What treatment is recommended for managing blastomycosis in dogs?

The recommended treatment for managing blastomycosis in dogs involves the use of antifungal medications such as itraconazole. Blastomycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by the Blastomyces dermatitidis organism, which primarily affects the lungs but can also disseminate to other organs in the body.

Itraconazole is an azole antifungal that specifically targets the fungal cell membrane, inhibiting its synthesis and leading to cell death. This medication has been shown to be effective in treating systemic fungal infections, including blastomycosis. It is typically administered for an extended period, often several months, to ensure that the infection is fully resolved.

The use of antibiotics is not appropriate in this case because they target bacterial infections and are ineffective against fungal pathogens. Topical creams also do not address the systemic nature of blastomycosis, as the condition often requires deeper penetration into tissues that topical treatments cannot provide. Steroids, while they can reduce inflammation, may actually worsen the infection by suppressing the immune response, which is crucial for fighting off fungal diseases. Thus, antifungal medications like itraconazole are the cornerstone of effective treatment for blastomycosis in dogs.