These skin lesions are often ulcerated and have a clear to bloody discharge. Blastomycosis can cause rapid changes in the eyes. Pain, swelling, redness, excessive tearing, clouding of the corneas, and even blindness may result from this fungal infection. To detect blasto, your veterinarian may want to radiograph the lungs in addition to looking at samples of skin lesion drainage under a microscope. If the dog is lame or sore in any limb, radiographs may be helpful to show the bone changes that blasto can cause.
Blastomycosis demands aggressive treatment.
Two drugs are currently used, one given intravenously and the other orally. Potential side effects of treatment can include kidney and liver toxicity. Methods exist to minimize these problems. If the kidney function becomes compromised, the treatment is stopped until the kidneys return to normal. If you have any questions about blastomycosis, call your veterinarian.