How is histoplasmosis treated in dogs?

Is ketoconazole safe for dogs with histoplasmosis?

Itraconazole (10 mg/kg/day) is the treatment of choice for disseminated histoplasmosis in dogs and cats, although fluconazole is probably also effective. Ketoconazole, 10–15 mg/kg, bid for 4–6 mo, may be effective in early or mild cases of histoplasmosis in dogs.

What causes Histoplasma capsulatum in dogs?

The primary cause of this infection is the ingestion of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. The fungus may be inhaled when contaminated soil is disturbed, such as what happens when dogs scratch or dig in the dirt, or through contact with contaminated bird droppings, including that from poultry, and bat droppings.

How common is histoplasmosis in dogs?

While histoplasmosis is the most common systemic fungal disease in dogs, it is uncommon in general. Histoplasmosis in dogs can be found more often in the Midwest and South than elsewhere in the United States. Was this article helpful? What did you find helpful?

How do you treat histoplasmosis in dogs?

Treatment for histoplasmosis in dogs is focused on long-term antifungal medication to destroy the H. capsulatum organisms. The goal is to treat until the dog has been symptom-free for at least 1 month. Many dogs require over 6 months of antifungal treatment.

Is ketoconazole safe for dogs with PDH?

Ketoconazole was a safe and effective option for treating dogs with PDH. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment with ketoconazole on adrenal glands. Use of ketoconazole to treat dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism: 48 cases (1994-2007)

How much Ketoconazole can I give my Dog?

The dose for Ketoconazole varies greatly depending on the underlying disease being treated. The usual dose for dogs is 5 to 7 mg per pound (10 to 15 mg/kg) every 12 hours orally. The dose for cats is 2.5 to 5 mg per pound (5 to 10 mg/kg) every 12 hours orally.

How much amphotericin B should I give my Dog for histoplasmosis?

For histoplasmosis, amphotericin B (2–4 mg/kg total dose) is combined with ketoconazole (20 mg/kg/day in dogs, and 10 mg/kg/day in cats). Ketoconazole inhibits cortisol synthesis and has been used to treat canine hyperadrenocorticism at 10 mg/kg/day.

Can dogs take ketoconazole for fungal infections?

Uses of Ketoconazole for Dogs and Cats Ketoconazole is used in both dogs and cats to treat infections caused by fungi. Infections treated by ketoconazole include blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, yeast infections (Malassezia) and dermatophyte infections (dogs and cats).

How common is Histoplasma capsulatum in cats?

Histoplasma capsulatum is endemic throughout most of the United States with a high prevalence of infections in the Midwest and South. Histoplasmosis is the second most common systemic fungal disease in cats that may be more susceptible than dogs. Infection occurs by inhalation of conidia from the my …

What are the causes of histoplasmosis?

Other causes for histoplasmosis include: 1 Diarrhea and anemia — may be a severe hookworm infection 2 Enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes — consistent with lymphoma 3 Respiratory problems — may be distemper, bacterial pneumonia, or heart disease More

What is histoplasmosis in dogs?

Histoplasmosis in Dogs. Histoplasmosis refers to a fungal infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. Dogs usually ingest the fungus when they eat or inhale contaminated soil or bird droppings. The fungus then enters the dog’s intestinal tract, where it causes a diseased condition to develop.

How do you test for histoplasmosa in dogs?

A chemical blood profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis will be conducted. While blood tests may confirm the presence of histoplasmosa antibodies, this only means that your dog has been exposed to the fungus, and not necessarily that the dog is in a diseased state as the result of exposure.

Is histoplasmosis rare in dogs?

However, histoplasmosis is uncommon to rare in all but dogs and cats. The fungus thrives in warm moist environments and is commonly found in soil that contains bird or bat feces. In the United States, histoplasmosis is most prevalent along the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River valleys,…

What are the symptoms of histoplasmosis in cats?

One study reported histoplasmosis as the second most common fungal infection in cats.1 Infected dogs and cats may present with a myriad of clinical signs, commonly including pyrexia, anorexia, and lethargy. Histoplasmosis is an important differential diagnosis to consider in animals from endemic areas.

Can cats get Histoplasma capsulatum?

Infection with the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum can result in systemic disease in several species of animals, including dogs and cats. Infection with the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum can result in systemic disease in several species of animals, including dogs and cats.

How to treat ataxia in dogs?

Treatment of Ataxia in Dogs . The treatment plan for ataxia depends on what the underlying cause is. Providing supplemental nutrition with calcium, potassium, glucose, or B vitamins may be warranted for deficiencies of these nutrients, medications may be administered for toxicities, inflammation, and infections, and other specific symptoms may need to be addressed depending on the reason for

What are the symptoms of chronic histoplasmosis?

The symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis can include:

• gastrointestinal bleeding
• headaches
• low blood pressure
• shortness of breath
• swollen spleen and liver
• ulcers in the mouth and lips
• fever
• fatigue
• low blood counts

What is the prognosis of histoplasmosis?

People with mild symptoms of histoplasmosis usually resolve the disease on their own without treatment. In more severe cases, the prognosis is good for those who receive appropriate treatment. Certain people will experience relapsing infections (chronic histoplasmosis) and may need long-term therapy with antifungal drugs.

Is thiabendazole safe for dogs?

Ketoconazole is commonly prescribed by vets, even though it has not yet been approved by the FDA for veterinary purposes. Some ‘azole’ antifungal medicines have been approved for veterinary use by the FDA, however, including thiabendazole.

Can ketoconazole be used to treat Cushing’s syndrome?

Cushing’s syndrome can occur as a result of Cushing’s disease but can also be caused by treatment with corticosteroids such as prednisone. It’s important to note that ketoconazole was not licensed for thise purpose, which means treatment of this condition with the drug is considered off-label.

How do you treat ketoconazole toxicity in dogs?

Recovery of Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Toxicity in Dogs. Not a lot is known about toxicity treatment for ketoconazole, but once therapy using the medication has begun, following at home support consisting of a quiet, comfortable bed for your dog to rest and recover is advisable.

Is ketoconazole safe for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?

Use of ketoconazole to treat dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism: 48 cases (1994-2007) Ketoconazole was a safe and effective option for treating dogs with PDH. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment with ketoconazole on adrenal glands.