Sporotrichosis In Dogs

Sporotrichosis is a sporadic, subacute, or chronic, granulomatous, mycotic infection of dogs caused by the saprophytic theriomorphic fungus Sporothrix Schenckii. This has a worldwide distribution with focal areas of hyperendemicity. This saprophyte is prevalently distributed more in tropical/subtropical areas and temperate zones soil, rose bushes, decaying wood, sphagnum moss, hay, and contaminated timbers.

Also known as the "gardener's mycosis" or "rosebush mycosis", this was first reported by the Johns Hopkins Hospital medical student Benjamin Schenck in 1898, in Baltimore, USA. In 1900, Perkins and Hektoen described another case in Chicago and proposed the name-‘ Sporothrix Schenckii’ due to the reproduction characteristics. Several microbiological studies have established that S. Schenckii is a group of no less than six clinico-epidemiologically significant species with noteworthy differences in different disease patterns, degree of virulence, biochemical properties (sucrose, dextrose, raffinose assimilation, etc), response to therapy and geographical distribution. These include S. Globosa (in Italy, UK, Spain, USA, India, China, and Japan), S. Mexicana (in Mexico), S. Brasiliensis (in Brazil), and S. Schenckii Sensu strict, and S. Albicans. Hence, it is collectively called “Sporothrix Schenckii species complex” rather than the earlier nomenclature “Sporothrix Schenckii”.

In simple infections, lesions are usually restricted to the infection site, such as the respiratory tract (following inhalation) or the skin (following skin trauma). In more complicated cases, disseminated sporotrichosis may happen in which multiple organs (e.g., lungs, joints, skin) may be affected; immunocompromised dogs may be predisposed to this fungal infection.

The disease affects mostly rural dogs and persons related to plants or plant material professions such as gardeners, farmers, florists, nursery workers, and foresters. S. Schenckii inoculation is accessed into the skin by traumatic insertion from contaminated soil, hay stalks, thorns, barbs, and splinters causing cutaneous infection. There are reports of zoonotic transmission documented from fish consumption, insect bites, and bites of other dogs, cats /other infected animals.

• Swelling/redness at the infection site
• Licking at the site
• Boil-like, well-circumscribed lesions
• Nodules that drain fluid
• Multifocalcrusting skin lesions
• Fever
• Malaise
• Intermittent dyspnea
• Loss of appetite

Anti-fungal agents: Fluconazole (diflucan, Trican), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral) and voriconazole (Vfend).

Severe cases of sporotrichosis: Amphotericin B lipid complex (Abelcet, Enzon) or Amphotericin B - IV antifungal medication.

Disseminated sporotrichosis: Itraconazole for 3-6 months (10 mg/kg/day), Supersaturated potassium iodide.

• Mix Apple Cider Vinegar with equal amounts of water and massage the dog’s coat. Alternatively, you can use tea tree oil, oregano oil, or colloidal silver.
• Foods that fight yeast Infections: treats containing Pau D-Arco, olive leaf, and caprylic acid.
• Add Probiotics foods to your dog’s meal.

• Unfortunately, we cannot get rid of this dimorphic fungus from the environment as they are prevalent.
• Avoid the Fungal Hotspots are overgrown bushes, foliage-filled areas, wooded areas, hunting areas, and camps. Moreover, if your dog's immune system is already compromised, avoid walks in these high-risk areas.
• Keep your dogs away from construction sites or overturned agricultural areas.

Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Cocker Spaniel, Young Dog

There is no breed predisposition.

Outdoor dogs, Sporting dogs, hunting dogs, and hound breeds.

1. Causes:

• Sporotrichosis is considered an opportunistic pathogen, and dogs that have compromised/ suppressed immune systems are highly vulnerable.
• Outdoor dogs living in endemic regions are at higher risk.
• Hunting and sporting dogs with close proximity to leaf foliage areas, gardens, agricultural areas, and overturned soil (i.e., farms, construction sites) seem to be predisposed to the disease.
• When the dogs inhale the microscopic spores that are shed by these dimorphic fungi that float in the air, they elude or bypass the dog’s protective respiratory mechanisms and can cause infection.

2. Types:

Pulmonary sporotrichosis: When the dog inhales the spores in the air and gets access into the dog’s airway; this type of sporotrichosis does not infect any area or spread any further besides the lungs.

Cutaneous (skin) sporotrichosis: This is the most widespread type of infection that occurs on a dog’s body or on the legs touching the infected plant matter.

Systemic or Disseminated Histoplasmosis: Typically, this type of infection is ingested rather than inhaled; consequently, the fungus enters via the blood and navigates to other organs such as lymph nodes, the GI tract, bones, joints, etc. This causes more severe systemic or generalized fungal infection.

3. Mortality:

Sporotrichosis is a critical disease in puppies with severe complications and a high case fatality rate. Not surprisingly, disseminated infection also has a high mortality rate.

4. Diagnosis:

• Skin lesions biopsy
• Blood/urine cultures
• A culture of eye/nose discharge
• Specific blood tests to detect fungus
• X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scan

5. Prognosis:

The sporotrichosis prognosis is usually good with proper treatment. Mostly, dogs getting treatment will recover within 2 or 3 weeks. Disseminated sporotrichosis prognosis is guarded due to the spread of infection to other organs.

• Swelling/redness at the infection site
• Licking at the site
• Boil-like, well-circumscribed lesions

• Whole, unprocessed foods / Semi-Homemade Food / Low-carb dog food.
• Vitamins: Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, spinach, kale, papaya, strawberries, and pineapple.
• Add Probiotics, digestive enzymes, and /or oregano or basil.
• Chicken soup bone broth (or use lamb/beef bones).
• Green vegetables: Cauliflower, cabbage, cantaloupe, Brussel sprouts, spinach, Kale, and silver beets.
• Beef liver, Mutton Liver, lean meats, raw egg yolk, canned sardines, salmon, pumpkin, and green vegetables.

While the possibility to contract sporotrichosis from your dog is potentially not possible, it is less likely if you practice good personal hygiene.

In cases with localized sporotrichosis, the prognosis is usually good. Fewer percentage of the affected dogs relapse after treatment is finished.

The systemic sporotrichosis prognosis depends on the severity, delay in detection, and an indication of failure of vital organs.