Aspergillosis in Dogs: How Dogs Get Them, Symptoms and Treatments
Aspergillosis in dogs is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus fungal spore species. Dogs get aspergillosis by inhaling fungal spores, such as Aspergillus, in soil, decaying vegetation, or other organic matter, causing nose problems in dogs. The spores lodge in the nasal passages and grow, causing infection.
Aspergillosis in dogs is nasal or systemic. Nasal aspergillosis primarily affects the nasal passages and sinuses. Systemic or disseminated aspergillosis is a severe condition in which the infection is more generalized in the dog's organs or bones and is often fatal. Dogs with systemic aspergillosis develop fever, weight, and appetite loss and are prone to eye inflammation. Dogs with systemic aspergillosis do not exhibit nasal symptoms.
Symptoms of nasal aspergillosis in dogs include nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, primarily through the nose, facial pain or swelling, reduced sense of smell, ulceration, or crusting of the nasal tissues. Systemic aspergillosis shows general signs of illness such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, lameness (if bones are affected), and neurological signs if the brain is involved.
Diagnosing dog nose fungus and systemic aspergillosis includes a physical examination, imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, fungal culture or PCR testing of nasal discharge or tissue samples for biopsy of affected tissues, and urine tests.
Treatment for nasal aspergillosis in dogs includes antifungal medications, nasal flushes, surgical debridement, air humidification, supportive care, and regular monitoring by a veterinarian. Systemic aspergillosis is treated with systemic antifungal medications, supportive care for affected organs, and management of complications.
What is Aspergillosis in Dogs?
Aspergillosis in dogs is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. The more common form of the disease is nasal aspergillosis, which primarily affects the respiratory system, especially the nasal cavity and airways, leading to nose problems in dogs.
Disseminated aspergillosis is a serious condition that affects different body parts such as lymph nodes, stomach, kidneys, and vertebrae.
“Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of canine sino-nasal aspergillosis, with A. tubingensis and A. uvarum showing pathogenic roles in dogs,” according to the study by Talbot, J., Johnson, L., Martin, P., Beatty, J., Sutton, D., Billen, F., Halliday, C., Gibson, J., Kidd, S., Steiner, J., Ujvari, B., & Barrs, V. titled “What causes canine sino-nasal aspergillosis? A molecular approach to species identification,” 2014.
Aspergillus fungal spores lodge in the nasal passages, sinuses, and other respiratory structures, causing nasal aspergillosis. The fungus grows and causes inflammation, tissue damage, and fungal masses known as granulomas. Nasal aspergillosis in dogs symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Severe aspergillosis occurs when the infection spreads to the lungs, causing pneumonia and systemic illness, which is severe and life-threatening.
How do Dogs Get Aspergillosis?
Dogs get aspergillosis through inhalation or direct contact with Aspergillus fungal spores in the environment.
The Aspergillus species has over 180 kinds of mold in the environment. Dogs inhale the fungal spores in soil, compost piles, and decaying vegetation. Spores are inhaled through the nasal passages and penetrate deep into the delicate tissues of their nasal cavities, causing inflammation in the respiratory tract. A dog's nasal passages are warm and damp, making them an ideal breeding ground for the fungi, leading to nasal discharge, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
Dogs contract aspergillosis through direct contact with fungal spores, especially if their immune systems are compromised.
“Sinonasal aspergillosis occurs in healthy, young to middle-aged dogs, possibly due to local immune dysfunction,” according to the study by Peeters, D., & Clercx, C. titled “Update on canine sinonasal aspergillosis,” 2007.
How can Aspergillosis Affect Dogs?
Aspergillosis can affect dogs in various ways, such as respiratory problems, neurological symptoms, and eye infections.
Aspergillosis in dogs manifests in two forms: nasal and disseminated. Nasal aspergillosis predominantly affects the nasal passages and sinuses, causing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge (often bloody or pus-like), nasal pain, and nosebleeds. The localized infection leads to significant discomfort and potential facial swelling but remains confined to the upper respiratory tract.
Disseminated aspergillosis is a severe and systemic infection that begins in the lungs and spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs. Symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, and fever. Disseminated aspergillosis affects several body systems, resulting in lameness due to bone infection, respiratory distress, neurological signs, such as seizures or behavioral changes, and eye infections.
Neurological and ocular complications are typically associated with disseminated aspergillosis due to its systemic spread and capacity to invade multiple organ systems.
“Disseminated aspergillosis affect German shepherd dogs presenting with ocular disease, neurological deficits, spinal column pain, urinary system disorders, and radiographic evidence of skeletal and/or respiratory pathology,” according to the study by Bruchim, Y., Elad, D., & Klainbart, S. titled “Disseminated aspergillosis in two dogs in Israel,” 2006.
Is Aspergillosis a Kind of Dog Nose Fungus?
Yes, aspergillosis is a kind of dog nose fungus. “Fungal infections in the nasal cavity are common causes of nasal disease in dogs and cats, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most common cause in dogs and Cryptococcus neoformans in cats,” according to the study by Wolf, A. titled “Fungal diseases of the nasal cavity of the dog and cat,” 1992.
Nasal aspergillosis occurs when dogs inhale the spores of the Aspergillus fungus, leading to an infection primarily in the nasal passages; hence, the reference to dog nose fungus.
Can Aspergillosis cause Rhinitis?
Yes, aspergillosis can cause rhinitis in dogs, leading to nasal passage inflammation and discharge. Rhinitis in dogs is inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which has various causes, including aspergillosis.
“86 per cent of dogs with nasal aspergillosis responded well to treatment and showed signs consistent with mild rhinitis during a minimum follow-up period of six months,” according to the study by Sissener, T., Bacon, N., Friend, E., Anderson, D., & White, R. titled “Combined clotrimazole irrigation and depot therapy for canine nasal aspergillosis.
Certain breeds like German Shepherds may be more susceptible to this condition,” 2006.
German Shepherds, who have a long, convoluted nasal passage, are more prone to developing rhinitis when exposed to fungal spores of Aspergillus. The fungus triggers an inflammatory response, resulting in nasal discharge, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Rhinitis in dogs caused by aspergillosis is challenging to diagnose and treat, often requiring specialized testing and treatment methods.
How is Aspergillosis Diagnosed?
Aspergillosis is diagnosed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian evaluates the clinical symptoms and uses diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, X-rays, cultures, and serological tests to diagnose fungal infections. “Canine aspergillosis is diagnosed based on clinical manifestation, supported and confirmed by laboratory means, including antigen detection and antigen-specific molecular assays,” according to the study by Elad, D., & Segal, E. titled “Diagnostic Aspects of Veterinary and Human Aspergillosis,” 2018.
Veterinarians assess the dog’s symptoms, which include nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and sneezing in the clinical evaluation. CT scans and X-ray imaging identify abnormalities in the nasal passages or sinuses that indicate aspergillosis. Fungal cultures or serological tests identify the fungal infection and determine the specific strain of Aspergillus involved.
What are Home Remedies if your Dog has Aspergillosis?
The home remedies if your dog has aspergillosis are listed below.
- Humidification: Moist air eases nasal congestion and discomfort, but there are no home remedies for aspergilliosis. Use a humidifier in the room where the dog spends most of its time to provide supportive care.
- Nasal Saline Sprays: Saline nasal sprays for pets are available in pet stores and help moisturize the nasal passages and loosen nasal discharge.
- Comfortable Environment: Ensure the dog has a comfortable and stress-free environment to rest. Provide soft bedding and a quiet space away from loud noises and other stressors.
- Nutritious Diet: A balanced and healthy diet supports the dog's immune system and health. Ensure the dog has access to fresh water and is eating well.
- Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to potential irritants such as smoke, strong odors, and dusty environments to avoid exacerbating nasal symptoms.
- Regular Monitoring: Check the dog's symptoms and well-being. Note any changes and communicate them to the veterinarian during follow-up appointments.
Is Aspergillosis a Type of Parasitic Infection?
No, aspergillosis is not a parasitic infection. Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by the growth of Aspergillus fungi in the respiratory system of dogs. “Canine sino-nasal aspergillosis is a non-invasive fungal infection with similar clinical features to human chronic erosive non-invasive fungal sinusitis,” according to the study by Day, M. titled “Canine sino-nasal aspergillosis: parallels with human disease,” 2009.
Accurate diagnosis and treatment of aspergillosis depends on understanding the distinction between parasites and fungi.
Fungal infections result from the overgrowth of fungi, whereas nasal parasitic infections in dogs are caused by organisms that live on or inside another organism.
The differences between fungal and parasitic infection include the mode of transmission, treatment options, and the types of diagnostic tests used to identify the infection. Veterinarians determine the underlying cause as fungal and design treatment plans to combat fungal pathogens.
What are the Treatments for Dogs with Aspergillosis in Their Nose?
The treatments for dogs with aspergillosis in their nose are listed below.
- Antifungal Medications: The primary treatment for aspergillosis involves antifungal medications such as itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole. The medications are usually given orally and help to eliminate the fungal infection in the nose. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection and the response to medication.
- Nasal Flushes: Nasal flushes containing antifungal solutions remove fungal debris from the nose passages, reducing inflammation and improving breathing.
- Surgical Debridement: Surgical debridement of the affected nasal tissue is necessary in severe cases of aspergillosis or if the infection does not respond to medication. Surgical debridement removes the infected tissue to reduce the fungal load and improve the effectiveness of antifungal treatment.
- Supportive Care: Supportive care helps the dog cope with symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Supportive care includes humidification of the air, nasal saline sprays, and medications to alleviate discomfort.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the dog's condition, including follow-up appointments with a veterinarian, is important to assess the response to treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
How long can dogs live with aspergillosis if Untreated?
Dogs with untreated aspergillosis live for months to a few years, depending on the type of aspergillosis and the severity of the untreated condition.
Scientific data on the life expectancy in dogs with untreated aspergillosis is minimal. Localized nasal aspergillosis usually has a good prognosis, while a severe systemic infection is generally guarded to poor, especially if the dog has a weak immune system or comorbidity.
Untreated aspergillosis significantly impacts a dog's quality of life and longevity, especially in long-nosed breeds where fungal infections escalate rapidly. “A 2.5 year old German Shepherd Dog with disseminated Aspergillus deflectus infection and palliative management survived for three years and two months before succumbing to chronic kidney disease,” according to the study by Bennett, P., Talbot, J., Martin, P., Kidd, S., Makara, M., & Barrs, V. titled “Long term survival of a dog with disseminated Aspergillus deflectus infection without definitive treatment,” 2018.
Long-nosed breeds, such as Greyhounds, Collies, and Dachshunds, are susceptible to aspergillosis due to the structure of their nasal passages, making them more prone to fungal infections. Nasal aspergillosis leads to chronic respiratory issues, facial deformities, blindness, and neurological symptoms and is potentially fatal when untreated or improperly treated.
Is aspergillosis in dogs painful?
Yes, aspergillosis in dogs is painful because the fungal growths affect the nasal passages and cause respiratory discomfort. “Nasal aspergillosis in dogs is marked by chronic nasal discharge, ulceration of the external nares, and pain or discomfort in the facial region,” Benitah, N., “Canine nasal aspergillosis,” 2006.
Respiratory distress due to dog sinus infection with aspergillosis manifests as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, all indicative of discomfort. Pain management alleviates suffering and aids in speedy recovery by allowing the affected dog to rest and heal.
Understanding the nuanced signs of pain in dogs, such as changes in behavior or appetite, is essential for tailoring treatment and managing the pain associated with aspergillosis. The most effective pain management strategies involve medication, environmental modifications, and supportive care tailored to the individual dog's needs.
Is nasal aspergillosis fatal in dogs?
No, nasal aspergillosis is not fatal in dogs if treated immediately. “Open nasal cavity and frontal sinus treatment effectively treats chronic canine aspergillosis, with all dogs clinically free of the condition after months 6 through 34,” according to the study by Pavletic, M., & Clark, G. titled “Open nasal cavity and frontal sinus treatment of chronic canine aspergillosis,” 1991.
Severe respiratory complications or systemic fungal spread are possible if nasal aspergillosis is untreated or improperly treated. The fungus infiltrates and damages vital structures in the nasal cavity, sinuses, organs, and brain, causing irreversible harm and potentially death as the disease advances.
Will Aspergillosis Make the Dog's Nose Bleed?
Yes, aspergillosis will cause a dog's nose to bleed, particularly in cases of nasal aspergillosis. Nasal aspergillosis primarily affects the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to inflammation and damage to the nasal tissues. Symptoms include nasal discharge that is bloody or pus-like, and nosebleeds are common. “Fungal infections of the nasal cavity, caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in dogs and Cryptococcus neoformans in cats, are common causes of nasal disease and bleeding in dogs,” according to the study by Wolf, A. titled “Fungal diseases of the nasal cavity of the dog and cat,” 1992.
The irritation results in the formation of fragile blood vessels more prone to rupture, leading to episodes of bleeding nose in dogs. Blood in the nasal discharge indicates ruptured blood vessels, and pet owners must be vigilant in observing any changes in their dog's nasal discharge, especially if it becomes persistent.
Systemic or disseminated aspergillosis is less likely to cause a dog's nose to bleed because it does not target the nasal passage. It starts in the lungs and spreads to other organs, presenting symptoms such as fever, weight loss, appetite loss, and eye inflammation, depending on which organs are affected.