Four people were hospitalized this week with the fungal infection blastomycosis after a tubing trip down the Wolf River towards New London. Northern Wisconsin is one of the nation's hotspots for the problem.
Most of the cases each year occur in animals, mainly dogs. Retired Rhinelander-area veterinarian says Dr. Ron Reupert says 'blasto' spores are inhaled in a dry form into the lung from the soil. He says the lungs of humans or dogs are a perfect spot for the spores to grow....
"...I've not treated people, but it appears dogs get a more aggressive form and become very bad, very quickly in dogs and early diagnosis in a dog is really important...."
Animals will exhibit a loss of appetite and a cough, though the cough might not be that noticeable at first. The animals will also seem lethargic and have a fever.
Contact your local doctor or veterinarian if you have questions.
Dr. Ron Reupert will debut "Pet Talk" on WXPR Friday morning at 7:45 a.m. and again at 5:45 p.m. on WXPR.
