A Snohomish County family is rallying to save their rescue dog after he was diagnosed with a rare and serious fungal infection.
Rusko, a scruffy, affectionate pup adopted from California, has become a beloved companion to his Everett family and friends.
He was recently diagnosed with Blastomycosis, a dangerous illness caused by inhaling fungal spores commonly found in soil or water, owner Sarah Bach said. While not contagious to other dogs, the infection can be life-threatening if it spreads beyond the lungs.
“Rusko likely contracted it while living on the streets in California before he was rescued,” Bach said. “Thankfully, this fungus doesn’t grow in our area and cannot spread from dog to dog, but it is still very dangerous.”
The disease was first mistaken for recurring abscesses, leading to multiple drainings, rounds of antibiotics, and eventually surgery to remove an infected lymph node. Testing confirmed Blastomycosis, and his family says they are grateful it was caught before it spread further.
But the road ahead is long and costly, Bach said.
Rusko’s treatment plan requires months of antifungal medication, frequent bloodwork to monitor his liver and kidneys, chest X-rays every few months, and possible specialist care if his eyes or other organs become affected. Even with treatment, relapse is a risk, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Bach’s family has already spent thousands on procedures and surgery. Future care is expected to cost another $6,000 to $8,000, including medication, diagnostics, and follow-up visits.
“We are fully committed to giving Rusko the best possible care, regardless of the cost or if we have help- he deserves that after everything he has endured,” Bach said.
Those wishing to help the family can visit the GoFundMe page set up on Rusko’s behalf.
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