- it is an infection caused by a type of mold (fungus) 

- people can breath in Aspergillus spores everyday without getting sick, but people with weakened immune systems or lung disease are at a high risk of getting health issues from Aspergillus.

Structure & what each structure does:

- the cell wall structure consists of a polymer of β-1,3-glucan and chitin which is responsible for the rigidity of this structure.

Symptoms:

- symptoms vary with different types of aspergillosis

- nasal aspergillosis: nasal discharge with a strong odor, nose bleeds.

- systemic or disseminated aspergillosis: lameness, weakness, incoordination, draining tracts, fever, weight loss, and appetite loss.

Diagnosis:

- the vet would first conduct a physical examination and then carry out tests to confirm diagnosis.

- tests can include blood tests to check for antibodies, allergens and fungus molecules, a chest X-ray, a CT scan of your lung, and a sputum stain and culture to examine your bronchial mucus.

Treatment:

- nasal aspergillosis: once the animal is under anesthesia a breathing tube is placed in the trachea allowing the animal to breathe a mixture of anesthetic gases and oxygen. The area at the back of the throat is packed off with gauze sponges and an inflatable balloon catheter known as a Foley catheter. A 1% solution of clotrimazole or 1% bifonazole with enilconazole (topical antifungal agent), is infused into the nose and frontal sinuses and the nostrils are sealed. The solution incubates for an hour, during which time the patient is periodically turned to ensure the solution contacts all of the surfaces of the sinuses. At the end of the incubation period, the solution is suctioned or drained out through the nostrils.

- systemic aspergillosis: Antifungal medications can be given along side support therapy in hospital including intravenous fluids

Management & prevention strategies:

- you can’t completely avoid Aspergillus mould however there are things you can do to reduce the risk of catching the illness such as; avoid places where Aspergillus mould is often found, close windows and doors if there is construction work or digging outside, and dry your laundry outside or in a tumble dryer to avoid drying it in your living space.

Reproduction:

- it reproduces asexually through production of spores known as conidium. The spore lands on the environment and then starts germinating where they create numerous hyphae that form the mycelium.

Transmission:

- the transmission occurs through inhaling the airborne spores.

- an infection cause by a fungus called Blastomyces. 

- it lives particularly in moist soil and in decomposing matter such as wood and leaves.

Structure & what each structure does:

- it develops a typical yeast form of a thick wall and a single bud with a wide base. This wide base is characteristic of B. dermatitidis.

Symptoms:

- symptoms include coughing, trouble breathing, congestion, eye redness, oozing sores, and leg pain.

- symptoms appear between 3 weeks - 3 months after breathing in the fungal spores.

Diagnosis:

- vets will conduct a physical examination and would perform a chest x-ray. 

- most cases must be diagnosed by microscopic examination of portions of affected tissues.

Treatment:

- Antifungal medication would be given to the patient and depending on the severity of the condition the course of treatment can range from 6 months - 1 year.

Management & prevention strategies:

- there is no way to completely avoid the fungal spores however to reduce the risk a person can avoid activities that involve disrupting soil.

Reproduction:

- the fungus forms a network of thread-like mycelium that penetrates the substratum on which it grown. Then after about 3-5 days of growth the fungus begins to reproduce asexually with small (2–10 µm) conidia (asexual spores)

Transmission:

- it is transmitted by inhaling airborne spores from contaminated soil into the lungs.

- it is a fungal infection caused by a yeast call Candida.

- it can live on the skin and inside the body without causing any problems.

Structure & what each structure does:

Symptoms:

- symptoms include yellow, brown, or black buildup of debris in ears

Diagnosis:

- the vet would do a physical examination to first assess the severity and they will ask about any symptoms you have observed and any current conditions or med that you dog is on

- the vet may also take a swab or skin scraping from the effected area to example the sample under a microscope to confirm that Candida is causing the infection

Treatment:

- treatment varies on the location and severity of the condition.

- the vet may prescribe a medicated ointment, ear drops, spray, or shampoo.

- if the animal doesn’t respond to the treatment the dog can be given an oral Antifungal.

Management & prevention strategies:

- provide a diet that supports immune system function can reduce the development.

- keep bedding and environment clean.

Reproduction:

- reproduces through sexual reproduction

Transmission:

- through saliva or bodily fluids

- a fungal disease caused by the Cryptococcus organisms found mainly in soil and excrement

- often beings in nasal cavity, spreads to the nervous system, then the skin, digestive system, eyes, lymph node, bone, muscle, heart and other organs.

Structure & what each structure does:

Symptoms:

- symptoms include; lesions on nose, upper respiratory tract disease, nose bleeds, nasal discharge containing mucous and pus, noisy breathing, coughing, sneezing, and weight loss.

Diagnosis:

- the vet will conduct a full physical examination as well as asking about the symptoms you have noticed

- a cytologic exam of nasal and skin cells, eye cells, joint fluid, and tissue samples can be used to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment:

- anti fungal drugs are prescribed based on the systems affected and the specific strain of organism found.

- other meds may also be prescribed if the nervous system is affected

Management & prevention strategies:

- treat open wounds as soon as found.

- avoid areas where fungus resides. 

Reproduction:

- reproduction occurs both sexually and asexually in the form of budding or sexually. 

Transmission:

- transmitted through inhaling or through an open wound.