/What the chances of survival?

Jodie,

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection that can affect different parts of the body, but is usually at least partially involved with the respiratory system.  The mode of transmission is uncertain but the organism is usually found in the soil rather than spread from another animal.  This fungus is most commonly seen in the Mississippi River and Ohio River valleys.  Dogs may have a compromised immune system already which allows this infection to get started and need to be completely evaluated with that in mind.

You didn't say what the treatment is, but one of the drugs, Amphoteracin, can be very toxic to the kidneys.  There is no entirely satisfactory method of treating systemic fungal infections.  Ketoconazole, and several newer antifungal agents such as itraconazole and fluconazole, show better, but variable, results against fungal pathogens in companion animals. Protracted therapy, at least 2 months beyond clinical resolution, is usually necessary for resoluton of the infection.  

You need to stay in close touch with your veterinarian as this treatment progresses.

Helpful Buckeye

Thank You for your resply Helpful Buckeye.  We are now on day 8 of Itraconazole treatment.  Buddy also started a anti-inflamatory treatment on day 7 because his breathing is become very rapis 150 times a minute only during the night it occurs about 3 hours after his medication is given.  Other than that he is showing no symtons he is eating well, full of energy and very playful and happy, his tail is constantly wagging.  Our Vet took a lung x-ray yesterday which shoed alot of the snow effect that blasto is know for so that was upsetting.  We have sent a urine sample to the states for analysis.  We are based in Manitoba, canada

Jodie,

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to give us an update on how Buddy is doing with the Blastomycosis treatment.  Any of the systemic fungal infections can really seem to drag on for a while when you first start the treatment. 

With what you saw on the X-ray of Buddy's chest, you can have an appreciation for why Buddy has been changing his breathing patterns.  As long as there are no serious side effects of the medicine, your chances of success are pretty good. 

Be sure to check in here periodically to let us know how Buddy is doing.  I wish you and Buddy the best!

Helpful Buckeye