Aspergillosis in Dogs

What is aspergillosis?


"...cause serious illnesses in people or pets with a weakened immune system, underlying lung disease or asthma."

Although most of the molds are harmless, a few can cause serious illnesses in people or pets with a weakened immune system, underlying lung disease or asthma. The most common species of Aspergillus to cause problems in dogs are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus.

How did my dog get aspergillosis?




What does it do to a dog and what are the clinical signs?

aspergillosis-2There are two common types of Aspergillus infection in dogs, nasal and systemic aspergillosis.

Nasal aspergillosis
Nasal aspergillosis is the most commonly diagnosed form of aspergillosis in dogs. Most cases of nasal aspergillosis are invasive meaning that the fungus destroys the delicate bones of the sinuses. The less common and less invasive forms of nasal aspergillosis create an accumulation of mucous and fungus commonly referred to as a "fungal ball" or "aspergilloma." What the pet owner observes is a chronic nasal discharge ("snotty nose") that often has a strong odor, lasts for weeks to months, does not respond to antibiotics or other common therapies and typically involves only one nostril. Nosebleeds may occur intermittently and the edges of the nostrils are often rough, inflamed and ulcerated (the tissue ulcerates because of the discharge, which is very irritating). Many times the affected dog is of a breed with a long nose (collie, greyhound, dachshund, etc.) although one recent study revealed retrievers and Rottweilers to have the highest incidence of infection; it is possible that the affected dogs lived in an area with high levels of pathogenic Aspergillus. However, it is important to note that any dog can develop nasal aspergillosis.

aspergillosis-3Systemic aspergillosis
In systemic aspergillosis, the fungus enters the body through the respiratory tract and travels to other organs via the bloodstream, creating a more serious generalized or systemic fungal infection. According to some studies, German shepherd dogs may be predisposed to systemic aspergillosis.

"The clinical signs of systemic aspergillosis depend upon the location in which the fungus becomes established in the body."

The clinical signs of systemic aspergillosis depend upon the location in which the fungus becomes established in the body. Common sites of infection include the bones and the intervertebral discs of the spine; clinical signs include lameness, weakness, and incoordination. Many dogs develop draining tracts (holes with pus or bloody discharge oozing out) in the areas of infection. Fever, weight loss, appetite loss, and uveitis (deep inflammation of the eye) are also commonly associated with systemic aspergillosis. Unfortunately, most dogs are terminally ill by the time they exhibit clinical signs.

How is aspergillosis diagnosed?


  • Radiographs or a CT scan (Computed Tomography is the method of choice) are consistent with a fungal infection.
  • Aspergillus organisms are seen in or cultured from either a tissue biopsy or nasal discharge.
  • A blood test is positive for antibodies against an Aspergillus species.


The diagnosis of systemic aspergillosis can be more challenging. Patterns of bone lysis (destruction) on radiographs or a CT scan may be suggestive of fungal infection. In some cases, the draining fluid or a tissue sample may contain visible Aspergillus organisms. If the organism is not visible, it may be cultured from a fluid or tissue sample. Ideally, there would be a blood test to detect pathogenic species of Aspergillus antibodies, allowing your veterinarian to make the diagnosis non-invasively. The current test to detect Aspergillus antibodies does not differentiate between species of the fungus; the presence of antibodies could be the result of exposure to the numerous non-pathogenic species of Aspergillus. Furthermore, dogs that develop systemic infections usually have a compromised immune system and may not be able to produce many antibodies.

How is aspergillosis treated?


Treatment of nasal aspergillosis

"This treatment is highly effective..."


If there is evidence that the infection has eroded through the bones of the nasal sinuses and has entered the brain, this treatment is contraindicated, and oral anti-fungal medication is required. Several months of therapy are needed and a 60% to 70% success rate has been reported.

Treatment of systemic aspergillosis


What is the prognosis for my dog?


Can I get aspergillosis from my dog?

"Birds are the most common source of infection in humans."

Birds are the most common source of infection in humans. While the potential to contract aspergillosis from your dog exists, it is less likely if you practice good personal hygiene, especially hand washing and avoid handling any discharges. If your dog has been diagnosed with aspergillosis, you should notify your physician for advice.

Related Tags

aspergillosis, aspergillus, nasal, fungus, sinuses, respiratory, pathogenic, mucus, clotrimazole, amphotericin, airways

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