Valley Fever is so common in Arizona that it’s common knowledge you should just expect to get if you live in Arizona. Unfortunately, Valley Fever in dogs has become just as common and it’s not localized to Arizona any longer.
Valley Fever, scientifically known as Coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects not only humans, but also our four-legged companions. However, it’s far more deadly in dogs than it is for people. That’s why understanding its symptoms, treatments, and causes is crucial for pet owners. Not only is it important to ensure early detection, but it’s just as important to provide proper care for their furry friends.
Cause of Valley Fever in Pets & People
Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil. The fungus grows in Arizona’s sandy soil and matures, drying into fragile strands of cells. When dogs disturb the strands, by walking or digging, or a monsoon storm blows through our desert, the strands break away to be easily inhaled by everyone. They then settle into the chest, spreading infection to lungs.
The entire process can begin by inhaling one spore or thousands of spores. That’s just one more reason why it makes our list as one of the Top 10 “Un”Wanted Pests in Arizona.
The Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs
About 30% of dogs who inhale spores will get sick. Unfortunately, the symptoms, which can range from mild to severe may not be exhibited at first. Many times, there will be no sign of illness at all. Identifying the symptoms of Valley Fever in dogs is essential for early intervention.
The symptoms can vary widely and may include:
- dry, hacking cough
- fever
- unexplained weight loss
- lack of appetite or energy
- sudden lameness, swelling of limbs
- back or neck pain
- abscess-like swelling under the skin
- swollen lymph nodes
- non-healing skin ulcerations
The diagnosis of Valley Fever really depends on suspicion of the disease – particularly if you live in an area that is not known for having Valley Fever. Your vet will likely need to order blood work, possibly a chest X-ray, and maybe even a specific test that searches for Valley Fever called a “cocci test”. Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and Australian Terriers, may be more susceptible.
If a dog is exhibiting symptoms consistent with Valley Fever, a veterinarian may conduct various diagnostic tests. These can include blood tests, chest X-rays, and fungal cultures to confirm the presence of the Coccidioides fungi.
Valley Fever is difficult to diagnose, taking up to 3-4 weeks to officially determine the problem. Once you have diagnosed it, there are a few ways to manage the symptoms and treat the disease. Your veterinarian can offer you the best suggestions for managing the symptoms and ridding the body of the fungus that causes Valley Fever.
Treatment of Valley Fever in Dogs
Once diagnosed, prompt treatment is crucial to managing Valley Fever in dogs. Treatment options may include antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or itraconazole, to combat the infection. When Brock was diagnosed, he had a titer of 1:3 and had to be on Fluconazole for nearly two years. This is brutal drug, but it’s one of the few available that work…
The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection (the titer) and the dog’s response to medication. Once you have diagnosed the dog and started treatment, your dog will need regular bloodwork (often monthly to begin) and continuing at least every six months.
In most cases, additional supportive care, such as pain management and nutritional support, may be necessary. Regular follow-up visits to the veterinarian are essential to monitor the dog’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
This is not an inexpensive illness to treat, but it is treatable. It is important that you don’t give up! Talk to your veterinarian to find natural remedies that may help support our dog’s liver and kidney function during treatment.
Helping My Pet Cope with Treatments
The sad truth is that the treatment for Valley Fever in pets is nearly as bad as the disease. The antifungal drugs (fluconazole or itraconazole) are very difficult on the liver and kidneys. There are some natural products that, when used with the assistance of your veterinarian, can help your pets handle the medication a little better. These include:
- Desert Defense: Desert Defense offers nutritional support tailored for dogs living in the Desert Southwest. For over 15 years, our supplements have been helping pets thrive despite the challenges posed by climate change and harsh desert conditions.
- Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is a well-known herbal remedy that supports liver function. Since antifungal medications like fluconazole can be taxing on the liver, milk thistle can help protect and regenerate liver cells, aiding in detoxification and overall liver health.
- Turmeric (Curcumin): Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. It can help reduce inflammation associated with valley fever and support the immune system. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antifungal treatments while reducing potential side effects.
Prevention of Valley Fever
Some websites will tell you that there are ways to help prevent Valley Fever. Perhaps, if you are just visiting the area with your dog, you could (possibly):
- Limit Outdoor Activities: During dusty and windy conditions, reduce outdoor activities to decrease exposure to airborne spores.
- Avoid Disturbing Soil: Minimize digging and disturbance of soil in areas where the fungus is prevalent.
- Provide Adequate Shelter: Ensure that outdoor living spaces for dogs offer protection from dust and dirt.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible: This is simply not feasible, but it’s important to try (especially during the summer monsoons when dust storms reign supreme).
If you live in the Southwest deserts, these methods of avoidance are not feasible.
Dogs need fresh air, plenty of outdoor time and lots of exercise. Dust is a way of life in our arid deserts and construction of new homes is at an all-time high. It’s just not reasonable to think you, or any animal, can avoid the spores that cause Valley Fever.
What is the Outlook for Valley Fever?
Several facilities are currently evaluating new treatments and are in need of volunteers for the studies. Some will help you manage your pets care by covering any veterinary costs, while others will also pay you for assistance in the study. In today’s economy, these may be solutions to get your pet the best treatment. However, insurance is always a good option as well.
According to the Valley Fever Center in Arizona, “Research is the backbone of medical advances that improve clinical treatment. Vaccines, drugs, better diagnostic tests, and understanding host responses are topics under current study at the Valley Fever Center. There is an active study underway testing the efficacy of a new Valley Fever drug, nikkomycin Z, in dogs with Valley Fever pneumonia.”
Where Can I Find Accurate Medical and Diagnostic Updates on Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is not necessarily new, but it is relatively new to dogs. This is why we at PetsWeekly encourage you to only use research-driven sources when looking for information or treatment options for your dogs. Brock was diagnosed with Valley Fever only after I personally demanded the test. While that incident was several years ago, it was evident that not all veterinarians seek this test out. That’s why we want to offer you some very important resources to access.
General Resources:
- American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM): Provides a comprehensive overview of Valley Fever in dogs, including clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Offers a detailed article covering the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of Valley Fever in dogs.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): While focused on human Valley Fever, the CDC website provides valuable information about the fungus Coccidioides immitis and its geographical distribution.
Diagnostic Resources:
- University of California, Davis Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: Offers a detailed fact sheet on Valley Fever diagnostics, including serology, antigen detection, and PCR testing.
- IDEXX Laboratories: Provides information on their various Valley Fever diagnostic tests for dogs, including ELISA and IFA serology, and antigen detection kits.
- SNAP 4Dx Plus Test: This rapid point-of-care test can detect antibodies to Coccidioides immitis and other infectious agents, offering a quick and convenient diagnostic tool.
Treatment Resources:
- Arizona Veterinary Medical Association: Features a helpful guide for veterinarians on the diagnosis and management of Valley Fever in dogs, including treatment protocols.
- VIN (Veterinary Information Network): This online resource offers a wealth of information on Valley Fever, including case studies, treatment recommendations, and expert discussions.
- American Society for Microbiology: Provides access to scientific research articles on Valley Fever, including antifungal treatment options and drug susceptibility testing.
Additional Resources:
- Valley Fever Awareness Week: This annual event held in November aims to raise awareness about Valley Fever in humans and animals.
- Canine Valley Fever Foundation: This non-profit organization supports research and education on Valley Fever in dogs.
The most important thing you can do is be vigilant. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pets, be sure to visit the veterinarian and ask them to consider the possibility of Valley Fever. Recent weather activity has further distributed the spores that cause Valley Fever and it is showing up in regions that previously had no incidences.
Valley Fever in dogs is a serious but manageable condition with early detection and appropriate treatment. Pet owners should be vigilant about recognizing the symptoms and seek veterinary care promptly if they suspect their dog may be infected. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatments, dog owners can play a proactive role in safeguarding the health and well-being of their beloved pets.