Histoplasmosis is a chronic, non-contagious fungal infection caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. H. capsulatum is found globally and may infect both humans and animals. However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats.
How is histoplasmosis transmitted in dogs?
By definition, histoplasmosis in dogs is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (also known as H. capsulatum). Eating fungal spores in bat feces (guano) is the classic source of the infection, although the fungus can also be transmitted when dogs eat bird droppings and rotting wood, among other sources.
Can histoplasmosis be cured in dogs?
Histoplasmosis can be treated and dogs with lung infection often have a good prognosis with therapy, especially if treatment is started shortly after clinical signs appear. However, long-term treatment (often requiring six or more months) is required and can be expensive.
What is histoplasmosis signs and symptoms?
In most cases, histoplasmosis causes mild flu-like symptoms that appear between 3 and 17 days after exposure to the fungus. These symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough and chest discomfort. In these milder forms, most symptoms go away on their own in a few weeks.
Can histoplasmosis be cured?
For some people, the symptoms of histoplasmosis will go away without treatment. However, prescription antifungal medication is needed to treat severe histoplasmosis in the lungs, chronic histoplasmosis, and infections that have spread from the lungs to other parts of the body (disseminated histoplasmosis).
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What are the signs and symptoms of histoplasmosis?What are the early symptoms of histoplasmosis?
