Melissa Campo, BS, CVT, VTS (Neurology): No financial relationships to disclose
Presentation Description / Summary: Fungal diseases are all around us and the Midwest is no exception. Blastomycosis cases have been on the rise and have become not only a veterinary issue, but an environmentally endemic one as well. Come and learn about how exposure to this systemic fungal disease happens and how it clinically manifests. Explore new diagnostic tests and imaging practices as well as long-term treatment options, that include anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant therapies. This presentation will focus primarily on central nervous system blastomycosis, but will also offer insight into the multiple disciplines associated with treatment and nursing care for a patient with Blastomycosis, including internal medicine, ophthalmology and dermatology.
Learning Objectives:
1) By the end of the lecture, the attendee will have gained a better understanding of Blastomycosis as a "regional fungal diseases", particularly as an endemic in the Midwest region. The attendee will leave knowing the causative factors that contribute to its spread and infiltration of the central nervous system.
2) After this presentation, attendees will be better prepared to aid in the identification of Blastomycosis as a possible differential based on common clinical manifestations found on physical & neurologic exam. They will also develop a better understanding of commonly ordered blood/urine tests and advanced diagnostic imaging that is used in the definitive diagnosis of the disease.
3) After this presentation, participants will be able to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to the pharmacological treatment (anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant therapies) of Blastomycosis and the subsequent nursing care required for patients suffering from Blastomycosis.
