Pythiosis is a form of infectious disease caused by Pythium insidiosum which is a parasitic spore that is capable of spontaneous movement. It is thought to be found mostly in tropicl or subtropical swampy areas although cases have been reported in non-tropical areas as well.
The parasite enters the victim's body through nose/sinuses, esophagus or skin. Infection is then set in dog's lungs, brain, sinuses, gastrointestinal tract or skin. Affected dogs will show subcutaneous or cutaneous masses which develop as lesions on the legs, tail, head, neck, perineum and/or the side of thigh.
Pythiosis of lungs, brain or sinus will manifest stiffness, head pain, coughing and swelling of sinuses. Pythiosis of skin results in swollon, non-healing wounds and skin turning to black. Pythiosis of stomach causes tissues of stomach and/or intestine to become severly thick.
Other symptoms are
Fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Regurgitation
Long-term weight loss
Abdominal mass
Abdominal pain
Enlarged lymph nodes
