Uncommon Fungal Infections Affect Area Pets

In 2018, fungal infections rarely seen in the northeastern United States affected pets in New Jersey. Dr. Melanie Puchot, Internal Medicine specialist at NorthStar VETS, said, “These are uncommon infections in our area, especially in pets with no travel history. We want to make pet parents aware of this because the infections might otherwise be missed or misdiagnosed.”

Dr. Puchot has done extensive research on two of these infections, Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis, which can be viewed at http://www.northstarvets.com/new-fungal-infections.  Dr. Puchot added, “Pets travel now more than ever, and get exposed to other pets in many settings like parks and retail stores. Combined with warmer, wetter weather, it has allowed for cases never-before seen in this area to start appearing.”

Histoplasmosis

• Fungal infection that can infect dogs, cats and humans
• Spread by inhalation of the fungus in soil (not transmissible from patient to patient)
• Most commonly found in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and in the Southeastern U.S.
• Major clinical signs include cough, rapid breathing, GI upset, anemia, enlargement of organs, and eye inflammation
• In pets, can look like a growth, asthma, IBD, and heart failure
• Can be treated and managed with a long course of appropriate anti-fungals

Cryptococcosis

• Fungal infection that can infect cats, dogs and humans (but is most common in cats)
• Spready by inhalation of the fungus in soil (not likely transmissible from patient to patient)
• The fungus can be found worldwide, but in the United States is most commonly found on the west coast and in Canada
• Major clinical signs include upper respiratory tract infection, ulcers and lesions, eye infection, and neurologic signs like inflammation of the brain
• In pets, the nasal cavity is the primary site of infection and can cause rhinitis
• Any travel history, even years prior, can be considered significant for risk of infection

About NorthStar VETS

Located in Robbinsville, NJ, NorthStar VETS is the region’s leader in providing advanced veterinary services by board-certified, residency trained, or highly experienced veterinarians 24/7. As an American Animal Hospital-Accredited (AAHA) Referral Practice, NorthStar VETS continues to set the standard in medical excellence for dogs, cats, birds, exotics, and other family pets. www.northstarvets.com

https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/uncommon-fungal-infections-affect-area-pets/