Candida is a type of sugar digesting yeast that forms part of the normal flora in an animal’s mouth, nose, ears, and gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Candidiasis is the overgrowth of Candida in a dogs' body. This fungal infection can take place in any one part of the body (local) or it can spread to entire body (systemic). In either case, the affected dog feels extreme discomfort. The condition can occur in any dog of any breed.
Symptoms of Candidiasis depend on where the infection occurs. Constant shaking and scratching of the head is the cause of ear infection. If Candida settles in the oral cavity, there will usually be an abnormal amount of drooling. If it involves the urinary bladder, the animal may experience inflammation of the bladder (cystitis).
Other common signs of Candidiasis are Inflammation around areas of intravenous (IV) catheters and gastronomy tubes, fever, skin irritation, and open sores on the skin (ulcerative lesions).
