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FightBlasto.org
Blastomycosis is a nasty fungal infection that has the potential to kill humans as well as our pets. Know the danger signs!
Wisconsin has the highest rates of blastomycosis in the U.S.
Warning Signs of Canine Blastomycosis
- Fever
- Depression / Lethargy
- Decreased Appetite / Weigh Loss
- Cough / Increased Breathing Effort
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Blindness / Vision Problems
- Lameness or Limping
- Draining skin lesions (especially if the fungus enters the body through broken skin).
Early Detection is Vital
Blasto is a Master of Disguise
Often times people may confuse Blastomycosis with a “cold” or a respiratory virus because it has many of the same symptoms. Unfortunately antibiotics that are usually prescribed for respiratory bugs will not work on Blastomycosis.
Make Sure to Inform Your Doctor or Veterinarian
If you or your pet are active outdoors, particularly in or near the water, or in other places where acidic soils, or decaying wood and plant material can be found, make sure to tell your veterinarian so they can factor that into their diagnosis. One Wisconsin outbreak was even traced back to a yard waste center where a large pile of decaying plant material was moved, stirring up blasto spores.