Fungal pneumonia in dogs is characterized by inflammation of the lungs due to an infection caused by a fungus. Also known as mycotic infection,such deep infection can be caused by different types of fungus in the interstitial tissues (the spaces between the tissue cells); in the lymphatic vessels (the vessels within the body that transport white-blood-cell-rich lymph liquid); or in the peribronchial tissues of the lung (the tissues surrounding the bronchi — the airways going from the windpipe to the lungs).
Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides immitis and Histoplasma are some of the fungus that are responsible for this deep infection (mycotic infection).
Some dogs are more susceptible to certain types of fungal disease; for example, German Shepherds appear to be more susceptible to infection from the Aspergillus fungus. Male dogs are affected two to four times as often as females.
Signs and symptoms associated with this type of infection include:
Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Weight loss
Fever
Eye and/or Nasal discharge
Eye problems (with possible blindness)
Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Lameness
Depression
Abnormal respiratory sound
Emaciation
