Question:
Recently, we had a horrific experience with a rare water mold/fungus called pythiosis. It is a fungus-like organism found in standing water, such as ponds and swamps. Endemic in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, it has been diagnosed in dogs as far north as southern Indiana.Pythiosis was identified and confirmed in our darling 4-year-old Lab, Alice. She had gastrointestinal pythiosis, which is usually fatal because, by the time one becomes aware of the problem, it's too late. We were alerted when Alice began to turn her nose up at food (which never happened before).With the description of vomiting, constipation and lethargic behavior (which are the same signs for so many other illnesses), the veterinarians did every test imaginable. After exhausting noninvasive procedures, they recommended exploratory surgery and discovered a mass in her mesentery tissue, which was diagnosed as lymphoma. Little did we know at the time that we would be praying for it to be lymphoma.As I'm sure you've surmised, we had to eu
T.H., Vienna, Va Nov 20, 2005
Answer:
This fungus-like disease, generally fatal to dogs, also occurs in horses (equine pythiosis) causing "kunkers" (lumpy growths on the skin, also invading the respiratory and digestive systems and bones). "Swamp cancer" is another name for it. Cases have also been reported in cattle, cats and humans. It is common in tropical and subtropical countries around the world.Since they are of vital ecological importance, swamps and wetlands should not be drained or treated with chemicals to eradicate this or other potentially harmful organisms. We should simply keep our distance and keep our animals out. Standing water -- if close to human habitation or recreation areas -- should be routinely checked by local health authorities. Botulism is the most lethal biological product from such sites. With global warming/climate change, an expansion of diseases currently prevalent in warmer regions is to be expected.
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