Source: CBC
Peter Savara and Katie Cacciotti from northeastern Ontario are raising awareness about blastomycosis, a fungal infection that led to the death of their dog, Stella. Stella developed coughing and weight loss, prompting a vet visit where the couple learned she had severe lung infection due to blastomycosis. The disease, caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, is found in soil and rotting wood, particularly near water bodies. It affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, presenting symptoms like fever, lethargy, and cough.
The incubation period varies from four weeks to four months, complicating diagnosis. This year, cases have increased in northeastern Ontario, including Manitoulin Island. Savara and Cacciotti hope to warn others about the dangers of the disease, which they initially mistook for kennel cough. By the time they realized its severity, it was too late, and Stella had to be put down.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/northeastern-ontario-dog-owners-warn-about-blastomycosis-after-family-pet-succumbs-to-infection-1.7310059