sinonasal type of aspergillosis.
Prognosis of sinonasal aspergillosis depends on the extent of its reach into tissues and bony structures beyond the nasal/sinus areas. Treatment may need to be repeated.
If there are no extranasal symptoms, prognosis is good and recurrence is rare.
Prognosis for the disseminated form of aspergillosis is guarded, and depends upon identification of the underlying reason the dog was susceptible. Infection may recur, and many dogs succumb to complications. Many dogs with recurring disseminated aspergillosis are euthanized due to poor prognosis, severe neurological signs, and/or respiratory distress.
Prevention
Prevention of aspergillosis is to avoid areas of decaying organic material, such as compost piles, stables, and barns, especially for dogs with known underlying immune system conditions. Aspergillosis is not contagious.
Is Fungal Infection (Aspergillosis) in Dogs common?
Nasosinal aspergillosis is a common fungal infection in dogs. Disseminated aspergillosis is rare.
Typical Treatment
- Intranasal antifungals
- Supportive care
- IV fluids
- Investigation of underlying conditions
- Systemic antifungals
