Canine blastomycosis in southern Saskatchewan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Canine Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis.
• Canine blastomycosis has been reported in various regions, but its endemicity in Saskatchewan was previously unconfirmed.
• Recent case clusters in southern Saskatchewan warrant investigation into potential local sources of exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the incidence of canine blastomycosis in southern Saskatchewan.
• To describe clinical cases and identify geographical and chronological patterns.
• To assess the potential for a local source of Blastomyces dermatitidis exposure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of diagnosed canine blastomycosis cases in southern Saskatchewan since 1981.
• Analysis of case distribution, including geographical location and time of diagnosis.
• Clinical case descriptions of affected dogs.

Main Results:

• Nineteen cases of canine blastomycosis were diagnosed in southern Saskatchewan since April 1981.
• A significant cluster of eight cases occurred within a six-month period (August 1985-February 1986) in a localized area of Regina.
• The observed geographical and temporal clustering suggests a localized environmental source of Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a potential endemic focus of Blastomyces dermatitidis in southern Saskatchewan, specifically in Regina.
• The clustering necessitates further epidemiological studies to pinpoint the environmental source.
• This highlights the importance of considering blastomycosis in dogs presenting with compatible clinical signs in this region.