All the Signs of Valley Fever in Dogs

Coccidioides immitis fungus thrives well in hot and dry areas like the southwestern US, South America, and Central America. It stays several inches under the dry soil in a dormant condition and becomes active during rainfall. Large amounts of soil can be disrupted during earthquakes, land construction, and building demolitions, which may also lead to the activation of these fungi.

Although it can affect other mammals and fish too, dogs are more prone due to their nature, as they love digging and sniffing around, which is how they can catch valley fever. In recent years, researchers have noted an increase in cases, possibly due to climate changes affecting the habitats where these fungi thrive.

If you are traveling to such areas with your dog, especially during June, July, October, and August, it may quickly get this fungal infection just by inhaling these fungal spores. A dog cannot catch this fungal infection unless it is exposed to endemic areas with this fungus, which is why you should take precautions when taking your dog to:

• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Northwest Mexico
• Central and South America

We have already told you how to tell if your dog has a fever. But valley fever is different and more serious. Many dogs get infected but never develop any symptoms. They do not require any treatment either. But when clinical illness develops, this disease can be fatal for them. Some of the symptoms that dogs affected with valley fever in early stages show include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Mild coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Weight loss

If left untreated, the infection may become more severe and develop symptoms like:

• Intermittent diarrhea and vomiting
• Chronic cough
• Lame limbs
• Enlarged or swollen joints
• Neck and back pain
• Seizures
• Vision loss or vision changes
• Draining skin ulcers
• Weeping skin sores
• Untreatable fever
• Excessive loss of weight
• Emaciation

It should be noted that these symptoms can mimic other diseases, so a proper veterinary diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

The fungus that causes valley fever thrives under soil. So if your dog is living in an endemic area and likes to poke its nose in the dirt often, then it is more susceptible to developing this disease. Dogs that spend several hours outdoors also have a greater risk of getting infected.

Certain breeds catch the infection more easily, including Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, Scottish Terriers, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Boxers. Older dogs, dogs with compromised immunity, and dogs with poor nutrition, are also at a higher risk of the infection. Additionally, puppies and young dogs may also be more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems.

Prevention of valley fever in dogs

There is currently no known vaccine for Valley fever. The only way to prevent your dog from contracting this disease is to avoid your dog being outdoors during sand or windstorms, as it is the time when they are most prone to catching it, especially in those areas where this fungal organism is endemic. Special precautions should also be taken after events that disturb soil, like construction or heavy rains, which can increase spore spread.

If a dog is suspected of having valley fever, the veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and also take tests to check the dog's blood count along with a serum biochemistry panel on its blood sample. Depending on the dog’s individual condition, the veterinarian may also decide to take thoracic radiography and x-rays of its long limb bones. Antibodies to the fungus can be detected in the dog’s blood sample using an agar gel immuno-diffusion assay. Because the fungus is so infectious, only well-equipped laboratories can perform these tests.

In some cases, advanced imaging techniques such as MRI or CT scans may be utilized to better assess the extent of the infection, especially if neurological symptoms are present.

Valley fever is a fatal disease in dogs, but it can be successfully treated if diagnosed in time. The entire treatment procedure can take over a year to complete, as it involves preventing further growth of the fungus, eradicating the existing fungi in the body, and restoring the dog’s normal life.

If the dog is having excessive breathing difficulty, it may be given oxygen supplementation as an emergency. An oral anti-fungal therapy is used to start the treatment, which includes the use of drugs like fluconazole, ketoconazole, amphotericin B, and Lufeuron. Since anti-fungal medicines can cause excessive damage to the dog’s liver, kidneys, skin, and gastrointestinal system, its condition needs to be closely monitored during the treatment.

During this time, you should make sure you feed your dog high-quality food and plenty of fresh water. Restrict their outdoor activity according to the vet's orders too. Regular follow-ups with the vet are essential to track the progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment regime.

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• Disseminated systemic Valley fever has a graver prognosis. It often requires prolonged treatment and intensive care, significantly impacting the dog's quality of life. Early detection and management are key to improving outcomes.