Histoplasmosis

This is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma. This fungus grows in bird manure and is present in the soil.

The patient contracts this disease by inhaling the fungal spores into the lungs. The fungus can then spread throughout the body.

Dogs and cats show different clinical signs since different parts of the body are affected.Dogs: The intestinal tract is the most common organ affected. These pets have severe diarrhea and weight loss. They will become very depressed and thin and run a low grade fever. The liver, spleen, and eyes are infrequently affected.Cats: The lungs are the most common organ affected. These pets have respiratory difficulty, weight loss, and anorexia. The bone marrow, liver, spleen, and skin are infrequently affected.

There are currently several anti-fungal drugs that known to be effective against Histoplasma. These medications may have to be given for several months to totally eradicate this fungus. Liver toxicity is a possibility since the medications are given long-term; patient must be monitored closely.Owners need to be aware that they can also contract Histoplasmosis, not from the pet, but from the same area the pet contracted the fungus. Any ill human in a household of a Histoplasmosis positive animal should be immediately seen by a physician.