best dog food for dogs with valley fever

Valley Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

If you live in the southwestern United States, youve probably heard of Valley Fever. But are you familiar with how common and severe the disease can be in dogs?

If you live in a place where Valley Fever is a risk, or if youre considering a trip to this part of the country, you need to learn about this disease to protect your canine family members. Here is your guide to Valley Fever in dogs.

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is a disease caused by infection with a type of fungus calledCoccidiodes immitis. The condition may also be calledcoccidioidomycosis, California disease, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin Valley Fever.

The disease is extremely common in south-central Arizona, but its also frequently diagnosed in other parts of Arizona and in the desert regions of New Mexico, southwestern Texas, California, Nevada, and Utah. Parts of Mexico and Central and South America are affected, too.

Peopleand dogs are most commonly diagnosed with Valley Fever, but it can also infect most mammals, including cats.

What Causes Valley Fever in Dogs?

Coccidiodesorganisms live in desert soils and produce long filaments of mold that contain infectious spores. When the soil is disturbed, such as by a digging dog, by construction, or during a windstorm, the spores become airborne and can be inhaled. Once inhaled, the spores transform into a yeast-like organism that infects the lungs.

Between 610% of dogs living in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa counties in Arizona are diagnosed with Valley Fever every year. Its thought that dogs are so frequently diagnosed with Valley Fever because they commonly disturb and sniff dirt in their normal, daily activities.

Is Valley Fever Contagious?

Should your dog develop Valley Fever, you do not have to worry about them passing the disease on to you or to other pets. Valley Fever is not contagious. Rather, its transmitted by inhaling spores contained in dirt and dustnot through contact with a sick animal or person.

Between 610% of dogs living in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa counties in Arizona are diagnosed with Valley Fever every year.

Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs

Many dogs who are exposed toCoccidiodesimmitisdo not develop symptoms of illness. In these cases, the dogs immune system is able to contain and destroy the organisms before they can reproduce and cause Valley Fever. But when a dog is exposed to a large number of spores or has a weakened immune system, Valley Fever can take hold.

Typical symptoms of an infection that is limited to the lungs include:

Additional symptoms are seen when the infection spreads outside of the lungs. Other possible symptoms include:

In Arizona, it appears the highest risk of exposure toCoccidiodes immitisoccurs during the drier months of June, July, October, and November, but this may not be the case in other parts of the country. Symptoms of infection may occur weeks, months, or even years after exposure.

Diagnosing Valley Fever in Dogs

Veterinarians who practice in areas where Valley Fever is widespread are very familiar with the disease and will commonly test for it in dogs with typical symptoms. If you have recently traveled to or moved from a region where Valley Fever is commonly diagnosed and your dog is unwell, youMUSTtell your veterinarian about your dogs travel history and/or specifically ask whether a Valley Fever test should be administered.

The most common way to test for Valley Fever is with a titera test that measures the level of antibodies againstCoccidiodeswithin a blood sample. In other words, a titer test determines whether or not a dog has been exposed toCoccidiodes.

Veterinarians combine the results of a dogs titer with other diagnostic tests (complete blood cell counts, blood chemistry panels, X-rays, etc.) and a dogs symptoms and history to make the final determination as to whether or not a dog has Valley Fever. Additional types of tests are available and can be used to help diagnose complicated cases.

Treating Valley Fever in Dogs

Dogs diagnosed with Valley Fever will be given anti-fungal medications that inhibit the growth ofCoccidiodesorganisms and allow the dogs immune system to controland hopefully eliminatethe infection. Commonly used medications include:

Other options are available for dogs with severe infections or those that dont respond to traditional treatments. Veterinarians may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, nutritional support, fluid therapy, and other treatments based on the specifics of a dogs case.

Valley Fever requires long-term treatment. Dogs are typically given anti-fungal medications for at least six months to a year, but some may need extended or even life-long treatment to prevent relapses. Veterinarians determine the best time to discontinue anti-fungal medications based on a dogs response to treatment and follow-up testing, and then they will closely monitor for relapses.

Valley Fever requires long-term treatment. Dogs are typically given anti-fungal medications for at least six months to a year.

Survival Rate for Dogs With Valley Fever

More than 90% of dogs treated for Valley Fever will survive, according tothe University of Arizona. Dogs with symptoms involving several parts of the body (particularly the brain) or that do not respond well to anti-fungal medication have a worse prognosis.

Unfortunately, relapses are common even with appropriate treatment, so its very important to monitor dogs closely. In general, dogs that relapse respond well again to treatment but may need to stay on an antifungal medication for the rest of their lives.

How To Prevent Valley Fever in Dogs

If you live in or visit a Valley Fever endemic area, take steps to protect your dogs health. Do what you can to reduce his exposure to soils and airborne dust. For example, keep your dog indoors as much as is practical. When outside with your dog, keep them on a leash and walk them on paved sidewalks.

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WRITTEN BY

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...

Valley Fever in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Depending on where you live, you may be familiar with a disease called valley fever in dogs. This fungal infection is commonly diagnosed in dogs and people and can lead to severe illness. Heres what you need to know about Valley fever in dogs, including causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, to help keep yourself and your dog safe.

Like people, dogs can breathe in fungal spores without becoming ill. But, if your dog has a weakened immune system or comes in contact with a large number of spores, they can develop a respiratory infection with cough and fever. Senior dogs and puppies are more vulnerable to developing Valley fever because of their reduced immune response.

Although many animals, including fish and cattle, are susceptible to this disease, Valley fever is most commonly diagnosed in dogs and people. And, for some dogs, this organism can lead to severe illness. Given these risks and how common these fungi are, its important to know about Valley fever, including causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, to keep yourself and your dog safe.

What Is Valley Fever in Dogs? Is Valley Fever Contagious?

Valley fever is a dust-borne fungal infection. Its caused by the fungus Coccidiodes, which is commonly found in the soil in areas like the southwestern United States (e.g., California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas), as well as portions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. The fungus Coccidioides is generally found in the soil as a type of mold. When it rains, the fungus grows and produces infectious spores. These spores can spread when the soil is disturbed, such as when a dog digs in it, or when construction is occurring in the area.

Valley fever in dogs is also known as coccidioidomycosis or desert rheumatism. Valley fever is not contagious from person to person, from animal to animal, or between people and animals. So how do dogs contract Valley fever? As the wind picks up and the spores begin floating around in the air, your dog may inhale them. These fungal spores can affect the lungs, causing respiratory problems. Because dogs regularly sniff and claw at the ground when walking or playing, they tend to be more at risk for Valley fever than humans.

There are two forms of Valley fever: pulmonary and disseminated disease. Pulmonary coccidioidomycosis occurs when the infection is confined to the lungs. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis refers to when the disease has spread to other parts of the body, commonly leading to swelling of the joints and lameness.

Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs

Some dogs with Valley fever may show no signs of illness. However, many dogs will show signs of mild respiratory illness (or none at all) and recover uneventfully. In fact, about 70% of dogs who breathe in the Coccidioides fungus can deal with them easily, dont show symptoms, and may develop immunity to the disease. How does this happen? A dogs immune system may be able to recognize the proteins on the fungus surface, then fight off the infection.

For Valley fever in dogs, the incubation period (the time between exposure and symptoms appearing) is generally seven to 21 days. Symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the disease. The more fungal spores a dog inhales, the more severe the infection will be, and the sicker the dog will become. Because Valley fever requires treatment with specific antifungal medications and can become fatal, its important to notify your veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms.

Symptoms of Valley fever in dogs may include:

How Is Valley Fever Diagnosed in Dogs?

If your dog lives in an area where Valley Fever is endemic, your veterinarian may recommend routine testing, especially if your dog shows any signs of disease. If your dog has traveled to an area where Valley fever is common and shows symptoms, contact your veterinarian. Let them know your dog was recently in an area where Valley fever is common, so they can conduct appropriate tests and provide the right treatment.

Often, the veterinarian will conduct a laboratory test called a titer, which involves taking a blood sample from your dog. This test measures the level of antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system that attach to foreign bodies like fungi and remove them from the body) in your dog. Essentially, the titer can tell you whether your dog has been exposed to Coccidioides and whether their immune system is fighting off that infection. However, the results of the initial test may be negative, so repeat testing may be necessary three to four weeks later. The results of the titer test, along with other blood tests and X-ray images, can help your vet confirm whether your dog has Valley fever. Your vet may also collect fluid or tissue samples for inspection under a microscope.

Treatment of Valley Fever in Dogs

Once your vet has diagnosed your dog with Valley fever, theyll prescribe an antifungal medication such as itraconazole or fluconazole. These medications get the fungal growth under control, so the dogs immune system can be better prepared to fight infection.

Unfortunately, dogs who recover from Valley fever can suffer a relapse. So, the disease often requires long-term treatment, particularly if multiple organs are affected. Some dogs may need to be on medication for an extended period of time, sometimes up to one year.

For other dogs, Valley fever may require lifetime treatment to prevent relapses. In such cases, your veterinarian will need to conduct periodic blood testing because antifungal medications can affect the liver. Other antifungal medication side effects may include vomiting and loss of appetite. Its a good idea to keep an eye on how your dog is responding to the antifungal medication. If the medication is working, you may see signs of improvement within weeks to a few months. Close monitoring and follow-up tests can help your vet decide if and when its appropriate to discontinue treatment. They may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend dog supplements to support your immune, joint, and respiratory health.

How to Prevent Valley Fever in Dogs

If you live (or have traveled) in an area where Valley fever is common, and your dog develops symptoms, such as a dry cough or weight loss, seek veterinary care. If you reside in these areas, its important to limit your dogs exposure to infectious spores. Keeping your dog indoors where possible a good idea.

Rather than exercising in outdoor areas, you may want to stick to paved sidewalks or train in an indoor facility. If you do go out into areas with a lot of dust, try to prevent your dog from digging or playing in the dirt. If there are heavy winds, make sure to keep your dog inside. This can help prevent them from inhaling dust and soil.