Valley fever in dogs, also known as coccidioidomycosis or "cocci," is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis , which lives in soil and dirt, especially in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America
. Dogs contract valley fever by inhaling airborne fungal spores, often when disturbing soil or dust during normal activities
Symptoms
Valley fever can manifest in two main forms in dogs:
- Primary disease (limited to the lungs): Symptoms include a harsh dry cough, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and sometimes weight loss. These signs typically appear about three weeks after infection but can be delayed for years
- Disseminated disease (spread beyond the lungs): The fungus spreads to bones, joints, eyes, skin, brain, or other organs. Signs include lameness, swollen and painful joints, back or neck pain, eye inflammation or blindness, seizures, swollen lymph nodes, skin wounds that do not heal, and other systemic symptoms like persistent fever and weight loss
Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinarians diagnose valley fever primarily through blood tests measuring antibodies (titers), combined with clinical signs and imaging such as X-rays
. Treatment involves antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole, symptom management, and regular monitoring
Important Facts
- Valley fever is not contagious between animals or from animals to humans; infection only occurs by inhaling fungal spores from the environment
- Not all dogs exposed to the spores become ill; many dogs contain the infection without symptoms due to an effective immune response
- Dogs with weakened immune systems, puppies, and senior dogs are more susceptible to severe disease
- There is currently no vaccine available, but one is under development
- Preventing exposure by avoiding dusty environments or activities that stir up soil can reduce risk
In summary, valley fever in dogs is a fungal respiratory infection that can range from mild lung disease to severe systemic illness, requiring veterinary diagnosis and antifungal treatment for the best outcomes
