Bird droppings
Bird droppings contain several harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to dogs, cats, and humans.
These diseases are transmitted through direct contact, inhalation, or ingestion of the infected animal and/or its droppings.
Among the diseases that can result from inhaling or contact with bird droppings are histoplasmosis (which can affect both humans and animals), cryptococcosis, and Chlamydia psittaci (affecting humans only).
What is canine histoplasmosis?
It is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus found mainly in the Southeastern United States, Central America, South America, Indonesia, Turkey,…
It is being described more and more in Europe.
This fungus multiplies in moist soils rich in organic matter such as bird droppings or bat excrement.
Histoplasmosis is neither a contagious disease nor a zoonosis.
Dogs become infected by inhaling or ingesting spores which transform into yeast in the respiratory system, then multiply.
In many dogs, the infection is asymptomatic.
What are the symptoms of histoplasmosis in dogs?
- Persistent cough and difficulty breathing
- Dog lethargy and depression
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite in dogs and anorexia
- Fever
- Bloody diarrhea (sometimes hemorrhagic)
- Increased volume of lymph nodes
- Eye problems in some cases
In severe cases where the infection spreads throughout the body, the dog can develop multi-organ involvement, making the disease particularly dangerous if not treated quickly.
Diagnosis and treatments
The veterinarian uses various screening and diagnostic methods.
It usually begins with a thorough clinical examination.
Then further tests are carried out (blood tests, fungal culture, x-rays, search for fungal antigens in urine…).
Treatment is based on long antifungal protocols, with the duration of antifungal treatment for dogs generally varying between 4 and 6 months or even more.
