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Eumycetoma, also known as Madura foot, [1] [6] is a persistent fungal infection of the skin and the tissues just under the skin, affecting most commonly the feet, although it can occur in hands and other body parts. [5]
Dogs with the condition have a poor life expectancy and are often euthanised after diagnosis. [17] Clinical signs include: facial erythema , crusting and scaling, [ 18 ] skin lesions, lameness, ulcers, and disfiguration: it progresses to joint pain and azoospermia in males and disruption of the oestrous cycle in females.
In dogs, autoimmune skin diseases are usually not detected until visible symptoms appear, which differs from detection in humans who are able to verbally express their concerns. [2] Genetics , nutrition, and external environmental factors all collectively contribute to increasing the probability an autoimmune skin disease occurring. [ 3 ]
A dog with degenerative myelopathy often stands with its legs close together and may not correct an unusual foot position due to a lack of conscious proprioception. Canine degenerative myelopathy, also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy, is an incurable, progressive disease of the canine spinal cord that is similar in many ways to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Since the bacterial form and the fungal form of mycetoma infection of the foot share similar clinical and radiological features, diagnosis can be a challenge. [2] Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable diagnostic tool. However, its results should be closely correlated with the clinical, laboratory, and pathological findings. [12] [13]
For example, a Beagle (average life expectancy 13.3 years) usually lives to around 12–15 years, and a Scottish Terrier (average life expectancy 12 years) usually lives to around 10–16 years. The longest living verified dog is Bluey , an Australian Cattle Dog who died at 29 years.
Current cure rates using stem cell therapy in dogs approximates that achieved in humans, 40-50%. When cost is a factor, prednisone used alone can improve the symptoms dramatically, but it does not significantly affect the survival rate. The average survival times of dogs treated with prednisone and untreated dogs are both one to two months. [1]
Regardless of how treatment proceeds following a diagnosis, the quality of life of the pet is an important consideration. In cases where the cancer is not curable, there are still many things which can be done to alleviate the dog's pain. Good nutrition and care from the dog's owner can greatly enhance quality of life. [3]