Aspergillosis is actually a fungus that lives in decaying organic matter such as spoiled plants, moldy hay and soil. The fungus produces small spores which your dog may inhale leading to an infection. The infection can be limited to your dog’s respiratory tract, or it can spread, via the bloodstream, to other areas of your dog’s body (disseminated aspergillosis).

Aspergillosis occurs more commonly in long-nosed breeds such as Collies and German Shepherds, but any dog can get this infection. Unfortunately, aspergillosis carries a guarded prognosis.

If the infection is in your dog’s respiratory area, your dog may sneeze frequently and have bloody or foul-smelling nasal discharge. It may also cause your dog pain if you press firmly around his nose.

Symptoms of disseminated aspergillosis depend on which parts of your dog’s body is impacted by the infection. For example, if the infection has impacted your dog’s leg bones as sometimes happens, your dog may limp. Other symptoms of disseminated aspergillosis may include weakness, weight loss, inflamed eyes and neurological disorders.

Dogs with suppressed immune systems, as, for example, happens when your dog already has another disease or condition, are more likely to get aspergillosis. Also, of course, if your dog lives in an area where it is likely that he is around a lot of substances containing the fungus, then he will be more likely to contract the infection.