Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that can affect dogs, although it is more commonly seen in cats. Dogs under 4 years of age, especially certain breeds like the Brittany, Pointer, Weimaraner, and other working dogs, are more susceptible to this infection. The fungus responsible for histoplasmosis in dogs is called Histoplasma capsulatum, and it can be found worldwide, but it is particularly common in major river valleys in North and South America.
The infection is usually contracted when dogs inhale the fungal organisms, often found in the droppings of birds or bats. Ingesting the fungus by eating bird or bat poop or rotting wood is another possible method of transmission, but this has not been fully documented.
Symptoms of histoplasmosis in dogs typically appear 2-3 weeks after infection and can vary depending on which organs are affected by the fungus.
Common initial symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as straining to poop, diarrhea with small amounts of blood or mucus, vomiting, appetite loss, weight loss, lethargy, and fever. As the disease progresses, organ-specific symptoms may arise. Dogs with a high fungal burden in their lungs may experience coughing, rapid breathing, nasal discharge, and jaundice if the liver is affected. In some cases, the infection can spread to the eyes, bones, and skin, leading to blindness, limping, swollen joints, and unexplained skin lesions.
Histoplasmosis in dogs is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Dogs can contract the infection by eating fungal spores present in bat feces (guano), as well as by consuming bird droppings and rotting wood. The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site of infection, but other organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, eyes, joints, bones, and skin can also be affected.
Dogs can also inhale the spores, which then multiply in the lungs. In some cases, the infection remains localized to the respiratory tract without causing symptoms. However, the fungus can spread to other organs, similar to metastatic cancer.
Diagnosing histoplasmosis in dogs can be challenging due to the vague symptoms and the fact that the infection is uncommon in many parts of the United States. Veterinarians often conduct baseline diagnostics when presented with a sick animal without an obvious cause.
These diagnostic tests include blood and urine analyses to measure organ function, electrolyte levels, and cell counts. Dogs with histoplasmosis may show anemia, low platelet counts, low protein levels, increased calcium, blood sugar, and liver values. However, these results are not specific to histoplasmosis and can be caused by other diseases.
Further diagnostic imaging, such as chest X-rays or abdominal ultrasounds, may reveal nodules or masses in the lungs or other organs. Biopsies or needle aspirates of abnormal organs or tissues can also help confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, direct testing for histoplasmosis may be necessary.
The primary treatment for histoplasmosis in dogs involves long-term antifungal medication to eliminate the H. capsulatum organisms. The goal is to continue treatment until the dog has been symptom-free for at least 1 month, with some dogs requiring over 6 months of antifungal therapy.
In addition to antifungal medication, other treatments may be necessary to manage symptoms and secondary effects of the disease. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed for pneumonia or skin infections. Fluids may be given to correct dehydration, and feeding tubes may be used for dogs that refuse to eat, ensuring they receive proper nutrition while the antifungal medications work to resolve the infection.
After receiving a diagnosis of histoplasmosis, dogs will need regular physical exams to monitor treatment progress and detect any new symptoms or problems that may arise. Blood and urine tests will be performed to assess the effectiveness of the medications and check for any signs of organ damage.
Once a dog has been symptom-free for at least 1 month and tests negative for H. capsulatum, they should undergo one more test before discontinuing medications to ensure the infection has been fully cleared. Follow-up testing should be conducted 3-6 months later to check for any signs of relapse.
Can you get histoplasmosis from dogs?
Is histoplasmosis contagious in dogs?
Is it safe for dogs to eat bird or bat poop?
Can bat poop make dogs sick?
How common is histoplasmosis in dogs?
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