Nocardiosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Nocardia, most commonly Nocardia asteroides or Nocardia brasiliensis. It affects several body systems, including the respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems caused by saprophytic organism, which nourishes itself from dead or decaying matter in the soil. The exposure usually occurs either through open wounds or via inhalation of organisms suspended in dust. It is most common in young dogs.
Symptoms depend on the site of infection. In lungs the symptoms would include emaciation, fever, and raspy, labored breathing (dyspnea). In a skin infection, symptoms can include chronic non-healing wounds and draining lymph nodes. If the infection is not localized, the symptoms may include fever, weight loss, and lethargic behavior.
