Beta bones showing — we launched fast to fetch info for pet parents, vets, and pet lovers.
Caused by
Inhaling Blastomyces fungal spores usually found in moist soil, decomposing wood and leaves, especially near waterways or construction areas.
Where
Great Lakes, Mississippi & Ohio River valleys, and parts of Canada, generally by bodies of water or construction sites. Early research indicated cases only in rural areas but that is no longer the case.
Why it matters
If not treated promptly, it can lead to death. There is no vaccine or way to prevent blasto unless there are known hot spots to avoid. Early testing and diagnosis can change outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers for pet owners, based on real cases.
A
BASICS
Blastomycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread throughout the body, including the eyes, skin, bones, and brain. Humans, dogs, and other mammals have tested positive for blastomycosis.
Through primary research we’ve learned mostly dogs got infected, but cats have been diagnosed. Secondary research indicates other mammals such as horses have blastomycosis.
B
TRANSMISSION & GEOGRAPHY
Dogs become infected by inhaling fungal spores found in the environment.
These spores are commonly present in:
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Moist soil
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Areas near rivers, lakes, and wetlands
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Disturbed ground (construction sites, wooded areas)
It is not spread from dog to dog. (It’s believed the only way it could be transmitted is from blood to blood contact.)
The spores are not visible to the human eye and there is no way to detect them (why we started Blastobase!).
If you or someone you know has a pet that currently or previously tested positive for blastomycosis, please complete the form here.
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Blastomycosis is most common in regions around:
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The Great Lakes
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The Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri River valleys
This includes areas like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. However, our research is set to determine all areas blasto is present. It has been found in Vermont, parts of the Southeast U.S., and even Europe. It’s possible the pathogens are traveling on the bottom of people’s shoes or in areas that haven’t been disturbed or previous detected.
The fungus is not relegated to rural areas as cases in the major cities are on the rise.
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C
SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
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Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
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Fever and lethargy
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
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Eye inflammation or vision problems (pets can go blind if the fungus spreads to the head)
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Skin lesions or draining sores
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Limping (if bones are affected)
Symptoms often resemble other illnesses such as kennel cough or lung cancer, which can delay diagnosis.
An antigen urine test or skin sample under a microscope is the fastest way to diagnose. Urine samples should be sent immediately to a lab and results should come back in 3-5 days. If it’s longer than that, find another lab such as MiraVista, located in Indiana. Certainly, use the Blatobase forum or directory to ask other professionals for recommendations.
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Veterinarians may use a combination of:
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Chest X-rays Microscopic examination of samples (e.g., skin)
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Antigen testing (urine or blood)
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Antibody testing (blood) (Your pet currently has or had the disease and more testing is needed)
A definitive diagnosis often requires identifying the organism or detecting its antigens (i.e., urine = active blasto infection).
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Miravista in Indiana is a lab that should be considered. We do not have an affiliation with them, but have had success in getting results returned in days.
D
PREVENTION & HUMAN RISK
No—blastomycosis is not contagious between dogs and humans.
However, if a dog is diagnosed, it may indicate that the environment contains the fungus, which could also pose a risk to people.
This is key as there is currently no vaccine and no reliable way to eliminate exposure risk. Blastobase was founded on the belief that humans who care about pets can collaborate and limit positive cases. We want pets to be pets. In the meantime, pet owners may want to avoid areas with wet, disturbed soil when possible, and construction sites. Monitor for early symptoms and ask your vet for a test as the earliest signs. A urine test could save your pet’s life.
E
TREATMENT, PROGNOSIS & NEXT STEPS
Yes, but treatment can be long and intensive. Early treatment is imperative and significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Most dogs require antifungal medications such as Itraconazole, which is considered the gold standard.
However, a veterinarian may recommend another “zole” or treatment method based on your pet’s condition.
There is not sufficient data at this point (again, why we exist is to collect and share more data about this disease.)
Early and prompt diagnosis and treatment, increases chances of recovery.
However:
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Severe or advanced cases can result in death if not treated promptly
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Lung involvement or spread to the brain increases risk
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Listen to your vet’s recommendation or seek a specialist who has treated the disease. If you cannot find a specialist who has treated blastomycosis, become a member to view a list of veterinarians who have treated blastomycosis or contact us. It is imperative your pet sees a specialist for visible symptoms and potential symptoms not present (e.g., vision seems okay). Things can change rapidly and the disease should be treated like stage IV cancer.
Many of these medications can be purchased at your local pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Costco, or your local grocer). The purchasing price will depend on the dosage.
Early research indicated that about 1 in 5 dogs may relapse; however, more research is needed to identify dogs who tested positive from two different areas. We hope with the public’s help, we can provide further insights, if any.
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LEARN MORE
Join one of our subscription options and help us collect data and spread awareness. We will share updates as they become available and plan to provide educational webinars and other media to educate vet practices, pet daycare/boarding, pet stores, city/town parks departments, and the general public.