Fungal infection, nasal, advice? Non GSD

[msvette2u]

We have the opportunity to take a purebred Greater Swiss Mt. Dog into rescue, who is in a shelter ATM with a fungal infection in her nose.
She's currently being treated with oral anti-fungal (not sure of the one).
The only thing I'm told is she "sometimes has trouble breathing".

I asked our vet who felt we ought to get her, but wasn't sure of the surgery involved (if she needs it).

Anyone? Ideas, suggestions, discourage me...?? I can't imagine it'll be cheap to do the surgery (??) if there is one involved. Donations are down due to the economy so not holding my breath we can get any.
Fungal infections, to me, are one of those "need to know" things, and I never needed to know about them much so didn't study them at all.

As you can see her nose is gunky and I can't tell if that's a spot on the outside of her muzzle that's broken through or whatever happens?

[RebelGSD]

There was someone maybe a year and a half ago - whose dog had a fungal infection in the nose. You can try to search. It did not go well.
I am sure it also depends on how bad the infection is.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Is it Aspergillosis?

There is nasal only - good prognosis and then diffuse - not at all good.
Merck Veterinary Manual

Aspergillosis in Dogs

Aspergillosis in Dogs

But I don't know if there are other kind of nasal fungal infections - or what they are/do - like does blasto start that way - no idea!

[msvette2u]

Jean, I was reading some last night and there's about 5 that can go in the nose. Aspergillosis sounded like the only one that can be cured.

I think I need to speak with their veterinarian before doing this. If not treated surgically the "cure" is only 70% (I know, better than 50 but still) and if treated surgically, up to 95%...but I don't know where to get it done, or how, surgically!?
They speak of putting the antifungal in "under pressure", does anyone know about that?

Is that something only a vet school could do??

PS. I just emailed WSU...

[msvette2u]

I WSU. I emailed a bit ago and now got the response. It's not good

Diagnosis of nasal fungal infection requires identification and culture of fungal plaques in the nose. This may be done by endoscopy or may require surgical exploration. MRI or CT scan is needed to determine the extent of cartilage and bone damage caused by the infection.

Surgery is needed to place tubes in the sinuses for treatment. Antifungal medication is flushed through the tubes and into the sinuses twice daily for two weeks or longer. Patients may object to treatment because of smell or taste of the drug and the sensation of the flushing. Treatment has been reported to be 95% successful for cases caused by aspergillosis.

If extensive destruction of nasal cartilage and bone has occurred it is permanent, and clinical signs such as mucoid or bloody nasal discharge may reoccur following treatment. Patients with nasal fungal infections may also have problems with their immune system which allowed the problem to develop in the first place.

Cost for diagnosis and treatment can easily be $2000 to $4000.

I’m afraid we do not have any studies on going which would provide for subsidized treatment.

Taking on this dog could be a big challenge for a new owner.

Now I have to tell the shelter we can't take her

[RebelGSD]

How sad. he is a pretty dog. I guess one option would be tontry with oral meds.
The dogs posted on this board did not make it, as I remember. They were in pretty bad shape by the time they were diagnosed though.
It seems fungal infections are difficult and expensive to treat.
Another option is maybe letting him live as long as he is reasonably comfortable.

[msvette2u]

OH, update
I've been in contact with GSMDR and they are aware of her and will be pulling her.
I referred them to WSU so they can get hooked up with treatment for her there.
She's on oral meds now...

[RebelGSD]

Great news! She is a pretty dog.