aggressive species and is more likely to spread to other organs than L. karlingii. Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosis is through biopsy or culture, although an ELISA test has been developed for Pythium insidiosum in animals. Treatment is very difficult and includes surgery when possible. Postoperative recurrence is common. Antifungal drugs show only limited effect on the disease, but itraconazole and terbinafine hydrochloride are often used for two to three months following surgery. Humans with Basidiobolus infections have been treated with amphotericin B and potassium iodide. For pythiosis and lagenidiosis, a new drug targeting water moulds called caspofungin is available, but it is very expensive. Immunotherapy has been used successfully in humans and horses with pythiosis. The prognosis for any type of phycomycosis is poor. References External links Oomycosis: Pythiosis in the Dog, Horse and Cat and Lagenidiosis in the Dog Dog diseases Gastroenterology Animal fungal diseases